Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira are set to headline UFC 326 on Saturday, with Oliveira aiming to dethrone Holloway for the BMF title. This isn't their first encounter, as their 2015 Fight Night main event ended abruptly due to an injury. Since then, both fighters have achieved championship glory and are considered Hall of Fame contenders. Let's delve into their BMF credentials and explore why this fight is a must-watch.
Max Holloway: The Striking Specialist
Max Holloway, known for his exceptional striking skills, boasts an impressive 23-8 record in the UFC. His win percentage of .741 is the highest among fighters with at least 30 bouts. Holloway's dominance is further highlighted by his 13-fight winning streak from January 2024 to April 2019, which is tied for the fifth-longest in UFC history. As the former UFC featherweight champion, he defended his title three times. Holloway's claim to BMF fame is rooted in his belief that he is the best striker in the UFC, a claim supported by his striking records. In his fight against Calvin Kattar, he set records for most significant strikes landed in a fight (445) and in a single round (141). Holloway's prowess is evident in his 100-plus significant strikes in 17 of his 31 UFC fights, making him the only fighter to successfully defend the BMF title.
Charles Oliveira: The Finishing Machine
Charles Oliveira, known as 'Do Bronx', has an impressive 24-11-1 NC record in the UFC. His win percentage of .667 is tied for second-highest among fighters with at least 30 bouts. Oliveira's claim to BMF fame is based on his record for the most finishes in UFC history, with 21 career finishes. In June 2018, he submitted Clay Guida with a guillotine choke, and his rise to UFC lightweight champion within three years was unprecedented. Oliveira's dominance is further showcased by his nine-fight winning streak, during which he finished eight of nine opponents. His victory over Michael Chandler in May 2021 to capture the UFC lightweight title marked his 17th career finish, surpassing Donald Cerrone's record. Since then, Oliveira has added four more finishes, including wins over Poirier and Gaethje in title defenses.
The BMF Battle: Holloway vs. Oliveira
As Holloway and Oliveira prepare for their second showdown, the question remains: who will emerge as the BMF champion? Holloway's striking prowess and successful title defense make him a strong contender. On the other hand, Oliveira's finishing record and recent title defenses cannot be overlooked. This fight promises to be an exciting display of skill and strategy, leaving fans eager to see who will claim the BMF title. Will Holloway's striking dominance prevail, or will Oliveira's finishing record secure his victory? The outcome of this bout will undoubtedly spark debates and discussions among MMA enthusiasts, making it a must-watch event for all UFC fans.
