Charles Oliveira Primed for UFC 326 Rematch with Max Holloway

Brazilian fighter says he's a 'lion among lions' compared to their first fight in 2015

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Ahead of his UFC 326 main event rematch against Max Holloway for the symbolic 'BMF' title, Charles Oliveira has detailed how much he's evolved as a fighter since their first clash in 2015. Oliveira says he was 'just a boy' back then, but is now a 'complete guy' and 'lion among lions' in MMA. The Brazilian has gone on to win the undisputed UFC lightweight title and rack up over $1 million in post-fight bonuses since their first meeting, which Holloway won in the first round.

Why it matters

This highly anticipated rematch between two of the UFC's most exciting and popular fighters will determine the 'BMF' (Baddest Motherf****r) champion. Oliveira is looking to avenge his controversial loss to Holloway from 2015, when he was booed out of the Octagon after going down injured. The Brazilian has completely transformed himself into one of the promotion's elite since then.

The details

Back in 2015, Oliveira and Holloway met in a Fight Night main event, which was the first time headlining a UFC card for both fighters. Holloway went on to win the fight in the first round after Oliveira controversially went down injured, holding his neck. Oliveira was subsequently labeled a 'quitter' by fans for years following. Since then, Oliveira has won the UFC lightweight title and racked up over $1 million in post-fight bonuses, while Holloway has become the 'BMF' champion.

  • In 2015, Oliveira and Holloway first fought in a UFC Fight Night main event.
  • The rematch is scheduled for the UFC 326 main event on March 7, 2026.

The players

Charles Oliveira

A Brazilian fighter who has completely transformed himself into one of the UFC's elite since his first fight against Holloway in 2015, winning the UFC lightweight title and racking up over $1 million in post-fight bonuses.

Max Holloway

The current 'BMF' (Baddest Motherf****r) champion in the UFC, known for his exciting fighting style and iconic knockouts.

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What they’re saying

“From that last fight to this one, I evolved a lot. In that fight, I entered with an injury. It's a completely different Charles. I know he's evolved, he's grown, he's the BMF champion, but today's Charles is a completely different Charles.”

— Charles Oliveira (YouTube)

“At the time, I was just Charles of jiu-jitsu. Today, I'm Charles of MMA. I'm a complete guy. At that time, I was just a boy. Today, I'm a lion among lions, so it's completely different, one fight from the other.”

— Charles Oliveira (YouTube)

What’s next

The winner of the UFC 326 main event between Oliveira and Holloway will be crowned the 'BMF' champion.

The takeaway

This rematch between two of the UFC's most exciting and popular fighters will showcase how much Oliveira has evolved as a complete MMA fighter since their first clash in 2015, when he was labeled a 'quitter.' The Brazilian's transformation into an elite champion has set the stage for a highly anticipated battle to determine the 'Baddest Motherf****r' in the UFC.