Ali Akbar Rosady
The octagon lights dimmed on UFC 326 in Las Vegas, marking the conclusion of a night that saw new narratives forged and existing ones redefined, prompting immediate speculation regarding the next steps for its combatants, particularly Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and a cohort of ascendant talents. Alexander K. Lee, an editor for MMA Fighting with extensive experience covering combat sports since 2014, along with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, have commenced the analytical process of charting these future matchups, as detailed in the latest edition of "On To the Next One."
Charles Oliveira, a fighter synonymous with high-stakes contests and dramatic finishes, emerged from the main event as the new UFC "BMF" (Baddest Motherf***er) champion. His performance against Max Holloway was characterized by a suffocating, dominant display that ultimately secured the victory. Despite claiming the ceremonial silver belt with a convincing showing, the fan base’s reaction was notably subdued, sparking discussions on the fight’s broader implications and the trajectory of both main event participants.
Oliveira’s ascent to the BMF title represents another significant chapter in a career already decorated with a previous reign as the undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion. Prior to this bout, Oliveira (34-9, 1 NC professional MMA record) had established himself as one of the most prolific submission artists and dangerous finishers in UFC history. His journey through the lightweight division has been marked by a series of high-profile victories against elite competition, including Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Chandler, often showcasing a relentless offensive style that combines devastating striking with an unparalleled jiu-jitsu game. The BMF title, originally introduced in 2019 and first held by Jorge Masvidal, is not a traditional divisional championship but rather a symbolic recognition of a fighter’s reputation for aggression, resilience, and fan-pleasing performances. Oliveira’s dominant win over Holloway, while securing the belt, was criticized by some for lacking the explosive, highlight-reel finish often associated with his prior outings or the "BMF" moniker itself. His strategic control, stifling Holloway’s offensive rhythm and largely neutralizing his output through grappling exchanges and calculated striking, proved effective but perhaps less spectacular than some ardent fans anticipated.
Looking ahead for Charles Oliveira, the immediate question revolves around the significance of the BMF title versus a pursuit of the undisputed Lightweight Championship. Given his prior status as champion, a return to the lightweight title picture seems a logical and ambitious next step. The current lightweight landscape is highly competitive, with Islam Makhachev holding the undisputed title and a queue of formidable contenders including Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and Arman Tsarukyan. A potential matchup against the winner of an upcoming lightweight title eliminator, or a direct challenge to Makhachev, would undoubtedly be a blockbuster event. Oliveira’s tactical approach against Holloway, though not universally praised for its excitement, demonstrated an evolved fighting maturity, capable of sustained pressure and control against a highly durable opponent. This adaptability could serve him well against the diverse skill sets of the lightweight division’s elite. While no official statements have been made regarding his next opponent, the consensus among analysts like Alexander K. Lee and Mike Heck is that Oliveira remains a top-tier threat, capable of challenging for any championship.
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For Max Holloway (25-8 professional MMA record), the loss to Oliveira marks a pivotal moment in his career. A former undisputed UFC Featherweight Champion, Holloway’s legacy is firmly cemented as one of the sport’s all-time greats, known for his relentless pace, volume striking, and unwavering toughness. His featherweight reign saw him defend the title multiple times against elite challengers such as Jose Aldo (twice), Brian Ortega, and Frankie Edgar. His venture into the BMF title fight at lightweight was an attempt to broaden his horizons and secure another prestigious accolade. Against Oliveira, Holloway found himself in unfamiliar territory, unable to consistently dictate the pace or establish his customary high-volume striking attack. Oliveira’s superior grappling and ability to close distance effectively limited Holloway’s opportunities, leading to a unanimous decision defeat.
The path forward for Holloway presents a clear choice: either remain at lightweight for another run or return to the featherweight division where he has long been a dominant force. A return to featherweight (145 lbs) would immediately place him among the top contenders, despite his previous three losses to current champion Alexander Volkanovski. Compelling matchups at featherweight include a potential clash with Yair Rodriguez, Brian Ortega, or a rising contender like Movsar Evloev. These fights would offer Holloway an opportunity to reassert his dominance in his natural weight class and potentially set up a fourth, highly anticipated encounter with Volkanovski should circumstances align. Given his status as a fan favorite and his consistently entertaining style, Holloway remains a significant draw, and the UFC will undoubtedly look to place him in a high-profile bout that allows him to showcase his exceptional talents once more.
Beyond the main event, UFC 326 also highlighted the continued rise of several other fighters. In the co-main event, Caio Borralho (16-1, 1 NC professional MMA record) delivered a commanding performance, sweeping the scorecards against Reiner de Ridder. Borralho’s victory was a significant statement in the middleweight division, showcasing his well-rounded skill set and tactical prowess. De Ridder (16-2 professional MMA record), a decorated fighter known for his grappling dominance and prior success in other organizations, presented a formidable challenge, making Borralho’s unanimous decision win even more impressive. Borralho, who has steadily climbed the UFC ranks since his Contender Series appearance, demonstrated a blend of precise striking, effective takedown defense, and controlled aggression that kept de Ridder constantly on the back foot. This win solidifies Borralho’s position as a fighter on the cusp of the middleweight top 15. Potential next opponents for Borralho could include ranked fighters such as Roman Dolidze, Nassourdine Imavov, or Brendan Allen, all of whom would offer a significant step up in competition and further test his championship aspirations.
Another notable performance came from Raul Rosas Jr. (9-2 professional MMA record), who secured a workmanlike win over veteran Rob Font. At just 19 years old, Rosas Jr. is the youngest fighter currently on the UFC roster and has garnered significant attention since his debut. His victory over Font (20-8 professional MMA record), a seasoned bantamweight contender known for his high-volume striking and durability, was a testament to Rosas Jr.’s maturity and strategic approach. While perhaps not the explosive finish many associate with the young prodigy, the win demonstrated his ability to control the pace, utilize his grappling effectively, and grind out a decision against a highly respected opponent. This "workmanlike" performance suggests a developing tactical intelligence alongside his raw talent. For Rosas Jr., the UFC’s careful matchmaking will be crucial to his continued development. Opponents like Adrian Yanez, Mario Bautista, or a similarly positioned unranked veteran would provide the necessary experience to hone his skills without rushing him into overly challenging matchups too early in his burgeoning career.
UFC 326 also saw two fighters earn well-deserved performance bonuses for their thrilling efforts. Drew Dober (27-12, 1 NC professional MMA record) and Gregory Rodrigues (15-5 professional MMA record) captivated audiences with their bonus-winning performances, underscoring their reputations as consistent purveyors of action. Dober, a lightweight known for his aggressive striking and willingness to engage in fire-fights, undoubtedly delivered another memorable outing that resonated with fans and officials alike. His consistent ability to produce exciting fights makes him a valuable asset in the lightweight division, and a matchup against another action fighter like Renato Moicano or Jalin Turner would be a logical and highly anticipated next step. Rodrigues, affectionately known as "RoboCop," is a middleweight with a penchant for brawls and dramatic finishes. His performances are often characterized by relentless pressure and powerful strikes, leading to thrilling exchanges. This bonus-winning effort further cemented his status as one of the most exciting fighters in the 185-pound division. Potential opponents for Rodrigues could include Gerald Meerschaert or a rematch with a previous opponent who delivered a similarly exciting fight, as the UFC often looks to pair him with fighters who guarantee fireworks.
The post-event analysis from experts like those featured on "On To the Next One" serves as a critical mechanism for dissecting these performances and projecting the evolving landscape of the UFC’s divisions. From the nuanced implications of a BMF title win for a former champion like Oliveira, to the strategic career plotting for a returning legend like Holloway, and the careful development of rising stars such as Borralho and Rosas Jr., UFC 326 has provided ample material for extensive debate and anticipation. As the dust settles in Las Vegas, the matchmaking teams at the UFC will now commence the intricate process of scheduling the next chapters for these fighters, shaping the narratives that will define the upcoming events and ultimately, the future champions of the sport.
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