UFC 326: Experts Bet on Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira

The BMF belt on the line: Oliveira vs. Holloway at UFC 326

This weekend, the BMF title will be up for grabs. Charles Oliveira will challenge the current champion, Max Holloway, in the main event of UFC 326 on Saturday night. Holloway will seek his second defense of the ceremonial title. In his last fight, he defeated Dustin Poirier by unanimous decision in July. Oliveira, for his part, has suffered three losses in his last six fights, but will seek to start a new winning streak after submitting Mateusz Gamrot in the second round in his last octagon appearance in October. A panel of experts, including former fighters, coaches, and analysts, offers their predictions and analysis for the main event of UFC 326.

BMF Title Fight Analysis

Dustin Poirier: “It’s a difficult matchup to predict, but I’m going with my guy Max. I think Max will outstrike Oliveira and could get a referee stoppage. I don’t know if Max will knock him out, but a TKO is possible. Charles will have a hard time keeping Max on the ground, and Max will just tear him apart when the fight is standing.”

I have to go with Max on this. Over the years, Max has become a much smarter fighter. I think 155 pounds is the right weight class for him. His movement will be the deciding factor against Oliveira. It will allow him to avoid Charles’ kicks and takedowns, and eventually start on the offensive. And once Max gains momentum, there aren’t many people who can recover.

Din Thomas

There aren’t many people I would pick in a fight against Holloway right now. He’s too good, so unless it’s Ilia Topuria, I won’t pick them over Max. In fact, I think Max is more talented than Topuria, but Topuria has devastating power. So I’m not holding onto that result [a KO loss in 2024] against Max. For the fight against Oliveira, Holloway has incredible takedown defense and one of the highest IQs in the sport. Expect him to avoid the places where Oliveira is best and to pick him apart from the outside.

Anthony Smith

This fight is what being a BMF is all about. I love rematches and unfinished business. For Charles to win, I think he has to hurt Max or get a takedown, and Max is not an easy guy to take down. His footwork is very good and he has a great physique for the lightweight division. And he uses his footwork to further extend his reach. That’s why he switches stances. Between Max’s long reach, his fluidity, and the volume of his strikes, I think Charles will have to hurt him to take him to the ground. As long as they’re fighting on their feet, this matchup will be a field day for Max against Charles’ high guard.

Michael Chiesa