​Although UFC 329 does not feature a title fight, the event is packed with high-stakes, tightly contested matchups that fans won’t want to miss. The card blends established stars, seasoned contenders, fan favorites, and rising prospects, all converging for a marquee night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 11.
The headlining bout pits Conor McGregor against Max Holloway in a rematch that fans have anticipated for 13 years. McGregor enters as the underdog, with Holloway favored by betting markets despite the long layoff in McGregor’s favor. Holloway’s position as the betting favorite likely reflects his recent activity and the perception that McGregor’s time away from the sport could impact his sharpness. This long-awaited clash promises fireworks as both fighters bring a wealth of experience and a track record of delivering dramatic performances.
In the middleweight/featherweight-adjacent portion of the card, several intriguing matchups headline a night of tactical striking, grit, and evolving skill sets. Benoit Saint-Denis enters as a slight favorite over Paddy Pimblett, buoyed by Saint-Denis’s four-fight finishing streak, while Pimblett looks to rebound from the first loss of his UFC career and reassert his momentum. The dynamics between these two dynamic finishers will be a focal point for bettors and fans watching the action unfold.
Cory Sandhagen, a former title challenger, is favored in his rematch with Mario Bautista. Although Sandhagen surrendered his championship bid last year, oddsmakers view him as the more complete striker with more upside heading into this rematch. Bautista, who has been working toward a breakout performance, will be motivated to turn the tables and earn a pivotal win against a high-caliber opponent.
Brandon Royval opens as a slight underdog against Lone’er Kavanagh after Royval’s impressive victory over former champion Brandon Moreno in Mexico City. Kavanagh’s betting edge reflects a combination of recent momentum and durability against a fellow top-tier flyweight who is looking to halt a two-fight skid.
King Green is a value play against Terrance McKinney, despite McKinney’s status as the favorite. Green’s veteran savvy, sharp boxing, and defensive clarity give him a realistic chance to frustrate the rising prospect and potentially pull off an upset by leveraging experience against a young, hungry challenger.
In a showdown featuring two high-profile names at different weight classes, Robert Whittaker opens as the favorite against Nikita Krylov. Whittaker, moving up to light heavyweight for this matchup, carries the edge in experience and ring IQ, though Krylov’s size and versatility at 205 pounds make him a dangerous adversary capable of challenging Whittaker’s pace and efficiency.
One of the more talked-about bouts involves Gable Steveson, who enters UFC 329 as one of the largest betting favorites in UFC history. The Olympic gold medalist faces Elisha Ellison, and the likelihood of a decisive victory is high. If Steveson doesn’t secure a win, it would be a historic upset given the high expectations and the magnitude of the moment for his UFC debut.
Cody Garbrandt faces Adrian Yanez in a high-stakes bantamweight encounter. Yanez is favored heavily, reflecting his technical proficiency and momentum, while Garbrandt looks to rebound and reassert his championship-caliber prowess in a matchup that could determine the trajectory of both fighters’ careers.
In the lower portion of the card, Luke Riley takes on Kai Kamaka III with Riley positioned as the favorite as he makes his second UFC appearance. Kamaka III seeks to build momentum in his second stint, presenting an opportunity for a standout performance that could shift the trajectory of his trajectory in the division.
Other bouts on the slate see Tracy Cortez facing Cong Wang in a competitive match that could influence the standings in the female flyweight division. Damian Pinas is set to square off with Cesar Almeida, while Farid Basharat takes on John Garza in a matchup that could showcase the next wave of emerging talent. Ryan Gandra aims to add a victory against Zachary Reese, and Cody Durden faces Alessandro Costa in a bout that could impact both men’s positioning within the division.
As UFC 329 approaches, bettors and fans will be watching closely to see how the extensive slate of matches unfolds. The card’s blend of veteran skill, rising talent, and strategic matchups promises competitive action from start to finish, with multiple bouts carrying significant implications for rankings, momentum, and future title opportunities. Whether you’re a casual observer or a seasoned bettor, UFC 329 offers a comprehensive showcase of the sport’s depth and the compelling narratives that drive MMA.