Max Holloway defends BMF title on Saturday at UFC 326
It’s fight week for Max Holloway.
After months of buildup, the Waianae native will headline his 14th UFC main event Saturday night, defending his BMF title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in Las Vegas.
The bout marks a rematch of Holloway’s first career headlining fight 11 years ago and presents one of the most compelling stylistic matchups in the sport. Holloway, 34, enters as the UFC’s all-time leader in significant strikes landed, with nearly 3,900 in his career. Known for his relentless pace and volume boxing, only two of his 27 victories have come by submission.
Oliveira, meanwhile, is the promotion’s all-time leader in submission wins with 17, creating a classic striker-versus-grappler narrative — at least on paper.
“For sure. A lot of people keep talking about my ground game just because I don’t show it off too much,” Holloway said. “But why? Why is a magician going to show stuff that he doesn’t have to show? If everybody’s wowed with the first two tricks, why would I want to go to four, five, six?”
Holloway has hinted that he may look to surprise fans by engaging Oliveira in his own specialty.
“A real BMF thing to do is to go submit a submission artist,” Holloway said. “So don’t be surprised.”
Still, he acknowledged the danger Oliveira presents on the feet as well as on the mat.
“It is what it is. It’s a man fight,” Holloway said. “Most of the time Charles doesn’t submit guys because he gets them to the ground. He submits guys because he hurt them on the feet with his stand-up. So don’t be so surprised. Maybe I hurt him and maybe we jump something. Maybe not. Maybe we go out there and look for a knockout. But if it happens, if it’s there — never say never.”
UFC 326 is scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. Hawai‘i time on Paramount+.
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