Oliveira vs. Holloway 2 Set to Be UFC Fight of the Year

Former UFC champions Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway prepare for highly anticipated rematch at UFC 326.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The upcoming UFC rematch between Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling contests of the year, generating excitement from fighters and fans alike ahead of UFC 326. Former UFC fighter Clay Guida praised both Oliveira and Holloway as future Hall of Famers and some of the most dominant competitors in UFC history, highlighting their contrasting appearances and formidable skills inside the octagon.

Why it matters

This highly anticipated matchup between two of the UFC's all-time greats carries significant weight, as they compete for the prestigious BMF (Baddest Mother F******) title. The bout reflects the ongoing evolution of Holloway's career and offers Oliveira a chance to reaffirm his status after an extraordinary run, potentially cementing their legacies as some of the greatest mixed martial artists ever.

The details

Clay Guida, who previously fought and lost to Oliveira, praised the Brazilian fighter's remarkable lightweight run, including winning and defending the UFC title multiple times. Guida also highlighted Holloway's versatility and dominance, describing him as an 'absolute savage' who can defeat opponents from various disciplines with authority.

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

The players

Charles Oliveira

A profoundly experienced veteran with an impressive career, Oliveira is preparing to challenge Holloway for the BMF title. He is known for his remarkable lightweight run, including winning and defending the UFC title multiple times.

Max Holloway

The Hawaiian fighter is praised for his versatility and dominance, with the ability to defeat opponents from various disciplines, including wrestlers, strikers, and jiu-jitsu specialists. Guida described him as an 'absolute savage' who can take the will from his opponents.

Clay Guida

A former UFC fighter who previously fought and lost to Oliveira, Guida expressed deep admiration for both Oliveira and Holloway, calling them 'instant hall of famers' and 'two of the most dominant badass dudes in the UFC of all time.'

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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, Former UFC Fighter (theconwaybulletin.com)

“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, Former UFC Fighter (theconwaybulletin.com)

“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, Former UFC Fighter (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This rematch between Oliveira and Holloway carries massive significance for both fighters and the UFC landscape, as it features two celebrated athletes competing for a coveted title that symbolizes toughness and prestige. The bout is expected to deliver high drama and excitement, potentially influencing future matchups and title opportunities within the UFC.