UFC 329 early prelims preview: Fight-by-fight breakdown

Before the headline bouts take centre stage at UFC 329, the early preliminary card offers several intriguing contests featuring rising prospects, experienced veterans and late-notice replacements. While the spotlight will inevitably fall on the main card, these opening fights could have a significant impact on the careers of those involved.

Here's a fight-by-fight breakdown of the UFC 329 early prelims.

Farid Basharat (15-0) was originally scheduled to face Ethyn Ewing before a late change brought promotional newcomer John Garza (6-1) into the contest. Basharat will be looking to preserve his unbeaten record and continue climbing towards the bantamweight rankings, while Garza has an opportunity to make an immediate impression in his UFC debut.

Basharat has built his success on intelligent pressure and a well-rounded grappling game. He uses his jab effectively to back opponents towards the fence before mixing in timely takedowns, where his positional control becomes a major advantage. Garza, stepping in on short notice, faces a difficult stylistic challenge and will likely need to keep the fight in open space to avoid prolonged grappling exchanges.

Keys to Victory

Basharat: Establish the jab early, pressure Garza towards the fence and mix striking with his wrestling.

Garza: Stay mobile, use leg kicks to disrupt Basharat's rhythm and avoid extended clinch exchanges.

The X-Factor: Cage control. If Basharat consistently forces Garza backwards, his wrestling could become the deciding factor.

This is an important matchup in the women's flyweight division. Tracy Cortez (12-3) is looking to return to winning ways, while Wang Cong (9-1) has the striking credentials to continue her rise.

Wang's kickboxing remains her biggest strength. She controls distance well, works behind her kicks and is dangerous when opponents rush forward. Cortez, meanwhile, does her best work when she can close the distance, initiate clinches and dictate the pace through her wrestling. Spending long periods striking at range is unlikely to favour the American.

Keys to Victory

Cortez: Close the distance behind her strikes, secure clinch positions and make this a wrestling-heavy contest.

Wang: Maintain range, defend the takedowns and punish Cortez whenever she overcommits on her entries.

The X-Factor: The opening wrestling exchanges. If Wang can consistently defend Cortez's early takedown attempts, she could take control of the fight on the feet.

Cody Durden (18-10-1) was preparing to face Ode Osbourne before Alessandro Costa (16-5) stepped in to keep the fight on the card. It has the potential to be one of the more competitive bouts on the early prelims.

Durden thrives when he can pressure opponents, work in the clinch and make fights physically demanding. Costa is the cleaner striker, possessing good power for the division along with damaging calf kicks that could limit Durden's movement if they land consistently.

Keys to Victory

Costa: Attack Durden's lead leg, maintain his distance and avoid getting trapped against the fence.

Durden: Close the distance quickly, force grappling exchanges and test Costa's ability to fight under constant pressure.

The X-Factor: Costa's calf kicks. If he establishes them early, they could reduce Durden's ability to shoot effectively as the fight progresses.

Ryan Gandra (9-1) meets Zachary Reese (10-3) in an interesting clash of styles at middleweight.

Reese makes excellent use of his height and reach, working behind a sharp jab while mixing in kicks at range. Gandra prefers a much closer fight, looking to pressure forward and exchange in the pocket. Closing the distance without absorbing too much damage will be key to his success.

Keys to Victory

Gandra: Slip inside the jab, attack the body and make the fight competitive in close quarters.

Reese: Use his reach advantage, establish the jab and maintain distance with front kicks and footwork.

The X-Factor: The clinch. If Gandra consistently gets inside Reese's range, it could prevent the taller fighter from settling into his striking rhythm.

Damian Pinas (9-1) faces experienced striker Cesar Almeida (7-2) in a matchup that pits youth against proven kickboxing pedigree.

Almeida remains one of the sharper strikers in the division, relying on timing and powerful low kicks to dictate exchanges. Pinas possesses physical advantages in youth, reach and athleticism, but standing and trading for long periods may not be the best approach. Mixing his striking with wrestling could be his clearest route to victory.

Keys to Victory

Pinas: Use his reach, mix in takedowns and keep Almeida working defensively on the mat.

Almeida: Keep the fight standing, attack Pinas' lead leg and punish predictable wrestling entries.

The X-Factor: Takedown defence. If Almeida can keep the fight upright, his striking experience could prove decisive. If Pinas secures early control on the ground, the momentum could quickly swing in his favour.

Although much of the attention will focus on the headline fights later in the evening, the UFC 329 early prelims feature several compelling matchups between established UFC names and emerging prospects. With rankings, momentum and future opportunities all at stake, the opening bouts could produce some of the night's most competitive action before the main card gets underway.