Max Holloway’s long-overdue rematch with Charles Oliveira is set to headline UFC 326 in a blockbuster clash years in the making.
Holloway will defend his BMF belt against the Brazilian submission ace, as two former world champs collide once again.
UFC 326 Holloway vs Oliveira 2 | SUN 8 MARCH 1PM AEDT | After 11 years removed from their first encounter, Max Holloway will face the former lightweight champ Charles Oliveira for the BMF Championship, in Las Vegas. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
Their first fight came more than a decade ago, where the Hawaiian needed barely 90 seconds to force a stoppage after Oliveira suffered a freak neck injury.
In the years that followed, both men have carved out massive UFC careers.
Holloway has cemented himself as one of the greatest featherweights of all time and heads into this fight fresh off a win over Dustin Poirier.
Oliveira’s run has been a bit more up and down. He tore through the division with an epic 11-fight unbeaten streak between 2018 and 2022 – a stretch that saw ‘Do Bronx’ claim the UFC lightweight title – but he hasn’t been able to string two wins together since.
Now, with scores to settle and some hardware up for grabs, this one promises to deliver.
WHAT IS THE BMF BELT?
Think of the BMF Belt as the UFC’s unofficial trophy for the fighter who is equal parts toughest and most entertaining.
The belt was created in 2019 as a cheeky way to salute the fighter who brings chaos no matter what. Even when it’s often in their best interest to play it safe.
Nate Diaz famously declared he wanted to fight Jorge Masvidal for what he called the “baddest motherf****r in the game” belt… and the UFC listened.
The title was then introduced for a blockbuster showdown between the pair at UFC 244, with Masvidal walking away as the inaugural champ after beating Diaz via third round doctor’s stoppage.
UFC 326: Full Press Conference | 21:09
WHY ARE THESE TWO FIGHTERS LOVED SO MUCH?
Because fans know what they are getting every time they walk to the Octagon.
Holloway has built his reputation on pace, a willingness to stand and trade with anyone, and an otherworldly chin.
Oliveira, meanwhile, is a record-breaking finisher who has produced countless crazy comeback wins.
Most importantly, neither man fights safe – which makes them perfect for the BMF showdown.
HOW TO WATCH
Aussie fight fans can catch all the action for UFC 326 LIVE on Main Event via Kayo.
Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel is the exclusive home of UFC Pay-Per-View.
Fox Sports Australia will also be running a live blog of the event.
WHEN IS IT?
UFC 326 takes place on Sunday 08 March (Australian time) in Las Vegas.
MAIN CARD START TIME (All times AEDT)
NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, ACT – 1:00pm AEDT
South Australia – 12:30pm ACDT
Queensland – 12:00pm AEST
Northern Territory – 11:30am ACST
Western Australia – 10:00am AWST
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UFC 325 FIGHT CARD
Main card
Max Holloway (c) vs Charles Oliveira – for BMF title
Caio Borralho vs Reinier de Ridder – Middleweight
Rob Font vs Raul Rosas Jr – Bantamweight
Drew Dober vs Michael Johnson – Lightweight
Gregory Rodrigues vs Brunno Ferreira – Middleweight
Preliminary card
Cody Garbrandt vs Xiao Long – Bantamweight
Donte Johnson vs Cody Brundage – Middleweight
Ricky Turcios vs Alberto Montes – Featherweight
Cody Durden vs Nyamjargal Tumendemberel – Flyweight
BETTING ODDS FOR FEATURES (via SportsBet)
Holloway $1.46 to win, $2.75 to win via KO/TKO, $3.15 via decision, $21.00 via submission
Oliveira $2.73 to win, $9.50 to win via KO/TKO, $11.50 via decision, $4.50 via submission
Volk wants quick turnaround | 03:19
PREDICTIONS
Nick Walshaw: Max Holloway by TKO Round 4
Tipping the Hawaiian megastar to retain his Baddest Mother F***er title late, and via finish. Given his outstanding takedown defence, I reckon Holloway will not only keep this fight standing, but throw relentlessly, and from range, in yet another signature piece of ‘Blessed’ violence.
James Cooney: Max Holloway by TKO Round 3
‘Blessed’ has much better footwork and a titanium chin. I simply can’t see Charles being able to stand with him for more than three rounds, but happy to be proved wrong.