ESPN Gives UFC 329 a B as McGregor's Return Ends in 1st-Round Injury
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 13
ESPN Gives UFC 329 a B as McGregor's Return Ends in 1st-Round Injury
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 13
Summary
UFC 329 earned an overall B from ESPN, which said the card held up despite Conor McGregor's main-event return ending seconds in with a leg injury and an incomplete grade.
Paddy Pimblett led the standout performances with a 52-second first-round submission of Benoit Saint Denis for an A-, while Brandon Royval's comeback submission of Lone'er Kavanagh and King Green's late first-round TKO also drew A- marks.
Robert Whittaker's light heavyweight debut produced a third-round TKO of Nikita Krylov for a B+, and 2020 Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson impressed in his UFC debut with a first-round TKO.
Max Holloway was awarded a first-round TKO over McGregor after the Irish fighter landed awkwardly on his right leg off a jumping kick, overshadowing what ESPN called one of 2026's better fight cards.