UFC 329 in Las Vegas is set to feature a highly anticipated rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway. This event marks McGregor’s return to the octagon after a five-year absence, with his last fight occurring in July 2021 when he sustained a leg injury during a defeat to Dustin Poirier. Fighters are expected to make their ring walk around 04:30 BST.
Before the main event, Liverpool’s own Paddy Pimblett will face Benoit Saint-Denis in the co-main event. This lightweight bout is drawing considerable attention, with UFC president Dana White expressing his anticipation for an “incredible” fight. White noted that Pimblett has managed to prove many doubters wrong, particularly following his previous fight against Justin Gaethje.
Pimblett’s Journey and Expectations
Paddy Pimblett enters his fight against Benoit Saint-Denis having recently experienced a loss to Justin Gaethje. Despite the defeat, White highlighted that Pimblett gained more fans and respect from that performance than from all his prior victories. Pimblett himself has stated that he feels less pressure going into this bout, contrasting it with his feelings before the Gaethje fight.
Pimblett’s opponent, Benoit Saint-Denis, is ranked as the fifth-best lightweight in the UFC. Saint-Denis has an impressive record in his UFC career, securing nine wins and three losses, with only his debut fight going the distance. He is currently on a four-fight win streak, demonstrating his strong form leading into this co-main event.
The fight against Gaethje saw Pimblett knocked down twice, but he continued to engage in an action-packed contest before ultimately losing by unanimous decision. This resilience has been a talking point, with some observers noting his “granite chin” and ability to withstand significant strikes. Pimblett has often remarked that “Scousers don’t get knocked out.”
Daniel Cormier, a retired two-weight UFC champion, described Saint-Denis as an “absolute savage” who fights with intense pace, pressure, and physicality. Joe Rogan, a UFC commentator, also praised Pimblett’s fighting style, calling him an “animal” and noting his relaxed demeanour during his ring walk.
The Main Event and Viewing Information
The main card of UFC 329: McGregor vs Holloway 2 will be broadcast exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office. The event is available for purchase in the UK for £19.99 and can be accessed through various platforms including HBO Max, EE TV, Virgin Media TV, Prime Video, and Sky.
For viewers in the Republic of Ireland, the event can be purchased via Sky for €29.99. HBO Max subscribers can purchase the event on hbomax.com, though an HBO Max subscription is also required. Prime Video customers do not need a Prime subscription to access the event, which can be found in the “Live and upcoming events” row on the homepage or by searching for the event title.
Paddy Pimblett has expressed his ambition to challenge for the UFC lightweight title, but acknowledges the need to progress through the rankings. He mentioned that the division remains stacked with talent, including fighters like Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira, who are currently ahead of him. His focus remains on defeating the opponents in front of him, rather than making demands for specific fights.
The event promises an evening of intense mixed martial arts action, culminating in the highly anticipated rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway.
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Source: bbc.com
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
