​Conor McGregor (170.5) vs. Max Holloway (170) and Paddy Pimblett (156) vs. Benoit St. Denis (156) are on the card, followed by Mario Bautista (135.5) vs. Cory Sandhagen (135.5). Lone’er Kavanagh (126) takes on Brandon Royval (125), while King Green (155.5) meets Terrance McKinney (156). Nikita Krylov (205.5) fights Robert Whittaker (205.5). Live NOW! Elisha Ellison (236) goes against Gable Steveson (241), and Cody Garbrandt (136) competes with Adrian Yanez (136). Kai Kamaka III (146) faces Luke Riley (146). Cong Wang (125.5) fights Tracy Cortez (126). Cesar Almeida (186) clashes with Damian Pinas (185.5). Farid Basharat (136) takes on John Garza (135.5). Ryan Gandra (185.5) is matched with Zachary Reese (184.5). Alessandro Costa (126) opposes Cody Durden (125.5).
Sherdog’s live UFC 329 coverage, titled “McGregor vs. Holloway 2,” will begin Saturday at 5 p.m. ET. In addition to the play-by-play, you’ll find a betting preview, scouting report, and odds: Costa (-265), Durden (+215). The event itself is billed as UFC 329, a marquee night coming shortly after a highly anticipated White House-themed card that delivered by both combat sportsmanship and production value. The night features 14 bouts, ranging from the sport’s elite talents to fighters who may be fighting for their UFC futures with a loss tonight. One notable matchup sees Georgia native Durden (18-10-1, 7-8-1 UFC) take on the quick Brazilian finisher Costa (16-5, 4-3 UFC). It’s a flyweight contest that will feature veteran referee Jason Herzog patrolling the action in the Octagon, and the bell will ring to start the proceedings.
Durden comes out aggressive, pressing forward and circling to his left as he pops up a high kick, while Costa remains anchored in the center of the cage. The Brazilian sponsor of pace is driven back by a crisp one-two handed right and lefts, his mullet fluttering as the punches land. They trade low kicks, and Costa maintains a compact stance, anticipating any wrestling that Durden might attempt. Durden fires a high kick that lands nowhere near, and another front kick misses as Costa advances. Costa steps in, executing a wheel kick that narrowly misses, then covers up as Durden’s punches are blocked by Costa’s guard. Costa answers with a counter right hand to the face, and Durden responds with a knee as he exits, followed by a kick to the lead leg.
Costa continues to probe, delivering a few body shots into the mix and then landing a couple upstairs, briefly hurting Durden before Durden recovers and defends. Costa presses forward, forcing a reset, and Durden retaliates with a two-hook flurry. Costa tries to bring the fight to life with power punches, but many miss as Durden’s leg kick finds a home and keeps Costa honest. Costa accelerates as the round progresses, letting loose with more offense, including a wheel kick that slides past the target but signals his intent. Durden scrambles to block and absorb, then answers with a counter combination that partially lands, and the two trade as the round winds down, each showing the grit and readiness that could decide the outcome as the fight continues into the later rounds.