Charles Oliveira Agrees to Meet Max Holloway in Center of Octagon to Prove He’s Worthy of BMF Title

The 10-second stand-and-bang moment from Max Holloway will be met with equal force, according to former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.

Charles Oliveira Agrees to Meet Max Holloway in Center of Octagon to Prove He’s Worthy of BMF Title

Charles Oliveira vs. Max Holloway rematch will occur at UFC 326 (via X)

In Short
  • Charles Oliveira will face Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 326.
  • Oliveira aims to prove himself worthy of the title after a previous loss to Holloway.
  • Both fighters are looking to secure a win to re-enter the title picture in the UFC.

The UFC BMF champion Max Holloway is widely recognized for his iconic final 10-second stand-and-bang moments inside the octagon. Multiple times in his career, the Hawaiian has risked it all in the final 10 seconds. The memorable of those 10 seconds happened at the iconic UFC 300 event when Holloway knocked out Justin Gaethje.

Now, almost two years later, ‘Blessed’ will take on Charles Oliveira in a rematch. The BMF title will be on the line when the two former champions collide at UFC 326. ‘Do Bronx’ was asked about the 10-second stand-and-bang moment of his opponent and what he will do when the moment arises in their BMF title bout. Oliveira replied with much confidence that he will take on the challenge from ‘Blessed.’

For sure, when Max does that, it means it’s time to go all in and see who the real BMF is. This excites me. I get fired up and ready for that. At UFC 326, I’ll show the fans why I’m the BMF just by being myself. I’m always moving forward, I bring the action, and I’m hunting for the knockout the whole time. Beating Max for the BMF title would really take me to another level.

Charles Oliveira spoke about his UFC 326 encounter against Max Holloway

Max Holloway defended the BMF title last year by defeating Dustin Poirier over five rounds. Meanwhile, Oliveira defeated Mateusz Gamrot via submission at UFC Brazil last year. Interestingly, Oliveira and Holloway rebounded well from their last loss to common opponent Ilia Topuria.

With momentum on thier side, both fighters will aim for a win to enter the title picture yet again. Oliveira also has the revenge arc as well as he lost his previous bout against Holloway due to a sudden neck injury. If things go to plan, the Brazilian superstar could very well walk as the biggest winner of UFC 326.

With a history with Topuria as a common factor, both of them can convince the matchmakers to book a rematch with the Spaniard as it could be the most lucrative option at that time. Arman Tsarukyan was snubbed partly due to having lesser popularity among fans compared to Paddy Pimblett. This was why Pimblett got to headline UFC’s Paramount+ debut in a lucrative fight and not Tsarukyan.

With the UFC currently looking at the most lucrative option, one who has the most momentum could become the next title challenger. As such, both of Holloway and Oliveira has a lot on the line at UFC 326. It remains to be seen if Holloway ends the rivalry once and for all or if Oliveira wins to set up a future rubber match between the two UFC veterans.

Charles Oliveira picks surprising choice to wrap BMF belt around him if he wins against Max Holloway

BMF belts have always been wrapped around the waist of the winner by an esteemed guest. At UFC 244, it was Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson who wrapped the title on waist of Jorge Masvidal. When Poirier fought Gaethje at UFC 291, it was Masvidal who was esteemed guest to wrap the belt.

Charles Oliveira
Charles Oliveira (via UFC)

Similarly, former UFC heavyweight star Mark Coleman wrapped the belt around Holloway’s waist at UFC 300, and so did Lil Wayne at UFC 318. Fans have wondered who would do the honors at UFC 326 when Holloway defends the BMF belt against Oliveira. It appears that the Brazilian superstar doesn’t want any celebrities or former fighters to wrap the belt should he win.

If my father and mother hadn’t believed in me, none of this would have ever happened. None of it would have been possible. If my father were to put the belt on me, that would be amazing

Charles Oliveira told MMA Junkie

This is indeed a surprising choice considering how often celebrities have done it in the UFC. It remains to be seen if Dana White is convinced of this idea or if there will be a late announcement on who will wrap the belt around the winner at UFC 326.

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