Paddy Pimblett is slated to headline the co‑main event at UFC 329 on July 11, with Rafael Fiziev calling the lightweight clash against Benoît Saint‑Denis a guaranteed Fight of the Night.
What’s at stake?
The bout pits Saint‑Denis (17‑3 MMA, 9‑3 UFC) against Pimblett (23‑4 MMA, 7‑1 UFC) at 155 lb in Las Vegas’s T‑Mobile Arena. Saint‑Denis aims to stretch his winning streak to five fights and inch closer to a title shot, while Pimblett looks to bounce back from his interim‑title loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.
Why does Fiziev think it will be a classic?
Fiziev, fresh off a main‑event win over Manuel Torres at UFC Fight Night 280, says both fighters “throw technique out the window” for a brawl. “Very good fight,” he told MMA Junkie. “They’re like street fighters from the outside. Punching from everywhere, all the angles. They kick a different way.”
How could the chaos unfold?
Fiziev admits he can’t predict who will land the decisive blow, but he’s confident both men will earn a post‑fight bonus and an extra $100,000. “These guys both have a big heart and I believe when the fight starts they will go after each other and go bone‑to‑bone,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a Fight of the Night, for sure.”
What does this mean for Pimblett’s future?
A win would catapult Pimblett back into title contention, reinforcing his reputation as a fan‑favorite who thrives in high‑octane exchanges. A loss, while a setback, would still showcase his willingness to engage in the kind of street‑style combat that fuels UFC’s ratings.
The co‑main event promises fireworks, and with Fiziev’s endorsement, the UFC’s July 11 card could become one of the most talked‑about nights of the year.