‘UFC 329’ on Paramount+: 2 Fights You Cannot Miss Before Conor McGregor’s Fight
UFC 329 - press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 2: Conor McGregor interacts with the crowd at the UFC 329 Press Conference at the T-Mobile Arena on July 9, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Photo by Alejandro Salazar/PxImages Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena Nevada USA Copyright: xAlejandroxSalazarx
UFC 329 - press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 2: Conor McGregor interacts with the crowd at the UFC 329 Press Conference at the T-Mobile Arena on July 9, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Photo by Alejandro Salazar/PxImages Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena Nevada USA Copyright: xAlejandroxSalazarx
UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 is finally here, and while the name on everyone’s lips is Conor McGregor, seasoned fight fans know that the true magic of a massive card lies in the lead-up. When a superstar of McGregor's magnitude returns to the cage, the pressure on the entire broadcast is immense. However, the fights preceding the main card are not just filler - they are high-stakes, championship-caliber battles that serve as the perfect, adrenaline-soaked prologue to the night's headliner. Among them, there are two fights that UFC fans should not really miss on Paramount+.
In the last fight on Saturday's preliminary card schedule, light heavyweight mainstay Nikita Krylov will become the first-ever opponent for debutant Robert Whittaker in the division. Following two swift knockout defeats in 2025, Krylov stabilized himself in January by defeating Modestas Bukauskas in the third round. The Reaper moves up a category for the second time in his UFC career after spending more than 11 years at middleweight. He hopes to snap a two-fight losing streak and possibly add an intriguing finale to his already legendary career.
A seemingly exciting future heavyweight prospect and one of the most high-profile signings in the history of UFC, Gable Steveson will make his Octagon debut this weekend against Elisha Ellison, a product of the Pacific Northwest. The 26-year-old Steveson, a highly decorated wrestler who won an Olympic gold medal in 2020 and possesses exceptional athleticism, is already predicted to emerge as the heavyweight division's next big thing.
Sport Themen der Woche KW40 Sport Bilder des Tages UFC, Pressetermin zur Kampfnacht in Melbourne UFC 243 ULTIMATE MEDIA DAY, Robert Whittaker of Australia poses during the UFC 243 Ultimate Media Day at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Friday, October 4, 2019. ACHTUNG: NUR REDAKTIONELLE NUTZUNG, KEINE ARCHIVIERUNG UND KEINE BUCHNUTZUNG MELBOURNE VIC AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMICHAELxDODGEx 20191004001424255678
Sport Themen der Woche KW40 Sport Bilder des Tages UFC, Pressetermin zur Kampfnacht in Melbourne UFC 243 ULTIMATE MEDIA DAY, Robert Whittaker of Australia poses during the UFC 243 Ultimate Media Day at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Friday, October 4, 2019. ACHTUNG: NUR REDAKTIONELLE NUTZUNG, KEINE ARCHIVIERUNG UND KEINE BUCHNUTZUNG MELBOURNE VIC AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMICHAELxDODGEx 20191004001424255678
On the other hand, Ellison, who trains with lightweight veteran Chase Hooper, hopes to pull off a huge shock in his sophomore performance on Saturday after losing to Brando Pericic in his promotional debut in September. The stakes seem to be similar to the Nikita Krylov vs Robert Whittaker fight, but it has a different flair to it.
The headlining fight is still the Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway bout that has been in the making for five years. But these preliminary draws really add to the weight of McGregor’s comeback.
Conor McGregor’s comeback embellished with a scintillating fight card
The UFC 329 card coming on Paramount+ is more than appropriate for Conor McGregor's comeback, especially with these two fights set to appetize viewers before the main draw. With an amazing card from top to bottom, UFC returns to Las Vegas for International Fight Week. This Saturday, McGregor will face fan favorite Max Holloway for the first time in five years.
July 9, 2026, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: CONOR MCGREGOR L face off MAX HOLLOWAY R during UFC 329 press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Las Vegas USA - ZUMAo117 20260709_zsp_o117_007 Copyright: xMikaelxOnax
July 9, 2026, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: CONOR MCGREGOR L face off MAX HOLLOWAY R during UFC 329 press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Las Vegas USA - ZUMAo117 20260709_zsp_o117_007 Copyright: xMikaelxOnax
For the majority of MMA fans, this is a fairly sufficient reason to watch the event. But the Robert Whittaker and Gable Stevenson fights present them with an added bonus. To watch UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 live on Paramount+, one has to have a membership to either Paramount+ Essential or Paramount+ Premium.
Are you excited for the UFC 329 card, especially with new debutants set to show their skills? Do let us know.
Written by
Harshit Kumar
Edited by
Hriddhi Maitra