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UFC 329 is just around the corner, and the fight world is buzzing with predictions, rivalries, and some surprising takes. We’ve got the latest on the main event, a fiery exchange in the lightweight division, and a look at some of the preliminary action.
McGregor vs. Holloway 2: The Main Event Hype
The highly anticipated rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway at UFC 329 is dominating headlines. Holloway is set to earn his highest UFC payday from this fight, even with the end of pay-per-view. McGregor’s coach apologized for their late arrival in Las Vegas, but ‘The Notorious’ has been making bold claims about his GOAT status. He’s even revealed an unusual training method in preparation for his return to the octagon. Sean O’Malley is predicting a quick night for McGregor, forecasting a 12-second knockout.
Expert Predictions and Surprises for UFC 329
The MMA community is split on who will take home the win in the McGregor vs. Holloway rematch. Sean Sheehan’s betting picks favor Holloway, while Dricus Du Plessis also weighed in on the matchup. Merab Dvalishvili, however, made a surprising pick for the main event. It’s clear that this fight has everyone talking, and the different perspectives only add to the excitement surrounding UFC 329.
Pimblett Blasts Tsarukyan Over Title Shot Claims
Paddy Pimblett has been vocal about Arman Tsarukyan’s claim for a title shot, questioning his activity level. Pimblett criticized Tsarukyan, telling him to stop ‘tickling people’ in the RAF. This comes after Pimblett reflected on his loss to Justin Gaethje, adding another layer to the lightweight division’s ongoing drama. It seems the competition for a title shot is heating up, with strong opinions from both sides.
UFC 329 Prelim Results and New Talent
While all eyes are on the main event, the preliminary fights at UFC 329 have already delivered some exciting results. We’ve seen some impressive performances from rising stars, setting the stage for a thrilling night of fights. Additionally, Gable Steveson, the Olympic gold medalist, is making waves with his confidence, stating he can be the best at any sport before his UFC debut. It’s always exciting to see new talent emerge and make their mark in the UFC.
From the community
Over on r/MMA, fans are talking about this: New UFC META Ranking Comparison.
Sources
Every source behind today's roundup (14)
We summarize the day’s news in our own words. Full credit to the outlets below for the original reporting, click through to read their work:
- Paddy Pimblett questions Arman Tsarukyan’s UFC title shot case (Sherdog)
- Prelim Results | UFC 329: McGregor vs Holloway 2 (UFC News)
- Paddy Pimblett criticizes Arman Tsarukyan’s lack of activity, tells him to stop ‘tickling people’ in RAF (MMA Fighting)
- UFC 329 betting picks: Sean Sheehan’s best bets include Holloway over McGregor (Sherdog)
- Dricus Du Plessis weighs in on Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway rematch (MMA Weekly)
- Merab Dvalishvili makes surprising pick for UFC 329’s McGregor vs. Holloway 2 (Sherdog)
- Max Holloway claims he will make highest UFC payday against Conor McGregor despite end of PPV (Bloody Elbow)
- Paddy Pimblett Blasts Arman Tsarukyan, Reflects on Justin Gaethje Loss Before UFC 329 (Cageside Press)
- Conor McGregor reveals unusual training move before UFC 329 return (Sherdog)
- Sean O’Malley predicts Conor McGregor scores 12-second KO at UFC 329 (Sherdog)
- Gable Steveson says he can be the best at any sport before UFC debut (Sherdog)
- Conor McGregor makes bold GOAT claim ahead of UFC 329 return, Jon Jones responds (Yahoo Sports MMA)
- Conor McGregor coach explains late arrival in Las Vegas for UFC comeback: ‘I apologise’ (Yahoo Sports MMA)
- Relive every Conor McGregor UFC walkout (MMA Weekly)
Open Scoring MMA is a daily AI-produced MMA and UFC news podcast. Listen to today’s episode, read the full Feed, or get every episode by email.
Episode transcript
Read the full episode transcript
Welcome to Open Scoring MMA. This is episode 20 for July 9, 2026, your daily look at what’s happening now and next across the world of MMA and UFC.
Paddy Pimblett is back in the headlines, and he’s not holding back. “The Baddy” is questioning Arman Tsarukyan’s credentials for a title shot, saying Tsarukyan hasn’t done enough to earn it. This comes as Pimblett himself is reportedly gearing up for a massive fight at UFC 329. Word is Paddy feels like he’s earned his stripes, especially after a tough loss to Justin Gaethje. We’re hearing he believes that loss actually earned him more respect than his seven-fight UFC winning streak. That’s a bold statement, but it shows you the kind of confidence and self-belief Paddy carries into the octagon. He’s reportedly looking to put himself right back into title contention with a win, and he’s not shy about letting everyone know where he stands on the lightweight landscape.
Speaking of UFC 329, it’s almost here, and the buzz around Conor McGregor’s return is absolutely massive. This is his first fight in five years, and he’s facing an old foe in Max Holloway. The fight is the main event, and everyone, from fighters to analysts, is weighing in. Former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis called it “exciting,” and you can feel that energy building up. Even Merab Dvalishvili, known for his relentless wrestling, has shared his predictions for this highly anticipated card. It’s a huge moment for the sport, and you can tell the entire MMA community is locked in.
Max Holloway, McGregor’s opponent, is making some waves of his own. He’s reportedly claiming that this fight against Conor McGregor will net him his highest UFC payday ever, despite the end of the pay per view model. Holloway is even telling other fighters that if they’re not making big money from the UFC’s new broadcast deal, they need to get new management. That’s a pretty direct shot, and it highlights the financial shifts happening in the sport. For a guy like Holloway, who’s been a staple at the top for so long, to say this is his biggest payday, it really underscores
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