UFC 329 Preview: McGregor Returns Against Holloway in Las Vegas Main Event
McGregor vs Holloway – Conor McGregor and Paddy Pimblett headline tonight’s UFC 329 card, with the Irishman making his highly anticipated return to competition after a lengthy absence from mixed martial arts action.
For McGregor, this bout marks the conclusion of an extended period away from the octagon. The former two-division champion faces Max Holloway for the first time since their 2013 encounter, headlining an eagerly awaited evening at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
The ‘Notorious’ one has remained inactive for five full years, with his previous appearance dating back to August 2021. That contest proved memorable, as McGregor endured a severe leg fracture during the opening round of his trilogy matchup against fellow Irishman Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
Turning 38 next week, McGregor had originally planned to make his comeback at UFC 303 two years prior. However, he ultimately pulled out of a planned bout against Michael Chandler because of a toe injury that required additional recovery time.
Holloway Steps Up to Welterweight
Now McGregor prepares to square off against Holloway, a seasoned UFC competitor and former featherweight champion. The American recently lost the ceremonial ‘BMF’ championship he captured with that dramatic final-second knockout of Justin Gaethje. That victory came during his most recent outing against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in March.
Before that loss, Holloway had defeated Poirier in what turned out to be the Irishman’s retirement fight. He also saw a subsequent featherweight title challenge rejected by Ilia Topuria. The 34-year-old American now makes his first-ever move up to welterweight in his professional career.
Also featured on the main card is Liverpool supporter Pimblett, who seeks to quickly rebound from his first-ever UFC loss. The ‘Paddy the Baddy’ competitor fell to Gaethje at UFC 324 back in January and now faces France’s fifth-ranked lightweight prospect Benoit Saint Denis. Saint Denis arrives on a four-fight winning streak, having secured knockout victories over both Dan Hooker and Beneil Dariush.
Additional Main Card Fights
Other notable matchups on Saturday’s card include a rematch between bantamweight fighters Cory Sandhagen and Mario Bautista. Their original 2019 encounter saw Sandhagen claim victory via early submission.
London’s Lone’er Kavanagh aims to maintain his upward trajectory when he takes on former flyweight title challenger Brandon Royval. Meanwhile, King Green, who previously faced Pimblett in the lightweight division, battles Terrance McKinney.
UFC 329: McGregor vs Holloway 2 takes place today on Saturday July 11, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The early preliminary bouts at UFC 329 are scheduled to begin at approximately 10pm BST on Saturday night, which translates to 5pm ET and 2pm PT in the United States.
The preliminary card itself is due to get underway from 12am BST, 7pm ET and 4pm PT.
The main card is expected to commence from 2am BST, 9pm ET and 6pm PT.
TV channel: UFC 329: McGregor vs Holloway 2 is being shown live in the UK on TNT Sports Box Office at a cost of £19.99.
Live stream: The event can be purchased through HBO Max and watched via their website or app.
The early prelim fights are being broadcast exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, which costs £6.99 a month in the UK or £71.99 annually.
In the USA, UFC 329 is being shown on Paramount+.
Live blog: You can follow UFC 329 with Standard Sport’s live blog.
Odds via betting sites (subject to change).
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