LAS VEGAS — The landscape of the UFC lightweight division may be set for a seismic shift, as new reports indicate that “BMF” Champion Max Holloway is slated to defend his ceremonial title against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.
According to a report from Somos Hermanos, the two fan favorites are being targeted for a showdown at a future event designated as UFC 326.
The BMF Stakes
Max Holloway (26-7) captured the “Baddest Motherf***er” (BMF) belt in spectacular fashion at UFC 300 in April, delivering a buzzer-beating knockout against Justin Gaethje that instantly became a legendary moment in combat sports history. While Holloway has been heavily linked to a featherweight title fight against Ilia Topuria, this new report suggests “Blessed” may return to the lightweight division to defend his BMF crown.
Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira (34-10), the UFC’s all-time leader in submission wins, is looking to bounce back following a tight decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300. Known for his aggressive Muay Thai and lethal jiu-jitsu, Oliveira represents the exact type of high-octane violence the BMF title was created to showcase.
A Long-Awaited Rematch
This matchup would serve as a rematch nearly a decade in the making. The two faced off previously in 2015 at a UFC Fight Night event in Saskatoon, Canada. That bout ended anticlimactically when Holloway was awarded a TKO victory after Oliveira suffered a torn esophagus early in the first round.
Since that night, both men have gone on to become undisputed champions in their respective weight classes and are widely considered future Hall of Famers. A rematch would offer closure to their first encounter and pit two of the most dynamic strikers in the promotion against one another.
Event Details
The report cites the event as UFC 326. It is worth noting that the UFC is currently scheduling events in the low 300s (with UFC 303 taking place in late June 2024). This numbering may suggest a placeholder, a typo in the initial report, or a long-term booking.
As of this writing, the UFC and CEO Dana White have not officially confirmed the bout or the date.
If finalized, a Holloway vs. Oliveira BMF title fight would likely serve as a Main Event or Co-Main Event, promising fireworks between two fighters who rarely take a backward step.
