Ali Akbar Rosady
Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 329 fight card, set to take place on July 11 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas as a centerpiece of International Fight Week, has encountered an unforeseen setback with the withdrawal of rising bantamweight contender Ethyn Ewing. Ewing has been removed from his scheduled bout against the undefeated Muhammad Basharat due to an undisclosed injury, a development confirmed by multiple sources close to the promotion’s plans, following an initial report by Best Fight Picks on social media. UFC officials are now actively working to secure a suitable replacement to face Basharat on what remains one of the year’s most anticipated events.
The unexpected injury to Ethyn Ewing disrupts a significant bantamweight clash that was poised to showcase two of the division’s promising talents. For Muhammad Basharat, 15-0 as a professional and a flawless 6-0 inside the UFC octagon, the eleventh-hour change presents a substantial challenge. Basharat, a product of Afghanistan now training out of England, has steadily climbed the ranks with a blend of grappling prowess and increasingly refined striking. His last outing saw him secure a razor-close split decision victory over the formidable Jean Matsumoto at UFC Vegas 113 in February, a testament to his resilience and ability to perform under pressure against high-level competition. A win at UFC 329 would have undoubtedly propelled him further up the competitive bantamweight ladder, potentially positioning him for a crack at a ranked opponent in the near future. The search for a replacement fighter who can meet Basharat’s caliber and is willing to step in on such short notice underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of professional mixed martial arts.
Ethyn Ewing, a former A1 Combat champion, was on a remarkable trajectory within the UFC. With a perfect 2-0 record in the promotion, Ewing had quickly established himself as a legitimate threat in the bantamweight division. His UFC debut at UFC 322 last November was particularly noteworthy, as he stepped in on short notice to secure an upset victory over Malcolm Wellmaker, showcasing his readiness and adaptability. This impressive start was followed by an even more emphatic performance at UFC Vegas 115 in April, where he delivered a devastating liver kick knockout against Rafael Estevam, a finish that resonated across the combat sports world and cemented his status as a fighter to watch. Ewing’s aggressive style and finishing instincts had made him an exciting addition to the UFC roster, and his withdrawal is a disappointment for fans and the fighter himself, who was looking to continue his rapid ascent. The nature of his injury remains undisclosed, a common practice in the UFC to protect fighter privacy, but it is severe enough to prevent him from competing in just over two weeks.
The bantamweight division, currently ruled by champion Sean O’Malley, is widely considered one of the most competitive and talent-rich weight classes in the UFC. Fighters such as Merab Dvalishvili, Cory Sandhagen, and Petr Yan consistently feature in thrilling matchups, making every victory crucial for contenders aspiring to reach the top five. Basharat’s undefeated record, coupled with his strategic approach to fighting, places him among the elite prospects. A win against a fighter with Ewing’s momentum would have added a significant scalp to his resume. The challenge for UFC matchmakers now is to find an opponent who not only can make weight and is in fight shape but also offers a compelling challenge to Basharat’s undefeated streak, ensuring the integrity and excitement of the bout remain intact. Options could range from other unbooked bantamweights eager for a high-profile spot on an International Fight Week card, to fighters potentially moving up or down a weight class for the opportunity.
Related News :
- UFC Fight Night Seattle: Adesanya and Pyfer Headline as Betting Lines Favor ‘The Last Stylebender’ in Marquee Middleweight Clash
- Julian Lane Disqualified from BKFC Bout After Unprecedented Takedown Attempt Against Bryce Henry
- Kevin Lee Alleges Political Stance Jeopardized UFC Career, Contrasting His Exit with Michael Chiesa’s Retirement Sendoff
- UFC President Dana White Details Allegations of Physical Altercations with Former Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou, Citing Historical Misconduct
- Trailblazers Collide: Rousey vs. Carano Headlines Netflix’s Monumental MMA Debut at Intuit Dome This Saturday.
UFC 329 is poised to be one of the year’s landmark events, primarily due to its blockbuster main event: the highly anticipated rematch between former two-division champion Conor McGregor and former featherweight and BMF titleholder Max Holloway. Their first encounter, a featherweight bout at UFC Fight Night 26 in August 2013, saw McGregor emerge victorious via unanimous decision. Both fighters were then early in their UFC careers, with McGregor still establishing his dominance and Holloway just beginning his ascent. The subsequent decade witnessed both men achieve superstardom and championship gold, etching their names into UFC history.
Conor McGregor, arguably the biggest draw in mixed martial arts history, has been largely inactive in recent years, battling injuries and personal challenges. His return to the octagon against a high-caliber opponent like Holloway signifies a pivotal moment in his career, as he seeks to re-establish his elite status and potentially make another run at a championship. Holloway, known for his relentless pace, exceptional striking, and remarkable chin, has consistently been among the sport’s pound-for-pound best. His recent BMF title victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, achieved with a stunning last-second knockout, reignited calls for significant matchups and cemented his legacy as one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. This rematch, expected to take place at lightweight or welterweight, carries immense weight for both men, promising a narrative-rich contest that transcends mere division rankings.
The card is also expected to feature a strong lineup of supporting bouts, typical for an International Fight Week event. International Fight Week is an annual celebration of combat sports, culminating in a major UFC pay-per-view event, fan expos, and Hall of Fame inductions. Such events typically draw a massive influx of fans, media, and industry figures to Las Vegas, making every fight on the card a high-stakes affair for the athletes involved. The last-minute alteration to the bantamweight bout, while a minor disruption to the overall card given the magnitude of the main event, highlights the persistent challenges faced by fight promoters in a sport where athlete health and safety are paramount.
The process of finding a replacement fighter on such short notice is intricate. UFC matchmakers will assess available fighters based on their current training status, recent activity, weight class, and willingness to accept the bout. They will also consider potential stylistic matchups to ensure a competitive and entertaining contest for Basharat. While the priority is to keep Basharat on the card, the quality of the replacement is crucial to maintaining the competitive integrity of the event. Fans and media alike will be closely watching for an official announcement regarding Basharat’s new opponent, as the clock continues to tick down towards UFC 329.
Damon Martin contributed to this report.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
MMAJune 29, 2026UFC 329: Injury scratches fighter days before McGregor vs. Holloway 2 event
MMAJune 29, 2026Pioneering Legends Clash: Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano Set for Historic Netflix Main Event
MMAJune 29, 2026Dana White reacts to Floyd Mayweather reportedly losing $175 million: ‘Maybe we could do something and figure it out for him’
MMAJune 29, 2026How to bet on UFC White House: Betting guide, odds, fight card, promo codes, offers for Gaethje vs. Topuria
arthur roy sitompul
Anshari Taslim