UFC 329 Predictions: 4 AI Models Pick Holloway Win vs. McGregor & More

All eyes are on the octagon tonight, as Conor McGregor makes his return to UFC after a five-year layoff with a fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. But the rest of the main card has plenty of high-level fights too, including a lightweight contenders bout between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint-Denis.

Predictions for the fights are flying around for a massive card — and for McGregor vs. Holloway, many are difficult to prognosticate. To cut through the noise, we asked four AI models to research every UFC 329 main card fight and make their own winner picks with analysis — ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Grok.

Get our expert UFC 329 predictions for the Main Fight Card here — including PrizePicks picks!

Every AI model was given the same prompt and told to weigh recent fights, advantages, fitness, inactivity, and any late fight-week developments.

Below, see where all four AI models agreed on their UFC 329 predictions for the main card fights, which fights split the group, and who each AI model picked to win their fight tonight.

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UFC 329 Predictions by AI Models for Main Card Fights: Holloway over McGregor?

We asked for UFC 329 predictions from Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok (xAI) on every main card. Below is what each one said about their predictions for UFC 329, in addition to payouts and favorites for every main card fight tonight.

Interestingly, all four AI models agreed on the winner in the final three fights of the night, though some landed on different methods of victory: Max Holloway to win over Conor McGregor, Benoit Saint-Denis to win over Paddy Pimblett, and Cory Sandhagen to win over Mario Bautista.

The table below shows the results for each UFC 329 main card fight from each model. Find more on analysis and method of victory for each fight below.

The accompanying data for each fight is via PrizePicks Team Picks — available in 35 states. These represent real-money earnings if a prediction is correct; for example, a 2x on a $100 entry pays out $200. Payouts are live as of writing but are subject to change.

How We Prompted AI for UFC 329 Predictions

Here is the prompt we asked each of the four AI models to get the results you’ll find below on every main card fight. The goal with the prompt was to provide as little context as possible beyond the fights, so it could research and land on its own predictions and information.

All predictions below are 100% created by AI. The prompt was also created by ChatGPT — additional stipulations were added to meet editorial standards.

“You are an experienced MMA analyst. Write a prediction for each of the following fights on the UFC 329 card … Before writing, verify the latest available information about each matchup using reliable, current sources … Predict the most likely method of victory as KO/TKO, Submission or Decision.”

Note: All UFC fight predictions below were generated by AI models and reflect their analysis of each fighter and matchup — NOT by investment professionals. Picks are not based on PrizePicks Team Picks payout multipliers, and are not recommendations to trade.

Connor McGregor vs. Max Holloway Predictions for UFC 329

Before we get into the official predictions, below are the McGregor vs. Holloway payouts and favorite to win at UFC 329 on PrizePicks Team Picks — available in 35 states.

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ChatGPT’s McGregor vs. Holloway Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Max Holloway via KO/TKO — Round 4

McGregor’s timing and left hand make the opening rounds dangerous, but a five-year absence, his repaired leg and an uncertain gas tank are major liabilities against Holloway’s sustained combinations and pace. Without a weight cut draining him, Holloway should gradually force longer exchanges, attack McGregor’s body and overwhelm him once McGregor’s movement slows.

Gemini’s McGregor vs. Holloway Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Max Holloway via Decision

Holloway's relentless volume, superior cardio, and constant forward pressure over five rounds are likely to overwhelm McGregor, who faces a severe disadvantage in endurance and timing following a five-year competitive absence. By navigating any initial heavy exchanges, the former featherweight champion can systematically dismantle his opponent as the fight progresses.

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Claude’s McGregor vs. Holloway Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Max Holloway via Decision

Holloway's much higher recent output, five-round championship pedigree, and volume-striking pace should overwhelm a fighter who hasn't competed in over five years and is moving up to a new weight class; McGregor's power is real early, but Holloway's chin, footwork, and ability to push a taxing pace over 25 minutes should let him pull away in the championship rounds.

Grok’s McGregor vs. Holloway Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Max Holloway via Decision

Holloway’s elite volume striking, relentless pressure, and proven five-round cardio will allow him to outwork a visibly rusty McGregor after the long layoff, using superior boxing output and forward movement to control range and accumulate damage even if McGregor lands early counters. McGregor’s one-punch power remains a threat in the opening minutes, but Holloway’s durability and pace in longer fights give him the clear edge as the Irishman’s timing and explosiveness show the effects of five years away.

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Paddy Pimblett vs. Benoit Saint Denis Predictions for UFC 329

Before we get into the official predictions, below are the Pimblett vs. Saint-Denis payouts and favorite to win at UFC 329 on PrizePicks Team Picks — available in 35 states.

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ChatGPT’s Saint Denis vs. Pimblett Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Benoit Saint Denis via KO/TKO — Round 2

Pimblett is difficult to finish and dangerous when scrambles expose the neck, but Saint Denis applies much heavier pressure through clinch strikes, reactive takedowns and damaging ground offense. Saint Denis’ pace and physicality should eventually trap Pimblett along the fence and produce a stoppage.

Gemini’s Saint Denis vs. Pimblett Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Benoit Saint Denis via KO/TKO — Round 2

Saint Denis will look to exploit his grappling strength by initiating heavy clinch work and chain wrestling against the fence to neutralize Pimblett's offensive rhythm. Once he pins his opponent against the cage, the Frenchman's brutal knees and elbows should create the opening for a second-round stoppage.

Get our expert UFC 329 predictions for the Main Fight Card here — including PrizePicks picks!

Claude’s Saint Denis vs. Pimblett Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Benoit Saint Denis via TKO — Round 2

Saint Denis's forward pressure, top-control grappling, and heavier hands should give him the edge against a Pimblett who often absorbs clean shots early before his own offense gets going; BSD's ability to blend clinch damage with takedowns should let him find a finish once Pimblett is worn down.

Grok’s Saint Denis vs. Pimblett Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Benoît Saint Denis via Decision

Saint Denis’ explosive southpaw power, aggressive forward pressure, and finishing threat in striking exchanges will let him dictate the fight’s tempo and land heavier shots throughout, while his improved wrestling and grappling defense neutralize Pimblett’s submission attempts and scrambling. Pimblett’s durability and BJJ threat keep him dangerous on the ground and in scrambles, but Saint Denis’ superior striking volume and physical explosiveness should produce a clear control win over three rounds.

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Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista Predictions for UFC 329

Before we get into the official predictions, below are the Sandhagen vs. Bautista payouts and favorite to win at UFC 329 on PrizePicks Team Picks — available in 35 states.

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ChatGPT’s Sandhagen vs. Bautista Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Cory Sandhagen via Decision

Bautista has developed into an excellent pressure wrestler who chains clinch attacks together, but Sandhagen’s height, lateral movement and ability to strike while changing stances should make clean entries difficult. Sandhagen’s scrambling and submission awareness should keep Bautista from controlling enough minutes to offset Sandhagen’s longer-range offense.

Gemini’s Sandhagen vs. Bautista Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Cory Sandhagen via Decision

Sandhagen’s dynamic footwork, complex striking angles, and superior scrambling ability will make it exceptionally difficult for Bautista to find a static target or implement traditional boxing. Expect Sandhagen to dictate the distance and accumulate points with a high-volume, multi-layered attack to capture a clear victory.

Claude’s Sandhagen vs. Bautista Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Cory Sandhagen via Decision

Sandhagen's superior range control, kicking variety, and length should let him pick apart Bautista's forward pressure from distance over three rounds, while Bautista's chain-wrestling and durability should keep him competitive enough to make it to the scorecards without getting finished.

Grok’s Sandhagen vs. Bautista Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Cory Sandhagen via Decision

Sandhagen’s awkward, high-level striking with sharp kicks and counters, combined with his veteran scrambling and fight IQ from years against elite competition, will allow him to dictate range and win exchanges while stuffing or reversing Bautista’s wrestling attempts. Bautista’s athleticism, improved takedown threat, and momentum make this a close, competitive fight, but Sandhagen’s experience and unorthodox angles should give him the edge in a tactical three-round battle.

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Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Brandon Royval Predictions for UFC 329

Before we get into the official predictions, below are the Kavanagh vs. Royval payouts and favorite to win at UFC 329 on PrizePicks Team Picks — available in 35 states.

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ChatGPT’s Royval vs. Kavanagh Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Lone’er Kavanagh via Decision

Royval’s pace, length and opportunistic submissions can turn any exchange chaotic, but that aggression also leaves straight counters and defensive openings. Kavanagh’s more compact footwork and disciplined counterstriking should allow him to punish Royval’s extended combinations and win two competitive rounds without following him recklessly into scrambles.

Gemini’s Royval vs. Kavanagh Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Lone’er Kavanagh via Decision

Kavanagh's disciplined kickboxing background and sharp counter-punching are perfectly suited to exploit Royval’s habit of leaving his chin exposed when retreating toward the fence. By targeting Royval's heavy lead leg and landing precise combinations from range, the undefeated contender should control the pace and secure a clear victory on the scorecards.

Claude’s Royval vs. Kavanagh Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Brandon Royval via Submission — Round 2

Royval's elite scrambling and finishing instincts on the ground give him a clear stylistic advantage over a newcomer with limited high-level UFC tape, and if Kavanagh's takedowns or exchanges put the fight on the mat, Royval's black-belt-level transitions should produce a finish before the final round.

Grok’s Royval vs. Kavanagh Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Lone’er Kavanagh via KO/TKO — Round 2

Kavanagh’s superior speed, power, and aggressive forward pressure will overwhelm Royval’s veteran volume game early, allowing him to close distance and land clean, heavy strikes that force a finish before Royval’s experience and submission threat can turn the fight. Royval remains dangerous with his all-action style and grappling, but Kavanagh’s youth, explosiveness, and recent momentum against top flyweights make an early stoppage the most probable outcome in this high-paced matchup.

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King Green vs. Terrance McKinney Predictions for UFC 329

Before we get into the official predictions, below are the Green vs. McKinney payouts and favorite to win at UFC 329 on PrizePicks Team Picks — available in 35 states.

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ChatGPT’s Green vs. McKinney Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: King Green via KO/TKO — Round 2

McKinney’s explosive wrestling and punching give him a clear early finishing threat, but his attacks require substantial energy and can leave him exposed when opponents survive the initial burst. Green’s composure, hand fighting and accurate counters should help him weather Round 1 before catching a tiring McKinney entering from too far away in the second.

Gemini’s Green vs. McKinney Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Terrance McKinney via KO/TKO — Round 1

McKinney's explosive, high-octane starting pace and immense raw power pose an immediate threat to Green, who notoriously relies on a hands-low defensive posture. If Green fails to tighten his guard early, McKinney is highly likely to intercept his movement and secure a quick first-round knockout.

Claude’s Green vs. McKinney Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Terrance McKinney via KO/TKO — Round 1

McKinney's history of ending fights early with fast, heavy-handed combinations plays directly into Green's tendency to engage in early firefights rather than using his length and craft to control range, making an explosive finish inside the opening minutes the most likely outcome.

Grok’s Green vs. McKinney Prediction, Winner Pick

Prediction: Terrance McKinney via KO/TKO — Round 1

McKinney’s explosive athleticism, powerful striking, and history of quick finishes will let him press forward immediately and overwhelm Green with speed and heavy shots before the veteran can use his experience, wrestling, or durability to slow the fight down. Green’s veteran savvy and chin give him a chance to survive early exchanges or clinch, but McKinney’s finishing rate and aggressive start make a first-round stoppage the most likely result.

Make UFC 329 Predictions on PrizePicks

Saturday’s UFC 329 main card is headlined by Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return against Max Holloway, with Paddy Pimblett vs. Benoit Saint Denis, Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista, Brandon Royval vs. Lone’er Kavanagh, and King Green vs. Terrance McKinney rounding out the featured fights.

The UFC 329 main card starts today at 9 p.m. ET on Paramount+, with the McGregor vs. Holloway main event expected to start at 11:30 p.m. ET. 

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