Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira has indicated a target timeframe of March or April 2026 for a potential BMF title rematch against Max Holloway, clarifying that a recent social media post suggesting a January 2026 date was erroneous. Oliveira confirmed ongoing discussions with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) regarding the high-profile bout but stressed that no definitive contract has been signed or official announcement made. The Brazilian submission specialist conveyed his current focus on vacation with his family, dispelling the prematurely circulated rumors.
Oliveira addressed the speculation directly via his Instagram stories, stating, "Look, there’s nothing confirmed about my fight, Max Holloway and I for January. I’m on vacation with my family. That [post] came out these days and there’s a lot of people calling me, tagging me. So far, we don’t know anything. And it certainly won’t be in January, just to make it clear. But this fight will happen. I want it, he wants it, and you also want it." This unequivocal statement from "do Bronx" underscores the strong mutual interest from both fighters and the fervent anticipation from the global mixed martial arts fanbase for a second encounter between two of the sport’s most dynamic and popular athletes.
The genesis of this potential rematch stems largely from Oliveira’s persistent campaign following his recent fights. After an unsuccessful attempt to reclaim the vacant lightweight title against Ilia Topuria earlier this year, Oliveira immediately pivoted his focus towards a showdown with Holloway. His resolve only intensified after a dominant submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot weeks later in the main event of a UFC card held in his home country of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro. Oliveira has consistently articulated his desire to challenge for the BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title, a belt currently held by Holloway, signaling a strategic shift in his career objectives beyond solely pursuing the conventional divisional championship.
Max Holloway, known as "Blessed," secured the BMF title in July by delivering a spectacular knockout victory over Dustin Poirier, a performance that captivated the MMA world and further solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting strikers. This impressive win served as a significant rebound for Holloway, who had previously suffered a featherweight loss to Ilia Topuria in late 2024, a bout where he attempted to reclaim his former featherweight gold. Holloway’s recent activities have showcased his willingness to compete across divisions and his continued evolution as a fighter, making a BMF title defense against a formidable opponent like Oliveira a logical and highly marketable next step.
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Oliveira elaborated on the timeline, adding, "We’re just waiting for the contract, but I believe it should be around March or April, so I expect to have some news soon. It that [post] came out it means something is coming. Not now, but soon." This provides a clearer, albeit still unofficial, window for when fans might expect to see these two legends collide again. The expectation of an official announcement in the near future suggests that negotiations are progressing positively, setting the stage for one of the most compelling rematches in recent UFC history.
The historical context of their first encounter adds significant narrative weight to this proposed rematch. Holloway and Oliveira first met in the octagon in August 2015, in a featherweight bout (145 pounds) that lasted a mere 99 seconds. The fight concluded abruptly when Oliveira suffered an unfortunate neck injury, rendering him unable to continue and resulting in a TKO victory for Holloway. At the time, both fighters were promising contenders, but neither had yet reached the pinnacle of their respective divisions. "Blessed" would go on to achieve significant success, capturing the UFC featherweight championship just over a year later and establishing a dominant reign in the 145-pound division, defending his title multiple times against elite competition. Oliveira, meanwhile, embarked on a longer, more arduous journey, eventually finding his stride in the lightweight division (155 pounds) and culminating in him capturing the UFC lightweight championship almost six years after their initial encounter. The stark difference in their paths to UFC gold, combined with the inconclusive nature of their first fight, fuels the narrative for a definitive rematch.
Fighter Records and Recent Trajectories
Charles "do Bronx" Oliveira (34-10, 1 NC) stands as one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history. His record boasts an incredible 20 finishes within the UFC, the most in the promotion’s history, highlighting his dangerous submission game and increasingly potent striking. A former UFC Lightweight Champion, Oliveira secured the title in May 2021 by defeating Michael Chandler and successfully defended it against Dustin Poirier before losing it on the scale prior to his fight with Justin Gaethje, where he won but was stripped of the title. His recent performances include a loss to Ilia Topuria via TKO, followed by a bounce-back submission win over Mateusz Gamrot, showcasing his resilience and continued threat at the top of the lightweight division. Oliveira’s fighting style, characterized by aggressive pressure, dangerous ground game, and constant pursuit of finishes, has made him a fan favorite and a perennial contender.
Max "Blessed" Holloway (26-7) is widely regarded as one of the greatest featherweights of all time. His record includes a remarkable 10 knockout victories in the UFC, a testament to his volume striking, precise boxing, and iron chin. Holloway held the UFC Featherweight Championship from June 2017 to December 2019, defending it against notable opponents such as José Aldo (twice), Brian Ortega, and Frankie Edgar. His recent career has seen him alternate between featherweight and lightweight, demonstrating his versatility. His dominant BMF title win over Dustin Poirier in July cemented his status as an elite pound-for-pound fighter, while his prior loss to Ilia Topuria at featherweight showed his continued willingness to face the toughest challenges. Holloway’s relentless pace, exceptional cardio, and diverse striking arsenal make him a formidable opponent for any fighter.
The Significance of the BMF Title
The BMF title, an unconventional championship in the UFC, holds a unique place in the sport. Inaugurated in 2019 following a public demand for a fight between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz, it was created to crown the "Baddest Motherf***er" in the UFC, celebrating fighters known for their grit, exciting style, and willingness to engage in thrilling contests. While it does not represent a traditional divisional championship, it carries significant prestige and fan appeal. Masvidal was the inaugural holder, with the title later contested and won by Holloway against Poirier. For both Oliveira and Holloway, who embody the spirit of the BMF title through their aggressive, fan-friendly fighting styles and remarkable careers, securing or defending this belt adds a distinct layer to their legacy. It signifies not just championship status, but also recognition as one of the most entertaining and fearless competitors in the sport.
A potential rematch between Oliveira and Holloway, with the BMF title on the line, would undoubtedly be a monumental event for the UFC. For Oliveira, a victory would not only avenge his past loss but also establish him as a multi-divisional threat and solidify his claim as one of the most dangerous fighters regardless of weight class. It could also provide a compelling argument for another shot at the lightweight title. For Holloway, a successful defense of the BMF belt against a former lightweight champion like Oliveira would further enhance his already legendary status, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level across divisions and against different stylistic challenges. The fight would pit two of the most statistically impressive and fan-favorite fighters against each other, promising a clash of striking artistry versus submission prowess, relentless pressure versus unyielding cardio. As the MMA world awaits official confirmation, the prospect of Oliveira and Holloway finally settling their score under the bright lights of a major UFC event in early 2026 continues to build immense anticipation.
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