Quick Read
- Charles Oliveira called out Max Holloway for a BMF title rematch after his UFC Rio win over Mateusz Gamrot.
- Max Holloway accepted the challenge, proposing a fight in March 2026, likely in Las Vegas.
- Their first fight in 2015 ended after Oliveira suffered an esophagus injury just 69 seconds in.
- The bout could headline a major UFC event as part of the new Paramount broadcast era.
- Both fighters are recovering from recent injuries but are eager to settle their decade-old rivalry.
Oliveira’s Triumphant Return Fuels BMF Rematch Hype
On a vibrant Saturday night at UFC Rio, Charles Oliveira reminded the world why he remains one of the sport’s most electrifying finishers. Just 105 days after suffering a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria, Oliveira bounced back in style, submitting Mateusz Gamrot in the second round before a raucous home crowd. The victory marked his 21st career finish, tying him for the all-time record across major MMA organizations. Yet, it wasn’t just the win that stole headlines—it was Oliveira’s post-fight challenge, delivered straight to UFC matchmaker Hunter Campbell: a call for a BMF title rematch against Max Holloway.
Oliveira’s message was clear and heartfelt. “It didn’t matter if it would be a knockout, a submission or a decision. This is a win for the Brazilian crowd,” he told UFC’s social media team, reflecting on the doubts surrounding his comeback. But with the Gamrot win, Oliveira not only silenced skeptics—he reignited a rivalry that’s lingered since 2015, when he suffered an abrupt defeat to Holloway due to a freak esophagus injury.
Max Holloway Answers the Call: ‘Why Wouldn’t I Be Interested?’
Max Holloway, the current BMF titleholder, wasted no time responding. Minutes after Oliveira’s post-fight declaration, Holloway fired off the now-iconic DJ Khaled “Another One” GIF on social media—an unmistakable signal of interest. Later, on his Kick live stream, Holloway elaborated: “Why wouldn’t I be interested? We have a history. He blamed it on some type of injury. I guess we get to figure it out now.”
For fight fans, this is more than a grudge match. It’s a reunion of two fighters who have each transformed from hungry contenders into global stars and champions. Holloway, who captured the interim featherweight title in 2016 and went on to defend the undisputed belt three times, has since added the symbolic BMF title to his resume—winning it by knocking out Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 and defending it against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318.
Yet, as Holloway made clear, timing is everything. He’s currently recovering from a hand injury sustained in his last fight, still limited to strength and conditioning. “I’ll be back to training soon. Maybe February? March could work out as well. Fight in Las Vegas or something. We fighting on my brother.” Holloway isn’t keen on waiting until June for the UFC’s planned White House event, but he’s open to possibilities. “Can you imagine? I don’t know if I want to wait that long, but we’ll see what happens. Never say never.”
Oliveira’s Perspective: Redemption, Legacy, and Brazilian Pride
For Oliveira, a rematch with Holloway is about more than revenge—it’s a chance to cement his legacy. The Brazilian has already proven his resilience, returning from a devastating loss and reasserting his place among lightweight elites. “I just wanted to come back as soon as possible and you guys saw that I was right in the octagon,” Oliveira said. His win over Gamrot keeps him near the top of the lightweight rankings, and a BMF showdown with Holloway could serve as a de facto title eliminator.
Oliveira is open to fighting anywhere, anytime. “It can be at his house. If it’s not in Brazil, it can be anywhere in the world… [March] is perfect. It’s a perfect fight,” he said during his post-fight press conference, as reported by CBS Sports. The champion’s willingness to travel, combined with Holloway’s star power, means the fight could headline a major event—potentially in Las Vegas, as suggested by Holloway.
The stakes are immense: for Oliveira, it’s a shot at redemption and another championship; for Holloway, it’s a chance to further solidify his status as the sport’s “Baddest” and add another legendary name to his résumé.
Decade-Old Rivalry: History and Evolution
Their first encounter in 2015 ended abruptly, with Oliveira suffering a rare esophageal injury just 69 seconds into the fight. At the time, both were rising prospects. Since then, their careers have diverged and flourished: Holloway became a dominant featherweight force, while Oliveira ascended in the lightweight division, eventually capturing the undisputed title and dispatching some of the division’s biggest names.
Now, with both fighters coming off impressive wins after knockout setbacks to Ilia Topuria, the timing feels right. As Yahoo Sports noted, “Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira 2 in 2026? Sign us up.” With the UFC entering a new broadcast era under its $7.7 billion rights deal with Paramount, this matchup could be one of the first marquee headliners outside the pay-per-view model.
Fan Anticipation and Business Implications
The prospect of Holloway vs. Oliveira II has set social media abuzz. Both fighters have massive fan bases and reputations for all-action bouts. UFC executives, including Hunter Campbell, are likely weighing the commercial and sporting potential of the rematch. The BMF title, while unofficial, has become a symbol of fighting spirit and crowd-pleasing style—exactly what both men embody.
If the fight lands in Las Vegas, expect a sell-out crowd and global attention. If it’s held at the White House event in June, the spectacle could reach new heights of mainstream visibility. Either way, the anticipation is already building. As Holloway mused, “We’ve been talking about this fight. Me and him have a history.”
What Comes Next?
With both fighters publicly expressing interest, the main hurdles are timing and venue. Holloway’s hand injury is the only significant obstacle. As soon as he’s medically cleared, expect negotiations to intensify. Oliveira, healthy and eager, has made his stance clear: he’s ready for the challenge, wherever it may be.
For fans, this is the kind of fight that brings MMA’s narratives full circle—a chance to see who has truly evolved, and whether the outcome will echo the past or rewrite it entirely.
In a sport defined by reinvention and rivalry, the upcoming Holloway-Oliveira BMF showdown stands as a testament to resilience, ambition, and the power of unfinished business. Both fighters have proven they can rise from adversity; now, their destinies converge once again, promising a contest that could redefine their legacies and the BMF title itself.