Joe Rogan Rips ‘Casual’ Crowd for Booing Charles Oliveira vs Max Holloway at UFC 326

Joe Rogan commented about fans not liking Charles Oliveira’s grappling-heavy performance against Max Holloway at UFC 326.

Joe Rogan Rips ‘Casual’ Crowd for Booing Charles Oliveira vs Max Holloway at UFC 326

Joe Rogan speaks about Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira rematch (via X)

In Short
  • Max Holloway faced Charles Oliveira for the BMF title at UFC 326, but the fight lacked expected explosive moments.
  • Joe Rogan criticized fans for booing Oliveira's grappling performance, emphasizing its technical mastery.
  • Oliveira's victory marked a significant comeback, as he captured the BMF title and addressed mockery from Dan Hooker post-fight.

UFC 326 main event saw Max Holloway face Charles Oliveira for the BMF title in a long-awaited rematch. The bout carried massive hype because both veterans previously fought in 2015, making this clash a nostalgic showdown for fans. Despite expectations of chaos and violence, the fight lacked the explosive moments many fans usually expect from BMF battles tonight.

From the opening seconds, Charles Oliveira asserted dominance by quickly taking Max Holloway down and controlling him with relentless grappling pressure. Holloway has a good takedown defense, and rarely spent much time on the ground. Surprisingly, the Hawaiian struggled to counter or defend positions during the exchanges inside the octagon.

Every round began standing, yet Oliveira consistently dragged Holloway to the canvas, where he threatened submissions and dictated the pace. The former featherweight champion attempted several escapes and defensive adjustments, but Oliveira’s pressure, positioning, and transitions kept the Hawaiian star trapped repeatedly.

As rounds progressed without the expected striking war, sections of the crowd grew frustrated and began loudly booing the action. Veteran UFC commentator Joe Rogan quickly criticized those reactions, and slammed fans for booing a high-level grappling performance during the fight.

Listen to these casuals booing. How do you not appreciate this complete domination by a master?

Joe Rogan via UFC 326 commentary

Charles Oliveira is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous grapplers in the UFC, holding the record for submissions. The Brazilian star suffered a difficult title fight loss to Ilia Topuria last year, and rebounded against Mateusz Gamrot in his home country.

Before the bout, Oliveira promised fans he was willing to stand and trade. However, the Brazilian superstar relied on his grappling strengths, using the constant threat of takedowns to control exchanges on the feet.

Even during striking moments, Holloway struggled to commit fully because Oliveira’s takedown setups forced him to constantly remain cautious. Holloway tried staying relaxed and even smiled while getting taken down, yet ultimately, he looked helpless against Oliveira’s relentless control.

Historically, the BMF title represents fighters who prefer striking battles, chaotic exchanges, and fearless brawls rather than grappling-heavy performances. Max Holloway originally captured the BMF belt after his unforgettable war with Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. That dramatic finish instantly went viral across the internet, with fans celebrating the pure violence and entertainment of the moment.

Holloway later defended the belt against Dustin Poirier, whose aggressive striking style brought a similar action-packed energy. However, Charles Oliveira approached the fight differently, relying on his elite grappling rather than engaging in a wild striking battle. By sticking to his strengths and controlling the fight throughout, Oliveira ultimately secured the victory and walked away with the belt.

Dan Hooker mocks Charles Oliveira for emotional post-fight interview 

For Charles Oliveira, this victory carried immense significance as he once again captured a title in the promotion and proved his resilience. During the emotional post-fight moment, Oliveira invited his parents and children inside the Octagon while delivering his heartfelt speech.

Charles Oliveira winning the BMF belt
Charles Oliveira winning the BMF belt (via X)

Overwhelmed with emotions, the Brazilian star was visibly crying while celebrating the moment of becoming the new BMF champion. However, UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker used the moment on social media to mock the newly crowned BMF champion.

Dan Hooker is widely respected for his toughness, durability, and willingness to engage in brutal wars against top fighters. Recently, however, Hooker has struggled inside the octagon and has faced accusations about his preferences, which quickly became a talking point among fans.

Charles Oliveira addressed Hooker’s comments by claiming the New Zealander was strangely obsessed with him and constantly mentioned his name. ‘Do Bronx’ fired back confidently, suggesting Hooker kept bringing him up despite having no real reason to target him. During the same post-fight presser, Oliveira also took the opportunity to call out Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz.

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