Conor McGregor is set to make his return to the octagon at UFC 329 to face Max Holloway, marking his first fight in five years after recovering from a fractured tibia and fibula.
The UFC 329 card features 14 fights, with 10 projected to end inside the distance. McGregor's return is expected to draw significant attention from a broad audience beyond regular MMA fans.
McGregor, a popular figure in mixed martial arts, has seen his odds shift from +420 to +175. He is known for his striking prowess and has historically been an exception to the rule of one-dimensional fighters. McGregor has primarily fought at welterweight since 2016. For this bout, he has compelled Holloway to move up to 170 pounds, a significant weight increase from Holloway's recent appearances at 145 and 155 pounds.
The two fighters previously met at featherweight in 2013, a fight deemed too distant to inform current predictions. Given the significant shift in Holloway's odds and McGregor's lengthy absence due to injury, Holloway is considered the favorite.
Holloway is coming off notable victories against Arnold Allen and Yair Rodriguez, and while he was defeated by Ilia Topuria, that fight was competitive. He is currently favored at -210 odds.
Predictions favor Holloway on the moneyline for parlays and for the fight to go over 4.5 minutes at -140 odds.
Co-Main Event: Saint Denis vs. Pimblett
The co-main event in the lightweight division features Benoît Saint Denis against Paddy Pimblett. Saint Denis, a former French special forces soldier, has won his last four fights, all by finish. Pimblett's last bout was a loss to Justin Gaethje, but he was undefeated in the UFC prior to that.
Saint Denis is noted for his power but has potential concerns regarding his cardio. Pimblett has expressed his intention to secure a finish in the third round. Saint Denis has demonstrated vulnerabilities in grappling, with Dustin Poirier nearly submitting him multiple times. Pimblett is seen as capable of capitalizing on such opportunities.
Predictions suggest Pimblett by submission in Rounds 2 or 3, with odds at 12/1.
Other Card Predictions
Additional predictions for the UFC 329 card include:
- Cory Sandhagen by decision (+190).
- Brandon Royval vs. Lone’er Kavanagh: Kavanagh by decision (+140).
- King Green vs. Terrance McKinney: McKinney wins in Round 1 (+104).
- Nikita Krylov vs. Robert Whittaker: Whittaker by decision (+270).
- Gable Steveson vs. Elisha Ellison: No prediction offered.
- Cody Garbrandt vs. Adrian Yanez: Yanez by KO/TKO (+100).
- Luke Riley vs. Kai Kamaka III: Riley by decision (+120).
- Tracy Cortez vs. Wang Cong: Wang by decision (+245).
- Damian Pinas vs. Cesar Almeida: Pinas by submission (13/1).
- Farid Basharat vs. John Garza: Basharat by submission (+155).
- Ryan Gandra vs. Zachary Reese: Reese by submission (+450).
- Alessandro Costa vs. Cody Durden: Durden by decision (+470).