On Friday, the UFC made a major announcement that Max Holloway will defend his BMF title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326. The event takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Mar. 7. It is part of a strong lineup of events in the first quarter of 2026, as the promotion begins their media rights deal with Paramount.
Since both fighters are lightweights, the BMF title fight is will be contested at 155 pounds. It is a highly anticipated matchup, considering how successful they have been and the fact that Oliveira called Holloway out after his win at UFC Rio.
‘Blessed’ quickly acknowledged the callout on social media and made it known that he was interested in the rematch. Holloway and Oliveira last fought at UFC Saskatoon in 2015. That bout saw the Hawaiian earn a 1st round TKO after ‘Do Bronx’ suffered an injury.
Holloway has said that he is still eyeing a lightweight title shot. However, he admitted he was excited about the rematch with ‘Do Bronx’. The BMF title fight will give them a chance for a definitive ending and settle the debate over who the better fighter is once and for all.
“[Oliveira] had his injuries [in the first fight]. So at the end of the day, we get to figure out how it goes,” Holloway said during the UFC 2026 seasonal press conference. “I’m just excited, man. He’s a legend of the sport. He deserves this moment, and I can’t wait to go out there and give it to him.”
Charles Oliveira Shares Thoughts on Rematch with Max Holloway
Charles Oliveira also shared his thoughts on his long awaited rematch with Max Holloway. Not only will he have a chance to avenge his loss to Holloway, but he will also have an opportunity to add another UFC championship to his resume.
Their first fight was contested at featherweight, so it will be intriguing to see what unfolds when they meet at 155 pounds. Despite there being unfinished business from their first matchup, Oliveira said he isn’t focusing too much on their previous bout.
“What’s in the past is in the past,” Oliveira said during the UFC 2026 seasonal press conference. “We all are focused on March. All I know is it’s going to be a great fight.”
Holloway and Oliveira Both Riding Momentum
Holloway and Oliveira both head into their UFC 326 main event riding strong waves of momentum. Both rebounded from knockout losses and delivered excellent performances in their return bouts.
Holloway suffered a 3rd round knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in their featherweight title fight at UFC 308. The BMF title holder then made a permanent move to lightweight. He delivered an impressive performance, defeating Dustin Poirier by unanimous decision at UFC 318 to successfully defend his title.
Oliveira, on the other hand, also suffered a knockout loss to Topuria in their vacant lightweight title bout at UFC 317. ‘Do Bronx’ made a quick turnaround and rebounded with a 2nd round submission win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Rio. That win extended his records for most finishes and most submission wins in UFC history.
There is a lot at stake for Holloway and Oliveira, as the winner could push closer to a lightweight title shot.
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