The main event of Saturday’s UFC 326 fight card featured a highly anticipated lightweight clash for the symbolic BMF title, pitting former champion Charles Oliveira against former featherweight king and BMF titleholder Max Holloway.
This wasn’t their first encounter; Holloway and Oliveira previously met 11 years ago at UFC Fight Night 74 in a featherweight contest, where Holloway secured an early first-round victory after Oliveira sustained a neck injury. Both fighters have since carved out legendary careers, leading to this long-awaited rematch at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The fight commenced with a respectful glove touch, followed by a powerful leg kick from Oliveira. Holloway responded by working his jab, momentarily stepping into striking range to land a right hand. Oliveira then asserted pressure, initiating a clinch that led to a successful takedown, securing side control on the mat.
From side control, Oliveira postured up, landing two significant elbows. Holloway remained composed, attempting to scramble back to his feet. Oliveira capitalized, taking Holloway’s back and immediately working for a rear-naked choke. Holloway, known for his submission defense with only one prior career submission loss, expertly defended the attempts, while Oliveira peppered him with short left hands. Holloway continued his defense into the final minute, even flashing a smile with 20 seconds remaining in a round clearly dominated by Oliveira.
The second round began with a combination from Holloway, met by a teep kick from Oliveira. Oliveira quickly closed the distance, securing another takedown and denying Holloway any space to recover. As Holloway tried to get to a knee, Oliveira landed elbows before establishing a body triangle and securing Holloway’s back. Oliveira continued to land hard elbows while relentlessly pursuing a rear-naked choke. Holloway, showing immense grit, once again survived the round on the ground against Oliveira, a round that undeniably favored the Brazilian.
The pattern of the fight continued into the third round, with Oliveira swiftly taking the action to the canvas and maintaining dominant positioning. By the end of three rounds, Oliveira had established clear control, consistently winning each frame.
Oliveira initiated the fourth round with another leg kick. Holloway managed to connect with a right hand before Oliveira surged forward, clinching and executing yet another takedown. Oliveira immediately moved into side control, landing heavy elbows. Holloway attempted to roll out, but Oliveira maintained his back control, re-establishing the body triangle. This round, like its predecessors, clearly went to Oliveira.
The final round saw Oliveira land a combination before attempting a takedown, which briefly resulted in Holloway ending up on top, landing short left hands as Oliveira sought a reversal. Holloway then stood, but Oliveira remained connected, swiftly securing another takedown. Oliveira worked from inside Holloway’s closed guard, eventually breaking it and advancing to half guard. Holloway, with a final surge, managed to work his way back to his feet. They separated, and Oliveira landed a right hand, to which Holloway immediately returned fire as the fight concluded, marking a truly dominating performance by Oliveira.
As expected, the judges awarded the fight to Charles Oliveira via unanimous decision, with all three scorecards impressively reading 50-45 in his favor.