Oliveira Targets Max Holloway for BMF Gold After Pivotal UFC Fight Night in Rio

Charles Oliveira, a dominant force in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s lightweight division, has explicitly challenged BMF titleholder Max Holloway for a high-stakes bout, signalling his intent to add another prestigious belt to his collection following his upcoming performance at UFC Fight Night in Rio de Janeiro. The call-out underscores Oliveira’s ambition to navigate a path back to championship contention while settling a decade-old score against one of the sport’s most decorated athletes.

Oliveira is scheduled to face Mateusz Gamrot in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night in Rio, a pivotal contest for the Brazilian standout. This fight marks a significant moment in Oliveira’s career for multiple reasons: it is his first time competing on home soil in six years, providing an opportunity to perform before his passionate compatriots. More critically, it serves as a crucial bounce-back opportunity following his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 in October, a defeat that saw him relinquish his lightweight championship. Known as "Do Bronx" to his legion of fans, Oliveira has expedited his return to the Octagon specifically to fight in Brazil, demonstrating his commitment to reclaiming his stature in the division.

Speaking to CBS Sports through a Portuguese interpreter, Oliveira articulated his immediate goals, stating, "Winning this fight and fighting for the title, whether it’s BMF or the title of the division. This is a great fight that will propel me toward a title." This statement clarifies his dual aspirations: either a direct challenge for the BMF title or a clear trajectory back into the conventional lightweight championship picture. The potential for a clash with Max Holloway, a fighter renowned for his relentless pressure and striking volume, aligns perfectly with Oliveira’s strategy to engage in high-profile, fan-favourite matchups that elevate his standing.

A rematch with Holloway is strategically appealing for Oliveira on several fronts. Beyond the inherent prestige of facing a fighter of Holloway’s calibre, such a bout would significantly thrust Oliveira forward in the competitive lightweight title landscape. Furthermore, it presents a compelling opportunity for Oliveira to redeem his 2015 loss to Holloway, an outcome that has lingered in the back of his career narrative. "Everyone would love to see the Max [Holloway] fight," Oliveira affirmed, emphasizing the widespread appeal of such a matchup. "And I want this to be my next fight."

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The initial encounter between Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway took place nearly a decade ago, in August 2015, at UFC Fight Night 74 in Saskatoon, Canada. At that time, neither fighter had yet ascended to the pinnacle of their respective divisions as UFC champions. The fight ended in an unusual manner, with Holloway securing a bizarre first-round victory via TKO after Oliveira suffered what was later reported as a micro-tear in his esophagus during a grappling exchange. This conclusion, while clinically explained, unfortunately contributed to a narrative at the time that labelled Oliveira as prone to quitting, a perception he would spend years dismantling. In the immediate aftermath, Oliveira’s career saw a turbulent period, losing three of his next five fights by stoppage, a stark contrast to his later dominance.

However, a significant turning point arrived after his bout with Paul Felder in December 2018. From that point, Oliveira embarked on a remarkable 11-fight winning streak, predominantly securing victories via finish, a run that culminated in him capturing the vacant lightweight championship and defending it successfully against elite contenders. This "Rocky"-esque resurgence cemented his legacy as one of the most resilient and dangerous fighters in UFC history, known for his record-breaking submission prowess and increasingly potent striking. Conversely, Holloway’s win over Oliveira in 2015 was the seventh in an impressive 11-fight stretch that ultimately saw him become one of the greatest featherweight champions of all time, defending his title multiple times and establishing himself as a pound-for-pound elite.

Max Holloway, known as "Blessed," has also been exceptionally active and successful in recent times, particularly highlighted by his sensational performance at UFC 300 in April. At this landmark event, Holloway captured the ceremonial BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title with a last-second, buzzer-beater knockout of Justin Gaethje, a finish widely acclaimed by CBS Sports as its 2024 Knockout of the Year. The BMF title itself was originally introduced at UFC 244 in 2019, where Jorge Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz to claim the inaugural belt. Holloway’s victory over Gaethje, a lightweight contender and former interim champion, further solidified his reputation for taking on the toughest challenges and delivering unforgettable performances.

Following his BMF title win, Holloway also secured a victory over Dustin Poirier, a fight that was billed as Poirier’s retirement bout, at UFC 318 in July. However, shortly after this high-profile win, Holloway announced in August that he had suffered a hand injury during the Poirier fight, an injury projected to sideline him until 2026. This extended recovery timeline introduces a significant variable into Oliveira’s immediate call-out, raising questions about the feasibility of the desired matchup in the near future.

Holloway himself has previously addressed Oliveira’s perspective on their initial fight. During an interview on UFC’s "About Last Fight" at UFC 318, Holloway reacted to Oliveira’s past claims about the 2015 injury. "There’s also Oliveira, I heard he was yapping, saying our first fight was with injuries," Holloway remarked. "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 reflect a clear skepticism regarding the severity or existence of the injury that ended their first contest, adding another layer of competitive tension to any potential rematch.

Charles Oliveira’s career trajectory is marked by unparalleled resilience and a relentless pursuit of finishes. He holds the UFC record for most finishes (20) and most submission wins (17), a testament to his elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background. After a somewhat inconsistent start to his UFC tenure, navigating various weight classes, Oliveira found his true calling at lightweight. His championship reign, which began with a TKO victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 262, saw him successfully defend the title against Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, both by submission, showcasing his ability to overcome adversity and finish high-level strikers. His recent loss to Ilia Topuria, a fighter who also knocked out Alexander Volkanovski, represents a significant setback but one from which Oliveira is determined to rebound. His "all-action" style, characterized by aggressive striking and immediate submission threats, has made him a fan favourite and a constant threat in the division.

Max Holloway, a Hawaiian native, boasts a professional record that places him among the greatest featherweights in mixed martial arts history. His volume striking, exceptional cardio, and iron chin have allowed him to dominate opponents, holding records for most significant strikes landed in UFC history. His featherweight title reign included memorable victories over Jose Aldo (twice), Brian Ortega, and Frankie Edgar. While his ventures into the lightweight division have not yielded a championship, his performances against Poirier (twice, once for interim title) and Gaethje demonstrated his willingness to challenge himself against the division’s best, proving he can hang with top lightweights despite being undersized. The BMF title, while not a divisional championship, signifies his status as a fighter willing to engage in thrilling, high-risk bouts, further enhancing his marketability.

The prospect of an Oliveira-Holloway rematch presents numerous implications for both the lightweight and BMF title pictures. If Oliveira can secure a decisive victory over Mateusz Gamrot in Rio, it would undoubtedly re-establish his position as a top contender, making a case for either a direct lightweight title shot or the BMF challenge. The lightweight division is currently packed with talent, including reigning champion Islam Makhachev and other formidable contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje, meaning Oliveira would need a compelling win to jump the queue.

However, the primary hurdle for the Holloway rematch remains the BMF champion’s projected return timeline. If Holloway’s hand injury indeed keeps him out until 2026, Oliveira would likely need to pursue other options in the interim. The call-out could also be a strategic move to plant the seed for a future super-fight, regardless of the immediate divisional implications. The stylistic matchup between Oliveira’s dangerous ground game and ever-improving striking against Holloway’s relentless pressure, durable chin, and record-breaking striking volume promises an explosive encounter that would undoubtedly captivate the global mixed martial arts audience. For now, all eyes will be on Charles Oliveira’s performance in Rio, a critical step towards realizing his ambitious title aspirations and potentially setting the stage for one of the most anticipated rematches in UFC history.