Charles Oliveira Thinks Masterclass Against Max Holloway Can Steal Title Shot from Lightweight Contenders

Charles Oliveira hints at overtaking prominent lightweight contenders if he defeats BMF champion Max Holloway at UFC 326.

Charles Oliveira Thinks Masterclass Against Max Holloway Can Steal Title Shot from Lightweight Contenders

Charles Oliveira wants to jump over contenders if he beats Max Holloway (via Bloody Elbow, X)

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Brazilian superstar Charles Oliveira remains one of the most respected and admired fighters in the UFC, celebrated for both his humble personality and his finish-oriented style. He is set to challenge Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 326 in March 2026, a matchup with significant divisional stakes. Ahead of the event, Oliveira has already outlined what he hopes to pursue if he wins the belt.

Oliveira recently returned to top form with a dominant win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Rio in October 2025, securing a second-round win. The performance re-established his momentum in a division packed with contenders. Immediately after the victory, he publicly called for a fight with Holloway for the BMF championship. That callout set the stage for their confirmed meeting at UFC 326.

Meanwhile, the UFC announced Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje as the interim lightweight title bout for UFC 324, adding another layer to the title picture. The winner of that event will hold the temporary belt while the division waits for the true champion to return. However, Oliveira has stated that a win over Holloway could put him ahead of the interim matchup for a shot at 155-pound champion Ilia Topuria.

With all due respect, I sell much more than the two who are going to fight for the [interim] title. I’m going to put on a great fight and I’m going to win this fight. If it’s a great fight and I win, I think I’ll burst the bubble and I’ll be next in line for the title again.

Charles Oliveira via Ag Fight

Topuria is expected to remain sidelined until the middle of 2026 due to personal matters, creating a temporary gap in the division. ‘El Matador’ claimed the title by knocking out Oliveira in the first round of their meeting at UFC 317. His extended absence has created uncertainty regarding the timing of his next defense. This delay has allowed contenders to maneuver for priority in the lineup.

Interestingly, Arman Tsarukyan remains one of the top candidates for a future title shot at Topuria and currently holds the #1 spot at lightweight. His steady performances and recent wins keep him firmly in the championship conversation. Oliveira also met Tsarukyan and dropped a close split decision at UFC 300 in 2024. That outcome continues to influence how ‘Do Bronx’s standing in the division is assessed.

With several significant losses in recent years, there are ongoing questions about Oliveira’s ability to regain dominance against the division’s elite. His matchup against Max Holloway presents another demanding challenge, especially given the Hawaiian natives proven skill and experience. The outcome will carry significant implications for Charles Oliveira’s long-term standing in the title race.

Charles Oliveira talks about his family’s early struggles

Charles Oliveira is one of the UFC’s most recognizable lightweights and a longtime fan favorite thanks to his humility and grounded personality. His rise to prominence came only after years of difficulty, including working as a delivery boy to help support his family. Those struggles defined his early life, shaped his competitive mindset, and remain central to his story.

Charles Oliveira
Charles Oliveira (via UFC)

His win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Rio was a significant moment, reaffirming his position among the division’s elite. After the finish, Oliveira proudly lifted his son in the Octagon, sharing the celebration with the home crowd. In his post-fight interview, he became emotional as he discussed his family’s difficult early years. The occasion highlighted how deeply those memories still influence him.

If my father and mother hadn’t believed in me, I would have never made it here, they stopped paying for their own things to put my brother and me through jiu-jitsu. My dad would stop paying for his own things to be able to put me and my brother in jiu-jitsu championships. My mother would ask if a bill had been paid, and he would say yes, already paid. It was a lie, he had paid for our events instead. If he hadn’t done all of this for me, I wouldn’t be here to create this beautiful story.

Charles Oliveira via UFC Brasil

The scenes in Rio underscored the broader significance behind Charles Oliveira’s ongoing career and the personal weight carried into each fight. His achievements continue to reflect years of perseverance and the support system that guided him forward. As he aims for future success, his story remains one of the most compelling in the lightweight division, and every step he takes adds to a legacy built on resilience.

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