Max Holloway isn’t dwelling on his loss at UFC 326. Instead, the former BMF champion is already looking ahead to his next fight.
Holloway entered the BMF title clash with Charles Oliveira as the betting favorite. Many fans expected another highlight-reel moment from “Blessed.” But the fight took a very different turn, as Oliveira dominated the grappling exchanges and controlled much of the bout en route to a unanimous decision victory.
Despite the setback, Holloway showed respect to his opponent immediately after the fight while speaking with longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan.
“Just stick and move, you know? That was the game plan,” Holloway said. “But they came with a better game plan. You’ve got to give it up for Oliveira. Hell of a fighter. A true BMF. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
While the fight didn’t go as planned, Max Holloway made it clear he’s far from finished in the UFC.
“I’m going to come back, whoop somebody’s ass and be right in title contention again,” Holloway said. “I ain’t done yet. I’m going to see Mr. Oliveira again, bro. That’s for sure.”
Oliveira’s grappling-heavy strategy proved effective throughout the five-round battle. Holloway, who holds the record for most strikes landed in UFC history, struggled to establish his usual striking rhythm as the Brazilian repeatedly secured takedowns and maintained dominant control on the ground.
The UFC 326 bout marked Holloway’s continued run in the lightweight division after spending most of his career competing at featherweight.
The move to 155 pounds allowed Max Holloway to add more strength to his frame while avoiding the difficult weight cuts that defined his featherweight tenure. Before facing Oliveira, Holloway picked up a major win over Dustin Poirier in what was billed as Poirier’s retirement fight.
However, the defeat to Oliveira now leaves Holloway with a 1–2 record in his last three fights, including his unsuccessful attempt to regain the featherweight title against Ilia Topuria in 2024.
Despite the loss, Max Holloway remains one of the most popular fighters on the UFC roster, and there’s no shortage of exciting matchups waiting for him at lightweight.
Potential opponents include rising stars such as Paddy Pimblett, Benoît Saint Denis, Mateusz Gamrot, and Mauricio Ruffy.
