Charles Oliveira Vs. Max Holloway – How Does It Play Out?

Charles Oliveira called out Max Holloway after beating Mateusz Gamrot, as we look at how a fight could play out. 

Oliveira submitted Gamrot in the second round at UFC Rio, which was the perfect response to his last fight. He had just been knocked out by Ilia Topuria at UFC 317, as he missed out on the vacant UFC Lightweight Title. After his win, Oliveira said he wanted the BMF Champion Holloway next. Holloway beat Dustin Poirier in his last fight at UFC 318 to retain his belt, as The Diamond announced his retirement. Now, Charles wants Max next. 

“I’m trying to hold back the tears right now. This is all for you guys. It’s not about money, fame, status or anything. Screw it, this is Brazil. Hey [UFC executive] Hunter [Campbell], Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway, BMF — let’s make that happen,” Oliveira said

“I’m interested. We’ve been talking about this fight. Me and him have a history. He’s blaming it on some type of injury. I guess we get to figure it out now. Can you imagine? I don’t know if I want to wait that long, but we’ll see what happens. We’ll see what happens. Never say never,” Holloway stated

The Approach

Oliveira would approach the fight with calculated aggression, focused on either landing a fight-changing power strike or initiating a scramble to activate his ground game. Following his submission win over Mateusz Gamrot, Oliveira knows his path to victory against Holloway lies in exploiting the biggest hole in the Hawaiian’s game: submission defense.

Oliveira’s primary goal would be to land devastating leg or body kicks to slow Holloway’s volume, or to connect with a powerful punch—like the right hand that staggered Michael Chandler—to force a grappling exchange.

Holloway, the BMF Champion, would approach the fight with his signature high-volume attack, aiming to use his relentless pace and output to deny Oliveira breathing room. Holloway’s strategy would be to maintain distance with his precise jab and footwork, constantly throwing combinations to frustrate the former lightweight champion and accumulate damage.