Max Holloway’s Iconic Stand and Bang Moment Welcomed by Charles Oliveira: “I Don’t Run”

UFC's record holder for most submissions, Charles Oliveira, talks about his upcoming fight with Max Holloway at UFC 326.

Max Holloway’s Iconic Stand and Bang Moment Welcomed by Charles Oliveira: “I Don’t Run”

Charles Oliveira vs. Max Holloway (via X)

In Short
  • Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira are set to fight for the BMF championship at UFC 326.
  • Holloway is the betting favorite, but Oliveira remains confident and ready for a stand-and-bang exchange.
  • Both fighters have evolved significantly since their 2015 encounter, with Oliveira holding the record for most submissions in UFC history.

Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira are currently scheduled to fight each other in the main event of UFC 326. Both veterans will compete for the BMF championship, and the hype surrounding this massive showdown continues to grow rapidly. Going into the fight, Holloway is the betting favorite, but Oliveira does not seem bothered by the odds and remains completely confident.

Max Holloway is widely recognized for his iconic final ten-second stand-and-bang moments inside the octagon. He famously used that approach to knock out Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, creating one of the most viral highlights in MMA history. 

In his last fight against Dustin Poirier, Holloway attempted the same dramatic exchange, but the ‘Diamond’ chose not to engage recklessly in those closing seconds. However, Charles Oliveira has made it clear he is ready for the challenge and will not back out if Holloway calls for that exchange.

It doesn’t matter, I’ll be there. That’s why I break people mentally. I don’t run from a fight, I seek it out. I’m hunting the whole time. It makes no difference to me.

Charles Oliveira via RMC Sport Combat

Max Holloway has mostly used the stand-and-bang move during the final ten seconds of his fights. However, against Ilia Topuria, he was invited to trade shots from the very start of the contest. Ultimately, Holloway was knocked out by ‘El Matador’ in that fight. Despite that setback, Holloway has still kept his BMF title and remains determined to defend it successfully for the second time.

Oliveira had one of the most entertaining title runs in the UFC before he lost the lightweight championship to Islam Makhachev. The Brazilian later attempted to reclaim the belt, but his efforts were halted after suffering a knockout defeat to Ilia Topuria. 

However, ‘Do Bronx’ bounced back strongly on his home turf, delivering an impressive submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot. Now, the former champion has shifted his focus toward capturing the prestigious BMF belt and add another significant achievement to his legacy. 

Max Holloway is ready to fight a complete version of Charles Oliveira 

Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira previously fought earlier in their careers back in 2015. Holloway secured victory after the bout was stopped due to Oliveira suffering a serious neck injury. The unfortunate injury nearly derailed the Brazilian’s career at that time, forcing him to rebuild physically and mentally.

Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway back in 2015
Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway back in 2015 (via X)

Since that encounter, both fighters have significantly evolved, refined their skills, and climbed the ranks to become world champions. Oliveira now holds the record for the most submissions in UFC history and has also sharpened his striking. While preparing for their BMF bout, Holloway stated that he was training for every possible scenario and was ready for whatever the former champion brought to the cage.

Oliveira is just a killer. His striking came a long way, and if you see most of his finishes, a lot of the time it’s not Hail Mary submissions that he’s finishing people with. He’s hurting them on the feet, he’s rocking them, and then getting a submission. He’s a real mixed martial artist.

Max Holloway via his YouTube 

Max Holloway will likely keep the fight standing and systematically dismantle Charles Oliveira with his relentless volume striking. Meanwhile, the Brazilian veteran may attempt to drag the contest to the ground, where his dangerous submission game becomes a serious threat.

‘Do Bronx’ believes a statement victory over Holloway could quickly earn him a title shot against Ilia Topuria or Justin Gaethje. Oliveira is motivated by revenge against Topuria after suffering a devastating knockout last year.

Also Read: