Max Holloway Vows to Bounce Back After 'BMF' Title Loss

The former champion says he's 'far from done' after falling to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Max Holloway suffered a unanimous decision loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in Las Vegas, losing the symbolic 'BMF' title he had successfully defended once since winning it in 2024. Despite the setback, Holloway vowed his journey is 'far from finished' and that he will work to get back to the top of the sport.

Why it matters

Holloway's loss was a surprise to many, as he was favored to defeat Oliveira, whom he had previously defeated 11 years ago. The defeat derails Holloway's potential path to challenging for the UFC lightweight title and raises questions about his future at the top of the featherweight division.

The details

Holloway posted a statement on social media acknowledging his loss, saying 'Saturday night was not my night' but that he has 'been here before' and knows the work he needs to do to get back to the top. Oliveira, who defeated Holloway by unanimous decision, is praised by Holloway as 'all class' with 'nothing but love' for him.

  • The fight took place at UFC 326 on Saturday, March 11, 2026.
  • Holloway had previously defeated Oliveira 11 years ago in their first encounter in the octagon.

The players

Max Holloway

A former UFC featherweight champion who lost his symbolic 'BMF' title to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326.

Charles Oliveira

The fighter who defeated Max Holloway by unanimous decision at UFC 326 to capture the symbolic 'BMF' title.

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What they’re saying

“The highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Saturday night was not my night. Sorry to all my family, friends and fans that I have let down. Shout out to Oliveira for doing his thing. All class so nothing but love to him.”

— Max Holloway (Instagram)

What’s next

Holloway did not hint at whom he will fight next as he looks to bounce back from the loss.

The takeaway

This defeat raises questions about Holloway's future at the top of the featherweight division, but his vow to get back to the top shows his determination to remain one of the sport's elite fighters.