Oliveira Targets BMF Gold, Calls for Holloway Rematch Ahead of Pivotal Rio Homecoming

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Mixed martial arts stalwart Charles Oliveira has publicly declared his intention to challenge reigning "BMF" champion Max Holloway, signaling a strategic pursuit of another coveted title following his upcoming bout at UFC Fight Night in Rio de Janeiro. Oliveira, known for his dynamic and often violent approach inside the octagon, aims to leverage a potential victory over Mateusz Gamrot this Saturday to propel himself into a high-stakes rematch against the Hawaiian phenom.

Oliveira, a former UFC Lightweight Champion, is poised for a significant return to his home country, marking his first professional fight in Brazil in six years. The highly anticipated contest against Poland’s Mateusz Gamrot (24-2, 1 NC), currently ranked No. 5 in the lightweight division, serves as a crucial juncture for "Do Bronx." It offers not only a chance to reconnect with his fervent Brazilian fanbase but also an opportunity to rebound from his recent knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 in February, a defeat that saw him relinquish his claim to the lightweight title.

"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. "This is a great fight that will propel me toward a title."

The strategic call-out of Max Holloway (26-7), who secured the symbolic BMF title with a dramatic knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April, is multifaceted. A rematch with Holloway presents a high-profile matchup that could significantly advance Oliveira’s standing within the stacked lightweight division. Furthermore, it offers Oliveira a compelling narrative for redemption, seeking to avenge a peculiar and contentious loss from nearly a decade ago.

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"Everyone would love to see the Max [Holloway] fight," Oliveira affirmed. "And I want this to be my next fight."

The initial encounter between Oliveira and Holloway transpired on August 23, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 74 in Saskatoon, Canada. At the time, neither fighter had yet ascended to championship status in the UFC. The fight concluded abruptly in the first round, just 1 minute and 39 seconds in, when Oliveira suffered an esophageal injury, forcing a stoppage and awarding Holloway a TKO victory. The nature of the injury, later described by some medical reports as inconclusive regarding its exact cause or severity, contributed to a challenging period for Oliveira, leading to a temporary reputation as a fighter prone to quitting. In the aftermath, Oliveira experienced a difficult stretch, losing three of his next five fights, all by stoppage.

However, Oliveira’s career trajectory underwent a profound transformation following a decisive victory over Paul Felder in 2017. What followed was an extraordinary run of 11 consecutive victories, predominantly secured by finishes, culminating in his capture of the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2021. This remarkable resurgence, often described as "Rocky"-esque, saw him establish himself as one of the most prolific finishers and submission artists in UFC history. His record currently stands at 34 wins, 10 losses, and 1 no-contest, with an astonishing 21 finishes (10 KOs, 11 submissions). He holds the UFC records for most finishes (20) and most submission victories (16).

Conversely, Holloway’s win over Oliveira in 2015 was a pivotal moment in his own ascent. It marked the seventh victory in an impressive 11-fight winning streak that ultimately led him to become one of the most dominant featherweight champions in UFC history. Holloway’s "Blessed Era" at 145 pounds included notable victories over José Aldo (twice), Brian Ortega, and Frankie Edgar, solidifying his reputation as an all-time great striker with unparalleled volume and durability. His professional record stands at 26 wins and 7 losses.

Holloway, fresh off his spectacular BMF title win, has acknowledged Oliveira’s desire for a rematch and has not shied away from addressing the lingering questions surrounding their first encounter. Following his victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 in July, which was widely speculated to be Poirier’s retirement fight, Holloway weighed in on Oliveira’s claims of injury.

"There’s also Oliveira, I heard he was yapping, saying our first fight was with injuries," Holloway told UFC’s "About Last Fight" during UFC 318. "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."

This exchange highlights the historical tension and unresolved narrative between the two fighters, adding another layer of intrigue to a potential future clash. However, a significant hurdle for any immediate rematch is Holloway’s current physical condition. In August, Holloway announced that he had sustained a hand injury during his grueling five-round war with Dustin Poirier at UFC 318. The injury is expected to sideline him until 2026, pushing any potential bout with Oliveira well into the future.

The BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title, currently held by Holloway, is a unique, ceremonial championship within the UFC. It was originally introduced at UFC 244 in November 2019, where Jorge Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz to claim the inaugural belt. The title, while not a traditional divisional championship, quickly gained notoriety for celebrating fighters known for their relentless, fan-friendly styles and willingness to engage in high-octane battles. Holloway’s capture of the BMF title at UFC 300, achieved with a stunning last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje – a finish that CBS Sports lauded as its 2024 KO of the Year – cemented his status as a modern-day fight icon and added another illustrious, albeit unconventional, piece of hardware to his collection.

For Charles Oliveira, the upcoming bout against Mateusz Gamrot is paramount. Gamrot, a highly skilled wrestler and grappler with a strong striking base, represents a formidable challenge. A victory would not only solidify Oliveira’s position in the lightweight rankings, potentially setting up another shot at the undisputed lightweight title currently held by Islam Makhachev, but also provide the momentum needed to push for the high-profile BMF fight against Holloway. The lightweight division remains one of the UFC’s most competitive, with a host of contenders vying for supremacy. A win over Gamrot would undoubtedly place Oliveira back in the thick of the title conversation and enhance the already compelling narrative for a showdown with Holloway.

The prospect of Oliveira and Holloway meeting again, nearly a decade after their first inconclusive encounter and with both fighters having since reached the pinnacle of the sport, promises a spectacle that transcends traditional divisional implications. It would be a clash between two of the most exciting and accomplished fighters in UFC history, each with a compelling storyline, a point to prove, and an indelible legacy to further cement. While Holloway’s injury delays such a clash, Oliveira’s outspoken call-out ensures that the seeds of a future super-fight have been firmly planted.