Oliveira and Holloway Set for FOTY Rematch of Future UFC Hall of Famers

Ex-opponent Clay Guida breaks down the highly anticipated UFC 326 BMF title bout between the two MMA stars.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway are set to rematch for Holloway's BMF title at UFC 326, and a former opponent of Oliveira's, Clay Guida, has weighed in on the matchup. Guida praised both fighters as future UFC Hall of Famers and said the fight has all the makings of a Fight of the Year contender between two of the most dominant and skilled fighters in UFC history.

Why it matters

Oliveira and Holloway are two of the most accomplished and beloved fighters in the UFC, with Oliveira holding the record for most submission wins in UFC history and Holloway being a former long-reigning featherweight champion. Their rematch for Holloway's BMF title will showcase the highest levels of MMA skill and entertainment value, cementing their legacies as all-time greats of the sport.

The details

Guida, who lost to Oliveira early in the Brazilian's career, described both fighters as unassuming in appearance but absolute "savages" in the Octagon. He said Oliveira's win over Guida kicked off one of the most remarkable lightweight runs in UFC history, while Holloway has continued to impress by beating all comers with his relentless pressure and will-breaking style. Guida believes the fight will be "balls to the wall" action between two future first-ballot UFC Hall of Famers.

  • The Oliveira vs. Holloway rematch is scheduled to headline UFC 326 on February 27, 2026.

The players

Charles Oliveira

A Brazilian MMA fighter who holds the record for most submission wins in UFC history and is considered one of the greatest lightweights of all time.

Max Holloway

An American MMA fighter who is a former long-reigning UFC featherweight champion and is known for his relentless pressure fighting style and ability to break the will of his opponents.

Clay Guida

An American MMA fighter who was an early opponent of Charles Oliveira and has praised both Oliveira and Holloway as future UFC Hall of Famers.

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What they’re saying

“Man, you talk about two of my favorite guys to ever grace the octagon. Two guys, if you saw them walking down the road, didn't know anything about sports, didn't know anything about mixed martial arts, probably wouldn't assume that those guys are world champs, former world champs. Two of the most dominant badass dudes in the UFC of all time. I'll put those guys instant hall of famers guaranteed.”

— Clay Guida, MMA Fighter (Bowks Talking Bouts)

“First ballot, the day they retire, boom, they should be inducted immediately after. Two guys, yeah, like I said, very unassuming that don't really look like fighters, you know what I mean? When you see them go out there, they are every bit of what you want to see in a champion, what you want to see in a fighter, someone that represents your country, someone that represents the sport very, very well.”

— Clay Guida, MMA Fighter (Bowks Talking Bouts)

“I am so pumped about that event. That fight's going to be balls to the wall. Two highly skilled athletes that haven't slowed down in their career. They've done nothing but improve, it's unreal.”

— Clay Guida, MMA Fighter (Bowks Talking Bouts)

What’s next

The highly anticipated Oliveira vs. Holloway rematch will headline UFC 326 on February 27, 2026, with the winner taking home the BMF title.

The takeaway

This fight between two future UFC Hall of Famers in Oliveira and Holloway promises to be an instant classic, showcasing the highest levels of MMA skill and entertainment value that the sport has to offer.