UFC 329 Predictions: McGregor Returns, Paddy's Biggest Test & Why This Could Be One of the Best Cards of 2026
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UFC 329 Predictions: McGregor Returns, Paddy's Biggest Test & Why This Could Be One of the Best Cards of 2026
The biggest week in mixed martial arts has finally arrived.
International Fight Week always delivers huge moments, but UFC 329 feels different.
Conor McGregor is back after five years away from the Octagon. Max Holloway is chasing another legendary victory. Paddy Pimblett faces the toughest test of his career. Cody Garbrandt has another chance to prove he still belongs. Olympic gold medallist Gable Steveson finally makes his long-awaited UFC debut.
From top to bottom, this is one of the deepest cards we've seen all year.
These are our official Grizzly Collective predictions.
Wang Cong vs Tracy Cortez
Prediction: Wang Cong by Decision
Cong continues to impress every time she fights.
Cortez is durable and difficult to finish, but Wang's striking should be enough over fifteen minutes.
Prediction: Wang Cong UD
Damian Pinas vs Cesar Almeida
Prediction: Damian Pinas by Decision
This feels like one of those performances that quietly announces someone as a future ranked contender.
Pinas has looked composed throughout his career and another professional performance could move him onto much bigger fights.
Prediction: Damian Pinas UD
Farid Basharat vs John Garza
Prediction: Basharat by Decision
Still unbeaten.
Still getting better.
Farid Basharat looks like another fighter capable of climbing into the bantamweight rankings over the next couple of years.
Expect another intelligent, technical performance.
Prediction: Basharat UD
Ryan Gandra vs Zachary Reese
Prediction: Ryan Gandra by KO
One of our upset picks.
Gandra carries real power and if he lands clean early this could end quickly.
Prediction: Gandra KO Round 2
Alessandro Costa vs Cody Durden
Prediction: Alessandro Costa by Decision
Costa has quietly developed into a very well-rounded flyweight.
Durden's wrestling always makes him dangerous, but Costa should edge the striking exchanges.
Luke Riley vs Kai Kamaka
Prediction: Luke Riley by KO
One of our fighters to watch.
Luke Riley continues to generate serious hype and this feels like another breakout opportunity.
Expect speed.
Expect pressure.
Expect fireworks.
Prediction: Luke Riley KO Round 2
Cody Garbrandt vs Adrian Yanez
Prediction: Garbrandt by Decision
Many people have written Cody off.
We're not.
When Garbrandt sticks to his boxing and movement he remains one of the cleanest punchers in the division.
This feels like one last statement performance.
Prediction: Garbrandt UD
Gable Steveson vs Elisha Ellison
Prediction: Gable Steveson by KO
One of the most anticipated UFC debuts in years.
Olympic Gold.
Elite wrestling.
Ridiculous athleticism.
If the wrestling translates immediately, this could be over inside minutes.
Prediction: Gable Steveson KO Round 1
Robert Whittaker vs Nikita Krylov
Prediction: Robert Whittaker by Decision
"Bobby Knuckles" moving up in weight is fascinating.
Krylov is dangerous everywhere, but Whittaker's experience, movement and championship IQ should shine over three rounds.
Expect a tactical fight.
Prediction: Whittaker UD
King Green vs Terrance McKinney
Prediction: Terrance McKinney by KO
This either lasts fifteen minutes...
...or fifteen seconds.
McKinney has become one of the UFC's most explosive starters and Green has been caught early before.
Chaos incoming.
Prediction: McKinney KO Round 1
Brandon Royval vs Lone'er Kavanagh
Prediction: Lone'er Kavanagh by Decision
We've been high on Kavanagh for a long time.
This is his biggest opportunity yet.
A win over Royval instantly puts him in genuine title conversations.
Don't be surprised if he shocks a lot of people.
Prediction: Kavanagh UD
Cory Sandhagen vs Mario Bautista
Prediction: Sandhagen by Decision
One of the highest-level fights on the card.
Bautista has improved massively, but Sandhagen remains one of the smartest strikers in the UFC.
Expect a technical masterclass.
Prediction: Sandhagen UD
Benoit Saint-Denis vs Paddy Pimblett
Prediction: Paddy Pimblett by Submission
This is Paddy's biggest test.
BSD will bring relentless pressure early.
But Paddy's grappling continues to improve every fight and if this hits the mat, we like his chances.
If Pimblett wins in dominant fashion...
...expect the microphone to come out.
Could we finally hear him call for Ilia Topuria?
Or perhaps Justin Gaethje?
Either fight would be massive.
Prediction: Paddy Pimblett Submission Round 1
Main Event
Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway II
This is why everyone will be watching.
Conor McGregor returns after almost five years away.
One of the biggest stars combat sports has ever seen.
One of the greatest left hands in UFC history.
One final chance to remind the world who he is.
But standing opposite him is arguably the best version of Max Holloway we've ever seen.
Max looks physically incredible at 170 pounds.
Healthy.
Fast.
Confident.
Still carrying the endless cardio that has broken so many opponents.
McGregor will always be dangerous in the opening minutes.
If he lands clean, everything changes.
But if Holloway survives that early storm...
...the momentum starts swinging.
The volume increases.
The combinations become relentless.
The pace rises every minute.
By Round 3, we think Holloway takes over completely.
This feels like one of those nights fans remember forever.
A legendary comeback.
A legendary opponent.
An unforgettable ending.
Official Prediction
Max Holloway defeats Conor McGregor via KO — Round 3
Grizzly Collective Official Predictions
- Wang Cong ✔️
- Damian Pinas ✔️
- Farid Basharat ✔️
- Ryan Gandra KO
- Alessandro Costa ✔️
- Luke Riley KO
- Cody Garbrandt ✔️
- Gable Steveson KO Round 1
- Robert Whittaker Decision
- Terrance McKinney KO Round 1
- Lone'er Kavanagh Decision
- Cory Sandhagen Decision
- Paddy Pimblett Submission Round 1
- Max Holloway KO Round 3
One thing feels certain.
When the lights go down inside T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night, UFC 329 has every ingredient to become one of the defining events of 2026.