The provocative message was delivered on X, where McGregor replied directly to Holloway’s official post announcing the high-stakes International Fight Week matchup. “I’m gonna son you, child. Again,” McGregor wrote, a direct reference to his unanimous decision victory over a young “Blessed” back in 2013.

This return marks a historic milestone for the Irishman, who has been sidelined from professional competition since suffering a traumatic leg injury in July 2021. By the time he makes the walk on July 11, McGregor will have spent exactly five years away from the UFC.

McGregor and Holloway stats

McGregor enters the cage with a professional record of 22-6, looking for his first victory since his 40-second demolition of Donald Cerrone in early 2020. Meanwhile, Holloway brings a seasoned record of 27-9 and has remained far more active, most recently coming off a competitive unanimous decision loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in March 2026.

While McGregor holds the previous head-to-head win, many analysts give the edge to Holloway due to his consistent activity and his legendary “BMF” title win over Justin Gaethje last year. Holloway has proven he can thrive in higher weight classes, and his relentless cardio will be a massive test for a returning McGregor.

UFC 329 is being treated as a monumental event, serving as the centerpiece at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Whether McGregor can reclaim his former glory or Holloway settles the score, this welterweight clash is undoubtedly the most anticipated fight of the year.

Ngannou left the UFC in bad terms and the main dispute was actually money. Hence, he is a guy looking for huge paychecks, as seen in his boxing crossover affairs against Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. During those fights, it’s reported that Ngannou amassed over $30 million combined, according to Yahoo Sports and Sports Illustrated.

Per Ngannou, he had a pretty good guaranteed purse for his fights at the PFL, while negotiating a $2 million purse for his opponents. Hence, when the payout for his fight against Philipe Lins is disclosed, we could be looking at an eight-figure payout.

Ngannou is still a must-see heavyweight

Labeled by some as the Mike Tyson of MMA due to his power, everytime Ngannou steps into the cage, eyes are watching. The fight can end in the blink of an eye. Also, Lins weighed in 40 lbs lighter and has been knocked out four times in five defeats.

Lins is smaller, less powerful, and way more chinny than Ngannou. Ngannou also has the height and reach advantage. Hence, it should be a quick work for Ngannou against a 40-year-old Lins.

Ngannou usually leaves in bad terms

If this is a one-off, then it should be a great business move by Ngannou and MVP MMA. However, if it’s a prolongated deal, then trouble might be brewing. The UFC and Ngannou had a rough outing, then Ngannou and the PFL also ended unamicably.

As of now, there is an undisclosed amount. However, Rousey gave a hint on a record-breaking payday. Speaking to Alex Sherman of CNBC, Rousey said, “Well, I’m not allowed to say specifically, exactly what it is. I’m definitely blowing any kind of records of whatever record there was before for whatever a woman has been paid to fight in any kind of combat sport.”

However, Rousey also stated that we will all know in due time, as California requires to publicize the pay amount after the fight. Rousey has been selling this fight like crazy, while sending shots to TKO’s UFC, though stating she has no issue with Dana White.

We have a clue of how much Rousey is making to fight Carano

According to BBC, Rousey’s last UFC reported paycheck was a $3 million bag. Hence, it’s more than that if we take her words at face value. Rousey was the first female superstar in MMA, and laid the foundation for women in the UFC, though she is now competing against that very company.

Hence, we can assume is more than $3 million. But there’s more. Rousey said it’s the most any woman has ever been paid for a combat sport appearance. Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor got $5 million for their trilogy boxing fight. Hence, we could be looking at more than $5 million as well.

How much is Carano making to fight Rousey?

Carano is also poised to get the best payout of her career. Carano hasn’t fought since 2009, and then she transitioned into a rather successful Hollywood career, appearing in the Fast and Furious saga, alongside other big-time shows like The Mandalorian.

It’s not clear if she will make the same amount of money as Rousey. She is still, at worst, the second-highest paid fighter in this card due to her main event status.

During the press conference ahead of the fight, Rousey was clear on her stance. “I would want to make something abundantly clear and that’s I owe Dana White and the Fertitta’s immensely. I would be caught dead before you ever heard me say a bad thing about any of them. But my loyalty is to them and not the company that they sold. I do not owe TKO’s UFC a damn thing.”

White sold the company almost a decade ago for $4.6 billion to TKO, but he remains the president. Still, Rousey is not fond of the direction the UFC has been going ever since White is no longer the end-all-be-all of the UFC.

Where is Ronda Rousey fighting?

If not the UFC, who can give Rousey the paycheck she is asking for? Enter Jake Paul, one of Dana White’s nemesis, and his MVP promotions. Rousey will be the main event on what can be called a stacked card due to the names involved, though not precisely due to the fighters’ actual forms.

She will headline the MVP event against Gina Carano, with Francis Ngannou, Philippe Lins, Nate Diaz, and Mike Perry also involved in the event. Ngannou also had a very public feud with Dana White and the UFC, which led to the release of his contract.

MVP MMA main card

The event, which will be broadcasted on Netflix worldwide, has a plethora of huge matchups. From UFC veterans, to underground fighters making their way up, it surely promises to be one of the best non-UFC cards of all time.

Main Event: Ronda Rousey (12-2) vs. Gina Carano (7-1) (Featherweight)
Co-Main: Nate Diaz (21-13) vs. Mike Perry (14-8) (Welterweight)
Heavyweight Bout: Francis Ngannou (18-3) vs. Philippe Lins (18-5) (Heavyweight)
Heavyweight Bout: Junior Dos Santos (23-10) vs. Robelis Despaigne (5-2 (Heavyweight)
Lightweight Bout: Salahdine Parnasse (22-2) vs. Kenneth Cross (17-4) (Lightweight)

The preliminary portion of the event is already stacked with intriguing matchups that promise to set a high bar for the evening. UFC 329 is as highly anticipated as the eventual return of Khamzat Chimaev to the Octagon will one day be, featuring a blend of rising prospects and seasoned veterans. Among the early bouts, fans will see a clash between former champion Cody Garbrandt and tAdrian Yañez.

The prelims will showcase César Almeida taking on Damian Pinas, while Zachary Reese meets Ryan Gandra in a battle of developing 185-pounders. Almeida, a decorated kickboxer, looks to utilize his 54% striking accuracy to overcome the grappling-heavy style of Pinas. These matchups provide the perfect lead-in to the 7:00 PM ET main card.

The main card looks good

The marquee matchups for the night are headlined by a pivotal bantamweight rematch between Cory Sandhagen and Bautista. Sandhagen, currently ranked in the top five with a 18-6 record, is looking to bounce back from a title-fight loss, while Bautista enters the Octagon with a stellar 17-3 record and a massive eight-fight winning streak. Their first encounter in 2019 ended quickly.

Lightweight sensations Paddy Pimblett and Benoît Saint Denis are set to collide in a fight that could determine the next big contender at 155 pounds. Pimblett remains a massive draw with his 23-4 record and unpredictable grappling, but he faces a stern test in Saint Denis backed by a 17-3 record and an incredible 82% total strikes accuracy.

The card is further bolstered by the light heavyweight debut of former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, who faces the dangerous Nikita Krylov. Whittaker, holding a 17-7 UFC record, is moving up to 205 pounds to avoid the taxing weight cut, while Krylov looks to act as the divisional gatekeeper.

During his post-fight media appearances, Susurkaev revealed that he has already held initial discussions with UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard regarding his future. Susurkaev is another fighter that people hope to see back in the octagon just like Khamzat Chimaev, and he made it clear that he wants a significant step up in competition to test his 12-0 professional record.

In addition to Nickal, the Chechen rising star also named middleweight veterans Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze as the other two fighters on his immediate hit list. Having now secured three straight wins inside the Octagon, Susurkaev believes he is ready to face established top-tier talent.

Three different fighters for Susurkaev

A matchup with Bo Nickal would represent a clash of undefeated wrestling phenoms, as both men possess the grappling credentials to cancel each other out on the mat. Nickal currently sits at 6-0 and has finished every opponent he has faced in the first round.

On the veteran side, Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze offer a much different type of challenge with their durability and high-level experience against the world’s best. Vettori is known for his iron chin and relentless pace, while Dolidze brings a dangerous submission game and knockout power that has troubled many established contenders in the 185-pound division.

Standing at 6’2″ with a 79-inch reach, Susurkaev holds a physical advantage over many of his peers and has shown he can maintain a high pace through three rounds. Whether the UFC grants him the wrestling standout Nickal or a seasoned veteran like Vettori, Susurkaev has set the stage for a massive homecoming fight later this year in 2026.

Daniel Cormier recently suggested that a rematch could be closer than fans think, despite the recent result. “Chimaev will be back. I don’t think it’s over for Chimaev, honestly. He may be back right next for another championship opportunity against Sean Strickland,” the former double-champion noted.

Chimaev himself echoed this sentiment on X, simply telling the new champion, “@SStricklandMMA see you soon again.” In a more reflective message on a now deleted Facebook post, he added, “The wolf never stops hunting. This story is far from over.”

Returning to the UFC

With a current professional record of 15-1, Chimaev remains one of the most dangerous athletes in the world, even after his first career setback. Saying he will return isn’t the only thing he said; Dana White says Khamzat Chimaev could make major move after UFC 328, indicating that a big change is likely the next step for his career.

A move to the light heavyweight division would likely benefit Chimaev, as his 6’2″ frame has struggled with the grueling cut to 185 pounds in recent outings. This transition would allow him to focus more on strength and technical refinement rather than extreme dehydration.

Given that Chimaev suffered no major structural injuries at UFC 328, he could realistically return to the Octagon by late 2026. A recovery and camp period of six to eight months would allow his body to adjust to the new weight limit.

During the post-fight press conference, White shared the private conversation he had with the former champion immediately after the scorecards were read. “He literally walked up to me after the fight and said, ‘I want to move up. I don’t want to fight in this weight class anymore,’” White told reporters, signaling the end of Chimaev’s middleweight chapter.

Following the loss that affected his record, Sean Strickland reveals who he wants next after beating Khamzat Chimaev, already setting his sights on new challengers while Chimaev reevaluates. Chimaev’s professional record now sits at 15-1, and while he suffered no major injuries, the move to a new division typically requires four to six months of physical preparation before returning to the Octagon.

The best weight class for Chimaev

Chimaev has achieved his greatest success as a middleweight, winning the world title from Dricus du Plessis and defeating legends like Robert Whittaker in the 185-pound category. However, standing at 6’2” with a massive frame, the weight cut to middleweight has often looked draining, leading many to believe that a move to light heavyweight is the most logical step.

Having previously competed at welterweight, where he famously struggled to make the 170-pound limit against Nate Diaz, it is clear that Chimaev’s body is naturally evolving toward the heavier divisions. A jump to the 205-pound light heavyweight class would allow him to maintain his explosive power.

While the loss at UFC 328 was a setback, Chimaev remains one of the most physically gifted athletes in the sport and could easily become a title contender in a new division by late 2026. By removing the stress of the scale, “Borz” may find more longevity and strength.

Speaking on the UFC Post Show, Strickland made it clear that he expects the surging French contender to be his first title defense. “[Imavov] is next. I’ll take a little breather, support my boy Alex [Pereira] at the White House. Give me a little time, let my broken nose heal and let’s get back in there,” he declared to the analysts.

Strickland’s professional record now stands at 30-6, but the physical toll of the Chimaev fight will require at least several months of recovery for his fractured nose to fully set. A fight between Imavov and Strickland could be as interesting as Ilia Topuria vs Conor McGregor, especially given the history and evolved skill sets both men now bring to the table.

Is Nassourdine Imavov the right challenge for Strickland?

Imavov enters this conversation on a blistering five-fight win streak, most recently securing a dominant five-round unanimous decision over Caio Borralho in September 2025. With a record of 17-4 and a high-level striking accuracy of 54%, the Frenchman has proven he can maintain a championship pace against the division’s most dangerous elite.

Imavov’s technical kickboxing style could provide a fascinating puzzle for Strickland’s “Philly Shell” defense, especially since their first meeting in 2023 was a short-notice light heavyweight bout. Having recently knocked out Israel Adesanya and stopped Jared Cannonier, Imavov possesses the momentum and the precision to challenge Strickland’s trademark pressure and jab-heavy volume.

While a broken nose typically requires six to eight weeks of initial healing before a fighter can return to full-contact sparring, Strickland likely won’t be back in the Octagon until late 2026. This timeline perfectly aligns with a potential year-end blockbuster, giving the “Sniper” enough time to prepare for a rematch that promises to be a tactical masterclass in the middleweight division.

During the post-fight press conference, a beaming Ochoa confirmed that she had indeed accepted his proposal, sharing his joy with the gathered media. “It’s obvious that she said yes; she was just waiting for the moment,” Ochoa said while laughing in Spanish, clearly enjoying the double victory of a professional win and a life-changing “yes.”

The 25-year-old Chute Boxe product displayed his elite striking throughout the bout, earning a unanimous decision sweep on the scorecards. With this win at the Prudential Center for UFC 328, Ochoa improves his professional record to 9-2.

Iconic Octagon moments

Ochoa’s proposal joins a unique list of unconventional post-fight celebrations that have occurred inside the UFC cage over the years. While most fighters celebrate with backflips or call-outs, a few have used the global platform of a numbered event like UFC 328 to secure their personal futures.

Other memorable post-fight antics include everything from fighters jumping over the cage to confront future opponents. Ochoa’s decision to celebrate a grueling victory over a tough prospect like Carpenter with a ring shows the immense emotional stakes involved in a fighter’s journey.

By opening the Saturday card with such a heartwarming moment, the flyweight prospect has ensured that his name will be remembered for more than just his technical dominance in Newark. As he looks toward entering the Top 15 rankings, Ochoa heads home with a boosted career and a wedding to plan, marking today as the most significant date of his life.

Following this impressive win, Susurkaev is eligible for a $25,000 “finish bonus,” a new incentive structure first announced by Dana White in January 2026. According to the Sports Business Journal, this specific award is designed to reward any fighter who secures a knockout or submission but isn’t selected for the standard Performance of the Night honors.

This fight was part of the legendary UFC 328 card that features the massive middleweight title clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland. While the new structure provides extra financial security for rising stars like Susurkaev, it also came alongside the removal of older “locker room bonuses” that were once standard.

Evolving bonuses and fighter dominance

The updated bonus model now sees Performance and Fight of the Night awards increased to $100,000, doubling the previous $50,000 standard. These significant payouts are part of the UFC’s effort to increase its per-event bonus outlay to at least $400,000. This aggressive financial shift ensures that high-performing fighters are compensated more fairly.

With this latest win, Susurkaev improves his undefeated professional record to a perfect 12-0-0. Before this bout, “The Real Hunter” was already known for his finishing ability, boasting nine wins by KO and now adding more variety to his submission game.

Santos, meanwhile, moves to an 11-3 record after today’s tough battle. Known for a high volume of strikes, landing an average of 7.00 per minute, Santos was competitive throughout the early rounds but ultimately fell victim to Susurkaev’s relentless third-round pressure.