Charles Oliveira has built one of the most thrilling and aggressive legacies in UFC history. After his performance at UFC Fight Night in Rio, Oliveira is setting his sights on another electrifying matchup against the BMF champion, Max Holloway. But here's where it gets controversial: Oliveira wants this fight not just as a title challenge, but as a chance to settle old scores and prove something bigger.
This Saturday, Oliveira will step into the octagon in Rio de Janeiro to face Mateusz Gamrot. This bout holds significance on multiple levels—it’s Oliveira’s first fight in Brazil in six years, marking a homecoming for the Brazilian star, and it’s a crucial step as he aims to recover from a recent knockout defeat against Ilia Topuria. Known affectionately as "Do Bronx," Oliveira fast-tracked his return to the cage to compete on Brazilian soil. His ultimate ambition? To claim yet another championship belt and add it to his impressive collection.
"Winning this fight is key. It could set me up to fight for either the BMF title or the lightweight belt," Oliveira told CBS Sports through a Portuguese interpreter. "This is the kind of fight that will push me closer to another championship."
A rematch with Max Holloway checks off many boxes in Oliveira’s career goals. It’s a spotlight fight that could significantly elevate his status in the lightweight title chase while offering him the chance to avenge their decade-old encounter—an event most fans barely remember, but that shaped Oliveira’s early reputation.
"Everyone wants to see me fight Max again," Oliveira said. "I want this to be my very next challenge."
Their first meeting took place 10 years ago, before either fighter had reached championship status. The ending was unusual and controversial: Holloway won due to an esophageal injury that forced Oliveira to stop the fight in the very first round. At that time, this loss tarnished Oliveira's image, with many labeling him as someone who quits under pressure, especially after losing three of his next five bouts by stoppage.
It wasn’t until Oliveira’s defining victory over Paul Felder that he dramatically turned his career around. Since then, he has gone on an 11-fight winning streak, mostly by finishes, and ultimately earned his status as a gritty, “Rocky”-style lightweight champion. Meanwhile, Holloway’s triumph over Oliveira was part of his ascent to becoming one of the greatest featherweight champions ever, continuing a dominant 11-fight winning streak.
Holloway, fresh off defeating Dustin Poirier in Poirier’s retirement fight, has publicly shown openness to a rematch with Oliveira. But he doesn’t shy away from throwing shade. "I heard Oliveira was complaining, saying the first fight happened while he was injured," Holloway said on UFC’s "About Last Fight" podcast following UFC 318. "But they checked, and there was no official injury report. So I don’t know what nonsense he’s talking about."
Adding fuel to the rivalry fire, Holloway revealed in August that the hand injury he sustained against Poirier will keep him out of action until 2026, putting any immediate rematch plans on hold.
Holloway earned the ceremonial BMF title after a dramatic last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300—an epic finish that CBS Sports honored as the 2024 Knockout of the Year. This BMF title was originally given to Jorge Masvidal following his win over Nate Diaz at UFC 244, showing just how prestigious and gritty this championship has become.
So, will Oliveira get his shot to reclaim pride and capture another belt by facing Holloway? And do you think injuries or past results should define fighters’ legacies or opportunities? It’s a debate sure to spark passionate opinions among fight fans everywhere—what’s your take? Feel free to share your thoughts below.
