De Poatan's ex, 'New Jon Jones' and Brazilian knockout artist! What else is at UFC 329 besides Conor McGregor?

Tracy Cortez and Gable Stevenson are the highlights of UFC 329. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

PUBLICITY:

It's no secret that UFC 329 is one of the most important events of 2026. The show, which takes place this Saturday (11), in Las Vegas (USA), is the main attraction of 'International Fight Week' and features Conor McGregor , who makes his long-awaited return to the octagon against Max Holloway . But those who think that the show only features the Irish star are mistaken.

In the main and preliminary card of UFC 329 , there are professionals seeking growth and deserving of close attention from MMA fans. That's precisely why SUPER LUTAS presents what the event has to offer beyond McGregor.

See too

Invincible! Conor McGregor dismisses Jon Jones, GSP, and Anderson Silva as nothing and claims he would beat them all in their prime.

Conor McGregor mocks champion Justin Gaethje and taunts him after a threat in the UFC: 'F***ing bum'

Brazil on top! Jean Silva and Maurício Ruffy win awards at the MMA Oscars; check out the results.

Poatan's ex in action

Tracy Cortez promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

One of the most beautiful and popular MMA fighters, Tracy Cortez, will face Wang Cong . The duel is important for the flyweight division (up to 56,7 kg), but it draws even more attention because of the American's recent and brief relationship with Alex Poatan . On December 31st, the professionals confirmed their relationship by posting a photo of themselves kissing. However, a week later, the romance ended.

PUBLICITY:

Now, Tracy, who was submitted by Erin Blanchfield in November, is having her first fight since her breakup with the Brazilian. Therefore, we'll see if the end of the romance will fuel her recovery in the UFC or if it will permanently damage her career. It's worth noting that the athlete was engaged to Brian Ortega , also a UFC fighter.

New Jon Jones

Gable Stevenson promotes Dirty Boxing event. Photo: Reproduction Facebook DirtyBoxing

PUBLICITY:

Finally, Gable Stevenson has arrived in the UFC. Now, the American needs to live up to the hype, as he is seen as one of the most promising fighters in MMA. And the expectation surrounding the athlete is understandable. The wrestler won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics (Japan) in 2020, transitioned to MMA, began training with Jon Jones , and is undefeated, with three first-round knockout victories.

Given his history and track record, many believe Gable has a bright future in the UFC. Even 'Bones', who has been following the athlete's progress, has no doubt that he is ready to face the top heavyweights (up to 120,2 kg) on equal footing. The hype is so great that fans and MMA professionals are classifying the 26-year-old wrestler as the future of the division and seeing him as the 'new Jon Jones '. As expected, Steveson is a strong favorite to defeat Elisha Ellison and one of the greatest fighters in the company's history.

Brazilian Knockout Artist

Gandra promotes UFC event. Photo: Press release/Facebook/UFC

Keep an eye on Ryan Gandra . The 31-year-old Brazilian, nicknamed 'Problem' in MMA, has proven to be a real challenge for his opponents. The Minas Gerais native began his career in the sport in 2022, has fought ten times and won nine, six of them by knockout. The athlete is so good at striking that he usually 'shuts down' his opponents in the first round (only one survived, but fell in the second round).

And this characteristic has already been seen in the UFC. In his debut in February, Gandra massacred Jose Medina in 41 seconds. Now, the Brazilian, who emerged from the Contender Series, is making his second fight for the organization against the tough Zachary Reese and aims to impress in order to, perhaps, get closer to the top 15 of the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg).

Baba Yaga

Pinas celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Press release/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

In pop culture, the term 'Baba Yaga', which can be used to mean 'boogeyman', became popular because of the character John Wick. In MMA, however, it's Damian Pinas who has this nickname, and his results show that the reference makes perfect sense. The 24-year-old athlete began his career in 2022, was revealed by the Contender Series, and made a big impact in the UFC in 2026.

In February, Pinas delivered a beating to Wesley Schultz , knocking him out in the first round. Given how impressive the middleweight prospect was in his first octagon appearance, much is expected of him in his second fight. Therefore, Cesar Almeida needs to be very careful . It's worth noting that 'Baba Yaga' has fought ten times in MMA and won nine, all by stoppage (eight by knockout and one by submission).

MMA Showman

McKinney promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

There's no mystery when Terrance McKinney steps into action. The 31-year-old American is pure nitroglycerin and simply doesn't know what it's like to have the judges scoring his fights. The showman began his MMA career in 2017 and built a record of 18 wins, all by stoppage (nine by knockout and nine by submission), and eight losses, also by the same method (five by knockout and three by submission).

And it doesn't stop there. McKinney is so explosive that only four of his fights have gone beyond the first round. Now, the athlete, who bases his style on 'kill or be killed', faces veteran Bobby Green in a fight that promises to be one of the best at UFC 329 and could bring the winner closer to the top 15 of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg).