Tom Aspinall names his pick for Charles Oliveira vs Max Holloway showdown

Aspinall believes Oliveira’s grappling ability could prove decisive when the two fighters clash for the BMF title.

The Briton suggested that even though ‘Blessed’ rarely spends time on the ground, Oliveira may still find a way to drag the fight into his strongest area.

“I think that Oliveira takes this one actually. I think that although we don’t see Max on the ground very often, I think that he’ll get hold of him, he’ll drag him down and I think he’s going to submit him,” Aspinall said.

Oliveira’s submission game has long been one of the most dangerous weapons in the UFC, as the Brazilian holds the promotion’s record for the most submission wins in its history, with 17.

Tom Aspinall explains Max Holloway’s possible route to victory

Despite backing Oliveira, Aspinall believes Holloway still has a path to victory if he can keep the fight standing.

“I think the only way that Holloway can win is the way that he wins most of his fights, which is that pressure, volume – his fitness is unbelievable – and just staying at the right range,” he explained.

The 32-year-old heavyweight also pointed to Holloway’s ability to control distance as a key factor.

“Both guys are really tall for lightweights, but I think that if he stays in the right range, keeps him at the end of his punches, doesn’t overstep, doesn’t go too much in, which he doesn’t really do anyway… I think there is a way for Holloway to win on points, or maybe stop him with strikes later in the fight,” Aspinall concluded.