Charles Oliveira Eyes Max Holloway Showdown for BMF Belt After Brazil Return

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Charles Oliveira, a prominent figure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) known for his high-octane fighting style and extensive record of finishes, has publicly expressed his desire to challenge Max Holloway for the ceremonial BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title. This declaration comes as Oliveira prepares for a pivotal lightweight bout against Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Fight Night in Rio de Janeiro, marking his first appearance before his home crowd in six years.

Oliveira’s call-out of Holloway, the reigning BMF champion, signals a strategic move to reassert his dominance in the UFC landscape. The upcoming fight against Gamrot carries significant weight for "Do Bronx," serving not only as a homecoming but also as an opportunity to rebound from his recent knockout loss to Ilia Topuria. The former lightweight champion expedited his return to competition specifically to fight in Brazil, underlining the importance of the event to him personally and professionally.

Speaking through a Portuguese interpreter, Oliveira articulated his immediate objectives. "Winning this fight and fighting for the title, whether it’s BMF or the title of the division," Oliveira stated. "This is a great fight that will propel me toward a title." His ambition clearly extends beyond merely securing a victory in Rio; he aims to leverage it into a championship opportunity, with the BMF title held by Holloway emerging as a primary target.

A potential rematch with Max Holloway presents a multifaceted appeal for Oliveira. It promises a high-profile spectacle, capable of generating substantial fan interest and media attention, which would significantly elevate Oliveira’s standing in the congested lightweight title picture. Furthermore, the prospect of facing Holloway again offers Oliveira a chance at redemption for a prior loss that has lingered in his career narrative for nearly a decade.

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"Everyone would love to see the Max [Holloway] fight," Oliveira affirmed. "And I want this to be my next fight." This sentiment underscores the widespread anticipation such a matchup would command among mixed martial arts enthusiasts, pitting two of the sport’s most dynamic and action-oriented competitors against each other.

The history between Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway dates back to August 23, 2015, when they first met at UFC Fight Night 74 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. At that juncture, neither fighter had yet ascended to championship status within the promotion. The fight concluded in an unusual manner in the first round, with Holloway securing a victory via TKO due to an esophagus injury sustained by Oliveira. This outcome, a rare occurrence in professional MMA, inadvertently contributed to a perception of Oliveira as a fighter prone to quitting, a label he would spend years overcoming. Following this loss, Oliveira experienced a challenging period, losing three of his next five fights, all by stoppage, further solidifying the premature conclusions drawn by some critics.

However, Oliveira’s career trajectory underwent a profound transformation after his bout with Paul Felder in December 2018. This fight marked a significant turning point, initiating an extraordinary winning streak that saw him capture the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship. He embarked on an impressive run of 11 consecutive victories, predominantly achieved through finishes, cementing his reputation as a "Rocky-esque" figure in the lightweight division. His reign included successful title defenses against formidable opponents such as Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, showcasing his evolved striking, elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and unwavering mental fortitude. His record for most finishes and most submission wins in UFC history stands as a testament to his dangerous and opportunistic fighting style.

Concurrently, Max Holloway’s career also flourished significantly after his initial encounter with Oliveira. His win over Oliveira was the seventh in an impressive 11-fight stretch that propelled him towards becoming one of the greatest featherweight champions in UFC history. Holloway, known as "Blessed," went on to capture the undisputed UFC Featherweight Championship and successfully defended it multiple times, establishing himself as a dominant force in the 145-pound division with his relentless pace, high-volume striking, and exceptional cardio. His statistical achievements, including holding the record for most significant strikes landed in UFC history, underscore his enduring impact on the sport.

Following his recent victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, a bout Poirier had indicated would be his retirement fight, Holloway publicly expressed an openness to a rematch with Oliveira. However, Holloway also addressed Oliveira’s previous claims regarding the injury from their first fight, injecting a degree of skepticism into the narrative.

"There’s also Oliveira, I heard he was yapping, saying our first fight was with injuries," Holloway stated during an appearance on UFC’s "About Last Fight" in July. "He had an injury when we fought. But last time I checked, when they did a follow-up and wanted to find what the injury was, there was no injury report on it. They said he was fine. So I have no idea what the f*** he is talking about." Holloway’s comments highlight a historical point of contention that could add further intensity to any potential future encounter.

Despite the mutual interest in a rematch, the immediate future of a Holloway-Oliveira fight faces a significant hurdle. In August, Holloway announced that a hand injury sustained during his memorable clash with Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 would sideline him until 2026. This timeline directly impacts the feasibility of Oliveira’s desired next fight, suggesting that a potential BMF title bout would not occur in the near future.

Holloway secured the ceremonial BMF title with a highlight-reel, buzzer-beater knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April. This spectacular finish, widely lauded as the 2024 Knockout of the Year by various sports media outlets, including CBS Sports, showcased Holloway’s willingness to engage in high-risk, high-reward exchanges, even at the very end of a five-round contest. The BMF title itself was originally introduced and awarded to Jorge Masvidal after his victory over Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in November 2019, symbolizing a championship for the most entertaining and fearless fighter in the UFC. Holloway’s acquisition of the belt has elevated its profile and cemented its place as a coveted, albeit non-divisional, accolade.

Charles Oliveira (34-10, 1 NC MMA; 22-10, 1 NC UFC) holds an impressive professional record, marked by his unparalleled submission prowess and a total of 20 post-fight performance bonuses, a testament to his exciting style. His journey from a promising but inconsistent contender to a dominant champion has been defined by resilience and continuous improvement. His last fight, a first-round knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 in February, saw him lose his opportunity to reclaim the lightweight title. A victory over Gamrot would be crucial for him to maintain his position at the top of the lightweight contender rankings.

Max Holloway (26-7 MMA; 22-7 UFC) boasts an equally impressive career, highlighted by his reign as featherweight king and his recent foray into the lightweight division, which culminated in his BMF title win. His technical striking, incredible durability, and ability to push a relentless pace have made him a fan favorite and a difficult opponent for anyone in the sport. His last two fights, a dominant decision win over Arnold Allen and the dramatic knockout of Gaethje, showcased his continued evolution and willingness to challenge himself across weight classes. The hand injury, however, temporarily pauses his momentum and any immediate plans for a return to either featherweight or lightweight title contention.

As Charles Oliveira prepares to step into the Octagon in Rio, his focus remains dual: securing a crucial victory over Mateusz Gamrot and setting the stage for a future title shot. While the immediate feasibility of a BMF showdown with Max Holloway is complicated by Holloway’s injury timeline, the mutual interest and the compelling narrative of a rematch between these two UFC legends ensure that the prospect of Oliveira vs. Holloway II will continue to resonate deeply within the mixed martial arts community.