UFC 326: Charles Oliveira dominates Max Holloway to win BMF title

Holloway, 34, and Oliveira, 36, entered the contest as two of the most popular fighters on the UFC roster and two future Hall of Famers.

Former featherweight champion Holloway holds the record for the most strikes in UFC history with 3,681, and became the first fighter to defend the BMF belt when he defeated Dustin Poirier last year.

Oliveira entered the bout as the fighter with the most finishes in UFC history with 21, and the most submission wins with 17.

The pair previously fought in 2015 and Holloway won via knockout, but Oliveira said in the lead-up to the rematch that he was a “jiu-jitsu fighter” then, compared to an “MMA fighter” now.

From the first round, Oliveira showed his development as a fighter when he put Holloway on the defensive, before picking up an early win.

For more than four minutes, Oliveira looked for a submission on the ground, and although Holloway defended resolutely, it would be a pattern that would be repeated throughout the fight.

Holloway landed sparingly on his feet, and as he did, Oliveira showed little respect for the Hawaiian’s power as he charged forward before securing multiple takedowns.

As the fight wore on Holloway’s body language between rounds, she became more depressed as his corner looked for ways to try and keep the fight going.

Oliveira cemented his dominance throughout the bout when, during the final few seconds, he adopted Holloway’s trademark down-and-down gesture, as the pair stood and traded blows.

Both fighters were down but it was Oliveira who celebrated when the final bell rang with the Brazilian confident of victory after recording more than 20 minutes of ground control.

After the fight, Oliveira asked if there was a spot on the UFC’s White House card for him to compete next.

Cruiserweight champion Elia Topuria will face interim titleholder Justin Gaethje at the event scheduled for June 14, so although it is unlikely, if Oliveira is added to the card he will be in a bout to defend his BMF belt.