Ali Akbar Rosady
Brazilian mixed martial arts icon Charles Oliveira has publicly declared his intent to challenge reigning BMF champion Max Holloway, signaling a strategic move for a high-stakes title fight following his upcoming bout at UFC Fight Night in Rio de Janeiro. Oliveira, known for his dynamic and often violent fighting style, aims to leverage his return to his home country as a springboard for further championship contention, specifically eyeing the ceremonial "BMF" belt currently held by Holloway.
Oliveira is scheduled to face Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Fight Night in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, marking his first professional appearance before his home crowd in six years. This event holds dual significance for "Do Bronx": it represents a pivotal opportunity to rebound from his decisive knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 in February 2024, where he lost his bid for the lightweight title. Oliveira’s expedited return to competition, specifically to fight in Brazil, underscores his determination to regain momentum and reassert his position at the sport’s elite level.
"Winning this fight and fighting for the title, whether it’s BMF or the title of the division," Oliveira stated through a Portuguese interpreter to CBS Sports, outlining his immediate aspirations. "This is a great fight that will propel me toward a title." The former lightweight champion’s focus remains squarely on adding another piece of championship hardware to his extensive collection, irrespective of its traditional divisional standing.
A potential rematch with Max Holloway presents a multifaceted opportunity for Oliveira. Beyond the considerable fan interest and media attention such a contest would generate, it offers a direct pathway to remain relevant in the increasingly competitive lightweight title picture. Furthermore, it provides Oliveira with a chance to redeem his previous loss to Holloway, a fight that occurred nearly a decade ago under unusual circumstances.
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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 declaration highlights Oliveira’s specific interest in a contest that transcends standard divisional rankings, tapping into the narrative of redemption and fan-driven excitement.
The initial encounter between Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway took place on August 23, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 74 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The fight ended prematurely in the first round when Oliveira suffered an esophagus injury, leading to a TKO victory for Holloway. This peculiar conclusion regrettably contributed to an early, albeit temporary, reputation for Oliveira as a fighter prone to quitting or succumbing to pressure, a perception he would spend years systematically dismantling. In the immediate aftermath of that fight, Oliveira experienced a challenging period, losing three of his subsequent five fights by stoppage, further solidifying concerns about his resilience.
However, a significant turning point in Oliveira’s career arrived after his submission victory over Paul Felder at UFC 218 in December 2017. Following this win, Oliveira embarked on an extraordinary 11-fight winning streak, predominantly securing victories via finish. This remarkable run, characterized by his relentless aggression and unparalleled submission prowess, saw him evolve into a "Rocky"-esque figure in the lightweight division, culminating in his capture of the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship in May 2021. His journey from an inconsistent prospect to a dominant champion is one of the sport’s most compelling narratives.
Concurrently, Holloway’s victory over Oliveira in 2015 marked the seventh win in what would become an 11-fight stretch of dominance for the Hawaiian. This period saw Holloway ascend through the featherweight ranks, ultimately claiming the UFC Featherweight Championship and establishing himself as one of the division’s all-time greats, renowned for his incredible volume striking and durability.
Max Holloway, fresh off a spectacular knockout victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 in July 2024, where he successfully defended his BMF title, has also expressed a willingness to entertain a rematch with Oliveira. During an interview on UFC’s "About Last Fight" at UFC 318, Holloway addressed Oliveira’s previous comments regarding the injury from their first bout.
"There’s also Oliveira, I heard he was yapping, saying our first fight was with injuries," Holloway commented. "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 remarks indicate a readiness to revisit the narrative of their initial encounter, while simultaneously casting doubt on the specifics of Oliveira’s past injury claim.
However, the immediate feasibility of an Oliveira-Holloway clash faces a significant logistical hurdle. In August, Holloway announced that he had sustained a hand injury during his fight with Poirier, an ailment expected to sideline him from competition until 2026. This timeline presents a challenge for Oliveira’s call-out, suggesting that any potential BMF title fight would necessarily be a long-term prospect rather than an immediate next step following his Rio de Janeiro bout.
The BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title itself is a unique, unofficial championship within the UFC, created to acknowledge fighters who embody a certain ethos of toughness, excitement, and willingness to engage in thrilling contests. Holloway earned the BMF title with a dramatic, last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April 2024. The victory, achieved with mere seconds remaining in the fifth round, instantly became one of the most iconic moments in UFC history and was subsequently named CBS Sports’ "2024 KO of the Year." The BMF title was originally inaugurated at UFC 244 in November 2019, where Jorge Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz to claim the belt. Its existence signifies a shift towards recognizing and rewarding fighters who prioritize fan-friendly action and a fearless approach to competition.
Charles Oliveira currently holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 34 wins, 10 losses, and 1 no-contest. His career is highlighted by 21 finishes (10 knockouts, 11 submissions), holding the UFC record for most finishes (20) and most submission wins (16). His recent loss to Topuria snapped a run of wins that included victories over notable opponents such as Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje, all of whom he finished to claim and defend the lightweight championship. Ranked among the top contenders in the lightweight division, a victory over Mateusz Gamrot (24-2, 1 NC), himself a highly regarded and aggressive fighter, is crucial for Oliveira to maintain his elite standing and keep his championship aspirations alive.
Max Holloway’s professional record stands at 26 wins and 7 losses. Known for his incredible striking volume, granite chin, and relentless pace, Holloway has defeated a roster of elite featherweights, including Jose Aldo (twice), Frankie Edgar, and Brian Ortega. His BMF title win over Gaethje, a natural lightweight, showcased his ability to compete effectively at a higher weight class, adding another dimension to his already impressive legacy. Despite his current injury, Holloway remains a pivotal figure across two divisions.
Oliveira’s call-out of Holloway, while ambitious, is strategically timed to capitalize on the attention surrounding his return to Brazil and to position himself for a significant future bout. Should he emerge victorious against Gamrot, his claim for a BMF title shot against Holloway, once the Hawaiian recovers from his hand injury, would gain considerable traction. Such a fight, pitting two of the sport’s most exciting and historically significant figures against each other, would undoubtedly be a major draw for the UFC and its global fanbase, offering both a redemption narrative for Oliveira and another opportunity for Holloway to showcase his unique brand of "Blessed" violence.
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