Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira are both eager to face off soon. After Oliveira defeated Mateusz Gamrot on Saturday, he reiterated his wish to fight Holloway. Holloway immediately accepted the challenge following UFC Fight Night but indicated he doesn’t want to delay the matchup any longer than necessary.
Before Saturday’s event, Oliveira expressed to CBS Sports his hope for a BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title fight, with Holloway as his next opponent. After Oliveira restated his desire for the fight, Holloway agreed, stating on the Kick livestream, “I’m interested. Why not?” He also mentioned the ongoing talks between them and their past history, urging that any injury excuses be worked out now.
According to Uncrowded, Holloway suggested a potential fight date in March, calling it “very possible.” The former UFC featherweight champ and current ceremonial BMF titleholder prefers not to wait until the June event at the White House, though he hasn’t set a firm return date yet as he recovers from a hand injury sustained in his July victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318. Holloway is currently focusing on strength and conditioning without a formal medical diagnosis.
Oliveira appeared to accept the proposed terms during his post-fight press conference, saying through a Portuguese interpreter that March would be ideal and the fight could take place at Holloway’s home or anywhere outside Brazil.
The two fighters have a history dating back to 2015, before either held a UFC title, but their previous fight ended abruptly when Oliveira suffered a torn esophagus just 69 seconds into the main event.
Fan Take: This matchup reignites a rivalry with unfinished business and high stakes for both athletes. For fight fans, it promises an electrifying clash that could crown a definitive BMF champion and push the excitement in MMA to new heights.
