Max Holloway Reacts to Charles Oliveira’s Excuse for Defeat During First Fight in 2015

Max Holloway replies to Charles Oliveira citing injury as the reason for the way their first fight ended ahead of their UFC 326 rematch.

Max Holloway Reacts to Charles Oliveira’s Excuse for Defeat During First Fight in 2015

Max Holloway replies to Charles Oliveira's comments (via talkSport, Bloody Elbow)

In Short
  • Max Holloway addressed Charles Oliveira's injury excuse from their 2015 fight, emphasizing the realities of competition.
  • Both fighters have since won undisputed titles in different divisions, raising stakes for their rematch at UFC 326.
  • Holloway's confidence contrasts with concerns about Oliveira's chin, setting an intense tone for their upcoming bout.

Max Holloway is renowned for his striking and durability, qualities that have cemented him as one of the UFC’s top fighters. He is also known for his no-nonsense persona, a defining trait that helped him claim the BMF title and distinguish himself in the division. Ahead of their rematch at UFC 326, Holloway showed that same directness when addressing Charles Oliveira’s comments about being injured in their first fight.

Their first fight took place on August 23, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 74 in Saskatoon, Canada. Oliveira suffered a shoulder and neck injury early while attempting a takedown and was unable to continue. Holloway won via TKO just 1:39 into the opening round after the referee stopped the fight. The injury ended Oliveira’s four-fight win streak and gave Holloway a first-round stoppage victory.

Since their first fight, both fighters have won undisputed titles in separate divisions, with Oliveira taking lightweight gold and Holloway featherweight gold. In the lead-up to UFC 326, Oliveira said the neck injury affected his performance and could have changed the outcome. Recently, Holloway was asked by UFC legend Daniel Cormier about Do Bronx’s comments and explained the realities of being a fighter.

You made the walk, you did what it is, we had a fight. If I broke my ankle in there or something, you’re not gonna hear me complain about it. That’s just the way the cookie crumbles. I’m just glad we get to get it back. This is a history fight. March 7th, we’re bringing fireworks.

Max Holloway via UFC on Paramount

In October 2025 at UFC Rio, Oliveira returned to the win column with a second-round rear-naked choke submission over Mateusz Gamrot. The victory followed a major setback earlier in the year when he faced Ilia Topuria for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 and was brutally knocked out in the first round. The Gamrot win marked a rebound and kept the Brazilian fan favorite confident for the Holloway rematch.

In the lead-up to UFC 326, a major storyline emerged after a video showed Oliveira training to counter Holloway’s iconic stand-and-bang style. ‘Do Bronx’ recently stated he would fully engage in the exchange, emphasizing that he not only wants to win but also aims to establish himself as a BMF-caliber fighter. The buildup has set high stakes for their rematch and intensified interest in the matchup.

Max Holloway is one of the most durable fighters in MMA, having been knocked out cold only once. Oliveira’s chin has taken significant damage in recent bouts, raising questions about handling Holloway’s pressure. The Hawaiian native’s recent comments, while respectful, emphasize his confidence and serve as a warning to his opponent. The remarks set the tone for their upcoming rematch on March 7 at UFC 326.

Max Holloway reminisces about his UFC 300 highlight reel knockout

UFC 300 was a key turning point in Max Holloway’s career, boosting his profile on one of the sport’s biggest cards. Facing Justin Gaethje for the BMF title, Holloway used disciplined striking over five rounds. With one second left in the fifth, he landed a precise overhand right that knocked Gaethje out. The finish was electric, coming in the final heartbeat and crowning the ‘Blessed Express’ as BMF champion.

Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje's last seconds at UFC 300
Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje’s last seconds at UFC 300 (via X)

After the UFC 300 knockout, Holloway appeared pumped up and electric, celebrating the dramatic knockout over Gaethje. However, he later described the moment as bittersweet, saying he would never wish to see anyone knocked out cold. He reflected on Gaethje’s condition and emphasized respect for his toughness. Despite the mixed emotions, Holloway now looks back on the victory with pride.

I mean when you are in there you feeel like you are on top of the world but you dont really know how big it is until its time you know. That highlight is going to be everywhere for years to come.

Max Holloway via UFC on Paramount

The UFC 300 knockout over Justin Gaethje remains one of Max Holloway’s career highlights on one of the UFC’s most historic cards, held at T‑Mobile Arena as part of the promotion’s 300th numbered event with over 20,000 in attendance. The finish secured him the BMF title in a bout that tied the record for the latest knockout in UFC history and elevated the symbolic belt’s prestige.

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