St-Denis vs. Pimblett to serve as co-main event

UFC 329 poster for McGregor vs. Holloway 2
UFC 329 poster for McGregor vs. Holloway 2

UFC International Fight Week returns to Las Vegas this July, headlined by a rematch 13 years in the making. Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor of Ireland and former featherweight champion Max Holloway of the United States will meet again in the main event.

UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 takes place July 11 (local time) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card airs live at 10 a.m. July 12 Korean Standard Time, with the undercard beginning at 8 a.m.

McGregor (22-6), returning to the octagon after five years away, aims to recapture the form of his prime. Known as a devastating striker, he has scored memorable knockout victories over Eddie Alvarez, Jose Aldo and Donald Cerrone. He plans to hand Holloway a second defeat and remind fans why he ranks among the greatest fighters of all time.

Holloway (27-9) intends to derail McGregor's comeback with a highlight-reel finish. The former UFC featherweight and BMF champion has collected memorable wins over Justin Gaethje, Jung Chan-sung and Brian Ortega. He now looks to dominate McGregor convincingly and even the all-time series between them.

UFC 329 poster for St-Denis vs. Pimblett
UFC 329 poster for St-Denis vs. Pimblett

The co-main event features a lightweight (70.3 kg) clash between No. 5-ranked Benoit St-Denis, 30, of France and No. 6-ranked Paddy Pimblett, 31, of England.

St-Denis (17-3-1 NC) returns to the octagon after an impressive TKO win over Dan Hooker in February. Riding a four-fight winning streak, he has also notched notable victories over Beneil Dariush, Mauricio Ruffy and Matt Frevola. He now looks to beat Pimblett and secure a title shot.

Pimblett (23-4) put on a fight-of-the-year contender against Justin Gaethje in January, showcasing the relentless heart behind his thrilling wins over Michael Chandler, King Green and Tony Ferguson. He enters looking to halt St-Denis's rise up the lightweight rankings.

Former UFC bantamweight title challenger and No. 4-ranked Cory Sandhagen (18-6) rematches No. 8-ranked Mario Bautista (17-3). In the flyweight division, No. 4-ranked Brandon Royval (17-9) takes on surging No. 6-ranked Ronnie Kavana (10-1).

Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medalist Gable Stevenson (3-0) makes his highly anticipated UFC debut at heavyweight against Elisha Ellison (5-2).


yjc@heraldcorp.com