Robert Whittaker is Worried for Charles Oliveira Ahead of Max Holloway BMF Bout

UFC veteran Robert Whittaker shares his prediction for next month's Charles Oliveira vs. Max Holloway BMF title bout.

Robert Whittaker is Worried for Charles Oliveira Ahead of Max Holloway BMF Bout

Robert Whittaker predicts Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira 2 (via X)

In Short
  • UFC 326 features Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway competing for the BMF belt in Las Vegas.
  • Robert Whittaker expresses concern for Oliveira, believing Holloway is the superior striker.
  • Oliveira aims to bounce back from a recent loss and sees a victory over Holloway as key to regaining title contention.

UFC 326 takes place next weekend, featuring Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway fighting for the symbolic BMF belt in Las Vegas. The veterans meet again in their second UFC bout with legacy and excitement surrounding this anticipated clash. Heading into fight night, Holloway appears to hold advantages given he won the first bout and his consistent recent performances. 

Max Holloway is a favorite and has proved his mettle through several unforgettable battles against some of the biggest names. From his striking masterclass against Calvin Kattar to the iconic Justin Gaethje finish at UFC 300, Holloway embodies true BMF spirit. Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker recently discussed the matchup and leaned toward Holloway winning this anticipated showdown.

I don’t think Max can lose that title. You can’t be up five rounds and then point to the center of the Octagon – nobody else does that. Nobody else can. They don’t have the cojones. I worry for Oliveira, but Max is a better striker. Oliveira is gonna get hurt, man. He gets hurt in a lot of fights.

Robert Whittaker via MMA Arcade

In his last fight, Holloway bounced back from a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria and convincingly defeated Dustin Poirier. Holloway showcased incredible boxing skills, his trademark cardio, and constant pressure throughout the fight. With the victory, he managed to get his revenge against Poirier after losing to him earlier.

Against Oliveira, Holloway wants to keep his winning streak alive and continue building momentum moving forward. However, ‘Blessed’ understands that over the years, the Brazilian has developed, especially with his striking, and will be cautious. 

On the other hand, Oliveira is confident he has had a similar journey, given his brutal KO loss against Topuria, then making a comeback against Mateusz Gamrot. The veteran has also promised not to back out if Holloway points down for his signature stand-and-bang move. “I don’t run from a fight, I seek it out,” said Oliveira when asked about his commitment to fight Holloway. 

Charles Oliveira opens up about his first fight against Max Holloway 

Both Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway began their UFC careers extremely young, facing seasoned veterans and dangerous contenders early on. From the beginning, they showed fearlessness by accepting tough matchups against experienced fighters, former champions, and respected names across divisions.

Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira first fight
Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira first fight (via X)

Their first meeting happened in 2015, when Holloway defeated Oliveira via doctor’s stoppage. During the opening round, Oliveira suffered a painful neck injury that prevented him from continuing, forcing officials to halt action. Ahead of the rematch, ‘Do Bronx’ shared every detail experience that he remembers.

I lost movement on my left side. It was an injury to my neck. There were talks that I could’ve been paralyzed. In the ambulance, the guys were trying to put an IV in my arm, and I wouldn’t even feel it because I couldn’t feel my left side, so I was scared my career was over at that moment.

Charles Oliveira via New York Post Sports 

Following that injury, Charles Oliveira returned after four months but struggled with inconsistency and weight-cutting issues. However, the Brazilian eventually found his rhythm in the lightweight division, went on an incredible undefeated streak, and captured the lightweight championship.

Last year, Charles Oliveira attempted to reclaim the lightweight belt but fell short against Ilia Topuria, suffering a disappointing setback. Despite that loss, Oliveira has remained optimistic, insisting that one significant victory can quickly change his championship trajectory again. According to the Brazilian, defeating Max Holloway would propel him toward another lightweight title opportunity.

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