Key Points
- Max Holloway will defend his BMF title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 on March 7 at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.
- This marks Holloway’s second BMF defense, following wins over Justin Gaethje (UFC 300) and Dustin Poirier (UFC 318).
- The matchup is a lightweight rematch of their 2015 bout, which Holloway won via first-round TKO.
- Oliveira enters the fight ranked No. 2, holding UFC records for most finishes (21) and most submissions (17).
- The winner could move into position for a shot at Ilia Topuria’s undisputed lightweight title.
Holloway vs. Oliveira Headlines UFC 326
UFC 326 will feature a high-stakes lightweight showdown as Max Holloway defends his BMF title against former champion Charles Oliveira on March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The UFC confirmed the matchup during a December 5 press conference, immediately generating buzz across the MMA world.
The bout serves as Holloway’s second defense of the symbolic “Baddest Motherf***er” belt, a title he has embraced with back-to-back victories over elite contenders.
A Rematch 11 Years in the Making
Holloway and Oliveira last met in 2015 at featherweight, where Holloway earned a first-round TKO after Oliveira suffered a rare neck injury. Now both fully established at lightweight, the rematch carries far greater stakes.
Holloway, ranked No. 3 at 155 pounds with a 27–8 record, believes the timing is perfect. “We have some unfinished business from 11 years ago,” he said.
Oliveira, sitting at No. 2 with a 36–11 record, rebounded from a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria by submitting Mateusz Gamrot in October, reaffirming his status as one of the division’s most dangerous finishers.
Why This Fight Matters
Both fighters are among the most electrifying competitors in UFC history:
- Oliveira holds the all-time UFC records for finishes (21) and submissions (17).
- Holloway remains one of the sport’s most durable and technically gifted strikers.
Their aggressive styles and history of highlight-reel performances have fueled early predictions that this matchup could become a Fight of the Year contender.
A victory for either man could set up a future clash with Ilia Topuria for the undisputed lightweight championship.
What Happens Next?
Training camps for both fighters will intensify as March approaches, with official promotional material expected early in 2026. UFC 326 is shaping up to be one of the year’s marquee events, and the outcome of Holloway vs. Oliveira could reshape the lightweight title picture.
