New BMF Oliveira Responds to McGregor, Diaz, Hooker After UFC 326

The Brazilian fighter dismissed criticism from rivals about his win over Max Holloway for the BMF title.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Charles Oliveira, the new BMF titleholder, responded to criticism from fellow fighters Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, and Dan Hooker about his grappling-heavy game plan in his win over Max Holloway at UFC 326. Oliveira said he is focused on getting the winner of the lightweight title unification bout between champion Ilia Topuria and interim titleholder Justin Gaethje, which is planned for UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14.

Why it matters

Oliveira's victory over Holloway, the betting favorite, was met with some boos from the crowd, suggesting fans were expecting a more exciting, stand-up fight. Oliveira's rivals have criticized his style, but the Brazilian fighter is dismissing the feedback as he sets his sights on the lightweight title.

The details

Oliveira (37-11 MMA, 24-11 UFC) dominated Holloway (27-9 MMA, 23-9 UFC) for a unanimous decision win in the UFC 326 main event. Holloway was a 2-1 betting favorite, but Oliveira's grappling-heavy approach kept the stellar boxer off his feet, leading to some fan dissatisfaction. Rivals like McGregor, Diaz, and Hooker have criticized Oliveira's performance, but the Brazilian isn't interested in fighting them for the BMF title. Instead, he wants the winner of the Topuria-Gaethje lightweight title unification bout at UFC Freedom 250.

  • Oliveira fought Topuria for the then-vacant lightweight title in June 2025, but was knocked out in the first round.
  • Oliveira rebounded in October 2025 with a main event submission win over Mateusz Gamrot in Rio de Janeiro.
  • The Topuria-Gaethje lightweight title unification bout is planned for UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 at the White House.

The players

Charles Oliveira

The new BMF titleholder who defeated Max Holloway at UFC 326 with a grappling-heavy approach.

Max Holloway

The former featherweight champion who was the betting favorite against Oliveira at UFC 326.

Conor McGregor

A rival of Oliveira who has criticized the new BMF champion's performance against Holloway.

Nate Diaz

Another rival of Oliveira who has criticized the new BMF champion's performance against Holloway.

Dan Hooker

A rival of Oliveira who has criticized the new BMF champion's performance against Holloway.

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What they’re saying

“Of course, I'm going to be really attuned to the main event – those belts are going to be unified between Ilia and Gaethje, and a great fight between (Mauricio) Ruffy and (Michael) Chandler, as well. But you know what I want: I want that belt, so let's see that fight. I'm going to go home, rest up, and we'll be tuning in to see what happens.”

— Charles Oliveira (MMA Junkie)

“I want the title. I want that lightweight belt. I've said this all along: Let's wait for the fight at the White House – that's what I want to do. But you want to put (superfight opponents againstme) at 170? You want to do it at middleweight? Let's do it. It doesn't matter. If you want, make it a grand prix – make it two fights the same day and let's see what happens.”

— Charles Oliveira (MMA Junkie)

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 case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.