Max Holloway has his sights set on a blockbuster rematch with former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. After Oliveira’s callout at UFC Rio, many within the MMA community were buzzing with excitement. Many want to see the two fan-favorites clash again in 2026.
Holloway wasted no time responding to Oliveira’s challenge. The former featherweight champion quickly accepted and made it clear he wants the fight. He aims to continue his push toward a lightweight title shot.
Holloway even plans to raise the stakes by putting his BMF title on the line.
During an interview with Uncrowned‘s Drake Riggs, Holloway confirmed his intentions. He said Oliveira deserves a shot at the BMF title and believes they have unfinished business. ‘Blessed’ has respect for ‘Do Bronx’ for issuing the challenge.
“[Oliveira is] the fight I want. That’s the fight a lot of people wants to see,” Holloway said. “We have history. There’s not too many people right now that others are considering BMFs, and on that very short list, Charles Oliveira is one of them.”
He added:
“You’re telling me I get to go out there and defend the BMF title again against a man who is very respected, who I have history with?”
With the UFC’s new media rights deal with Paramount in 2026, a Holloway vs. Oliveira rematch would certainly draw interest. The bout combines star power, history, and high stakes with the BMF title, creating a worthy headliner.
Max Holloway Doubts Charles Oliveira Suffered Injury in Their First Fight
Max Holloway also discussed their first meeting at UFC Saskatoon in 2o15. That fight ended abruptly after Charles Oliveira suffered a freak injury in the 1st round.
Reports at the time said Oliveira tore his esophagus, forcing the fight to stop. ‘Blessed’ was awarded with a 1st round TKO victory.
Now, 10 years later, Holloway questioned whether Oliveira’s reported injury was legitimate. He said he never saw clear proof of the injury and feels the Brazilian’s injury claim didn’t add up. The BMF title holder wants another fight to settle any doubts once and for all.
“The first time he talked about our fight, it was an injury or whatever, so let’s figure it out. If you believe [I won] because of the injury, and everybody’s going to come at me after this hits,” Holloway told Uncrowned. “At the end of the day, if you really did your research, nothing was ever found for an injury when he got released from the doctor.”
Holloway Eyeing Lightweight Title Shot
Beyond redemption, Holloway has bigger goals. He wants to earn a lightweight title shot and join the list of fighters who became two-division UFC champions. That achievement would mark a major milestone in his already legendary career.
Speaking with Uncrowned, Holloway said the Oliveira rematch aligns with his title ambitions. A decisive victory could push him closer to a lightweight title shot. It might even set up another huge fight, possibly a rematch with Ilia Topuria .
Holloway currently holds the No. 4 spot in the lightweight rankings , while Oliveira sits at No. 3. He praised the Brazilian’s achievements at lightweight. However, he made it clear that he is using their rematch as a stepping stone to the title.
“I would love that fight [with Oliveira]. He did great things, he actually was a champion at one point,” Holloway said. “Me getting another win over another top-5 guy would only get me closer to a title shot, where I eventually want to be.”
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