Max Holloway Chases Redemption and Two Titles in 2026

The former featherweight champion aims to reclaim glory by defeating Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:29pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the intense action and drama of a mixed martial arts fight, with the combatants' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes rematch between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria, with both the 'BMF' title and the UFC Lightweight Championship on the line.Las Vegas Today

Max Holloway is on a mission to capture not one, but two championship belts in 2026. Fresh off his 'BMF' title win, Holloway is set to defend that title against the dangerous Charles Oliveira in a highly anticipated rematch. But Holloway's sights are set even higher - he wants to avenge his loss to Ilia Topuria and claim the UFC Lightweight Championship, potentially in a title unification bout with both belts on the line.

Why it matters

Holloway's quest for redemption and double championship glory has captured the attention of MMA fans. A victory over Oliveira would cement his legacy, while a rematch with Topuria for both titles would be a monumental event. However, Topuria's personal issues and the upcoming interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett add complexity to Holloway's plans, raising questions about whether his vision will become a reality.

The details

Holloway is set to defend his 'BMF' title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 later this year. The two fighters first met in 2015, with Holloway emerging victorious. However, Oliveira has since transformed himself into a former UFC Lightweight Champion, making this rematch a clash of legends. Beyond Oliveira, Holloway has his sights set on a rematch with Ilia Topuria, the current UFC Lightweight Champion, with both the 'BMF' title and the undisputed lightweight title on the line.

  • Holloway is scheduled to defend his 'BMF' title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 later this year.
  • Holloway's previous fight against Topuria for the featherweight title took place at UFC 308.

The players

Max Holloway

A former UFC Featherweight Champion who is now chasing glory in the lightweight division, including the 'BMF' title and the UFC Lightweight Championship.

Charles Oliveira

A former UFC Lightweight Champion and Holloway's opponent in a highly anticipated rematch for the 'BMF' title.

Ilia Topuria

The current UFC Lightweight Champion, who previously defeated Holloway at UFC 308.

Justin Gaethje

A top lightweight contender who is scheduled to fight Paddy Pimblett for an interim UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 324.

Paddy Pimblett

A rising lightweight star who is set to face Justin Gaethje for an interim UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 324.

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What they’re saying

“Amazing fighter. Great fighter. Just sucks that he has to run into me again...”

— Max Holloway

What’s next

The outcome of the interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 could impact Holloway's path to a rematch with Ilia Topuria for the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship.

The takeaway

Holloway's quest for redemption and double championship glory has captured the attention of MMA fans, but his plans face potential obstacles in the form of Topuria's personal issues and the upcoming interim title fight. A decisive victory over Oliveira could set the stage for a monumental title unification bout with Topuria, but the landscape of the lightweight division remains uncertain.