Ali Akbar Rosady
Brazilian mixed martial artist Charles Oliveira has publicly accused Conor McGregor of deliberately avoiding a potential showdown, alleging that the Irish superstar instead chose Max Holloway for his upcoming return to the octagon, perceiving the Hawaiian as a less formidable opponent. Oliveira, the current BMF titleholder and a former UFC Lightweight Champion, articulated his belief that a bout against McGregor was the logical next step after his dominant victory over Holloway earlier this year.
Oliveira, who recently expressed his ambition to face Justin Gaethje to unify the UFC Lightweight and BMF belts, revealed that a different scenario had been unfolding in his mind following his decisive win over Holloway in March. He had envisioned himself as McGregor’s opponent, particularly as McGregor prepares to headline the next numbered UFC event. However, it was confirmed that Holloway would indeed be the fighter standing opposite McGregor on July 11 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
"You and everyone else know that fight was supposed to be mine, but he chose Max because he thinks he can beat Max. The truth is, he ran from me," Oliveira stated in an interview with MMA Fighting. He elaborated on the informal understanding within the fighting community regarding the potential matchup. "It was never officially offered [to me], but everyone knew that whoever won between Max and I would fight him. In reality, he picked Max because he thought it was the easier path."
Oliveira’s claim introduces a new dynamic into the highly anticipated return of McGregor, who has been absent from competition since suffering a leg fracture against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. That year marked a challenging period for McGregor, as he sustained two consecutive losses to Poirier, both by TKO, at UFC 257 and UFC 264, respectively. His impending return against Holloway marks a significant moment for the former two-division champion, who last held a UFC title in 2016.
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The accusations from Oliveira stem from a period where the lightweight division, in particular, has seen significant shifts and intense competition. Oliveira himself has been a central figure in this landscape. His career trajectory saw a remarkable resurgence, culminating in his capture of the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship in May 2021 by defeating Michael Chandler via TKO. He successfully defended the title against Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje before being stripped of the belt due to missing weight for his defense against Gaethje. His subsequent submission victory over Gaethje at UFC 274 further cemented his status as a top contender, despite the title ineligibility.
Most recently, Oliveira faced Max Holloway in a highly anticipated contest in March, where he secured a dominant five-round decision victory to claim the symbolic BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) belt. This performance underscored Oliveira’s sustained elite-level form and his versatility, demonstrating both his striking improvements and his renowned grappling prowess. The win over Holloway was a statement, positioning Oliveira at the forefront of discussions for major fights, including a potential clash with McGregor, given the Irishman’s historical impact across the featherweight and lightweight divisions.
Oliveira, however, does not necessarily foresee an uncomplicated path for McGregor against Holloway, despite his earlier assertion about McGregor’s perceived "easier path." He acknowledged the challenges McGregor faces due to his extended period of inactivity. "It’s a complicated fight because he hasn’t been in the cage for a long time," Oliveira observed. While Oliveira referenced "five years without fighting," McGregor’s last bout was in July 2021, marking a layoff of approximately three years by the time of the July 11 event. Regardless of the exact duration, such a significant break from professional competition is widely acknowledged in combat sports as a considerable factor affecting a fighter’s rhythm, timing, and cage sharpness.
Despite the layoff, Oliveira recognized the inherent danger McGregor poses. "But he’s Conor. If you make a mistake and he lands, he will knock you out," he added, acknowledging McGregor’s undisputed one-punch knockout power, a trait that has defined much of his career. McGregor’s striking accuracy and ability to finish fights in the early rounds have been hallmarks of his success, contributing to his status as one of the sport’s most formidable offensive threats.
Analyzing the impending McGregor vs. Holloway rematch, Oliveira offered a strategic breakdown favoring Holloway should the fight extend into the later rounds. Holloway’s reputation for exceptional cardio, durability, and a relentless pace aligns with Oliveira’s assessment. "The longer the fight goes at UFC 329, better it should be for the Hawaiian veteran," Oliveira asserted. This perspective is supported by Holloway’s extensive experience in championship rounds; of his last 17 fights, 12 have gone to championship rounds (rounds 3, 4, or 5), demonstrating his sustained output and endurance over extended periods.
"I think the first and second rounds favor [McGregor] a lot," Oliveira stated, aligning with the conventional wisdom surrounding McGregor’s fight strategy and historical performance. McGregor has often secured his most spectacular knockouts within the initial two rounds, leveraging his explosive power and precision. "Conor has a great chance of getting the knockout early if he can impose his game."
However, Oliveira quickly shifted the advantage to Holloway beyond the initial exchanges. "After that, things swing much more in Max’s favor… But once you get past those rounds, Max definitely has a much better chance of winning." This analysis underscores the contrasting styles of the two fighters: McGregor’s explosive, high-impact early assault versus Holloway’s volume-heavy, high-pace, and highly durable approach designed to wear down opponents over time.
The history between McGregor and Holloway dates back to August 2013, where McGregor secured a unanimous decision victory over Holloway at UFC Fight Night 26. Both fighters were early in their UFC careers at that time, and the encounter served as a precursor to their respective rises to championship status. Since that initial meeting, both men have evolved significantly, developing into two of the most decorated and popular athletes in the sport. McGregor went on to capture featherweight and lightweight titles, while Holloway dominated the featherweight division for an extended period, earning a reputation as one of the most prolific strikers in UFC history.
McGregor’s return at UFC 329 against Holloway is not just a high-profile fight; it is a critical juncture for his career. A victory would re-establish his standing at the elite level and potentially pave the way for further high-stakes matchups, including potentially a shot at a lightweight title or a BMF title. A loss, particularly after a long layoff and two previous defeats, could raise significant questions about his future at the sport’s pinnacle.
For Holloway, this fight represents an opportunity for redemption against one of the sport’s biggest names and a chance to solidify his legacy further. Despite his recent loss to Oliveira, Holloway remains a top contender, consistently delivering "Fight of the Year" performances and maintaining a high ranking in the featherweight division. A win over McGregor, especially after their initial encounter a decade ago, would be a monumental addition to his already impressive resume.
Charles Oliveira’s comments, therefore, add a layer of intrigue to the narrative surrounding McGregor’s comeback. While Oliveira continues his pursuit of unifying belts and cementing his own legacy, his direct challenge to McGregor’s choice of opponent highlights the competitive dynamics and personal rivalries that define the upper echelons of mixed martial arts. The impending clash between McGregor and Holloway will not only address the questions surrounding McGregor’s return but also potentially set the stage for future confrontations involving the sport’s most prominent figures, including Oliveira himself.
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