Looking ahead to March 7 in Las Vegas, the combat sports world is set to witness a rematch that has been brewing for over a decade. UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira 2 is confirmed for the T-Mobile Arena, bringing together two of the most beloved fan favorites in Mixed Martial Arts history. This isn’t just a fight; it’s a legacy checkpoint for two future Hall of Famers who have defined the featherweight and lightweight divisions for a generation.

The narrative is rich with history, redemption, and violence. On one side, you have Max “Blessed” Holloway, the BMF champion and arguably the greatest boxer in UFC history, coming off a career-defining trilogy win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318. On the other, Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira, the submission king who recently reminded the world of his danger by submitting Mateusz Gamrot in October. With both men having recently fallen to the double-champ terror that is Ilia Topuria, this fight serves as a title eliminator of sorts—or perhaps something more important: a battle for eternal respect.

In this comprehensive early look, we break down the technical matchup, the stakes, and why this fight is undoubtedly the biggest event of the spring 2026 calendar.

The Context: A Rematch 10 Years in the Making

To understand the magnitude of this fight, we must rewind to August 2015. At UFC Fight Night 74 in Saskatoon, a young Max Holloway faced a young Charles Oliveira. The fight ended abruptly and anticlimactically when Oliveira suffered a freak esophagus/neck injury just 1 minute and 39 seconds into the first round. It was recorded as a TKO win for Holloway, but it left a hollow feeling for both competitors.

Since that night, their paths have diverged and conquered:

• Max Holloway went on to become the Featherweight Champion, defending the belt multiple times and setting practically every striking record in the promotion’s history.
• Charles Oliveira rebuilt himself, went on an 11-fight win streak, and captured the Lightweight Championship, becoming the most prolific finisher the UFC has ever seen.

Now, they meet again. But they are no longer prospects; they are legends. The “unfinished business” tag is real, but the stakes are higher. Holloway holds the BMF belt, a symbolic title that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this matchup. Oliveira is fighting to prove he is still the premier threat at 155 pounds despite the knockout loss to Topuria at UFC 317.

Striking Breakdown: Volume vs. The Muay Thai Clinch

The technical clash on the feet is fascinating because it pits the ultimate volume striker against one of the most dangerous pressure fighters.

Max Holloway: The Avalanche

Max Holloway’s striking metrics are absurd. Averaging over 7.2 significant strikes per minute, he drowns opponents in activity. His performance against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 showed that even at lightweight, his cardio and durability hold up. Holloway’s key weapon here will be his body work. By attacking the body, he can sap Oliveira’s gas tank—a historical weakness for “Do Bronx” in drawn-out wars.

Holloway’s ability to switch stances and create angles allows him to avoid the straight power shots. However, he must be wary. The knockout loss to Topuria at UFC 308 proved that Max is human. His chin, once thought crackable only by a sledgehammer, has accumulated damage. He cannot afford to eat clean shots from Oliveira, who hits deceptively hard.

Charles Oliveira: The Chute Boxe Style

Oliveira strikes with a traditional Chute Boxe aggression: marching forward, high guard, looking to clinch. His Muay Thai clinch is lethal. Against Holloway, Oliveira needs to close the distance without getting picked apart. If he can force Max against the fence, he can unleash knees to the body and elbows over the top.

One specific technique to watch is the calf kick. Max stands heavy on his lead leg (despite his movement), and Volkanovski exposed this vulnerability years ago. Oliveira has excellent low kicks; if he compromises Max’s movement early, the volume will drop, and the “Blessed” express will derail.

The Grappling Equation: Can Max Stay Standing?

This is the defining question of the fight. Charles Oliveira is the greatest submission artist in UFC history, boasting over 17 submission wins. He doesn’t just look for takedowns; he jumps on backs, snatches necks in transitions, and pulls guard if hurt.

Max Holloway has famously elite takedown defense (historically hovering around 83-84%). He famously stuffed almost every attempt from wrestlers like Frankie Edgar. However, Oliveira is not a wrestler; he is a chaotic grappler. He thrives in the scramble.

The Danger Zone: If Max knocks Charles down (a common occurrence in Oliveira fights), will he follow him to the ground? History says Max is smart enough to let Charles stand back up. But Oliveira often baits opponents into his guard. If Max gets overzealous looking for a finish, he could wake up in a triangle choke. We saw Islam Makhachev navigate this danger by having superior top control, but Max is a striker first. His best path is to treat the ground like lava.

For a deeper understanding of ground mechanics, check out a guide on modern ground and pound evolution.

Stakes and Title Implications

With Ilia Topuria sitting atop the lightweight throne after his historic win at UFC 317, the division is in a unique state. Topuria has victories over both men (KO’ing Max at FW and Charles at LW). A win here likely doesn’t guarantee an immediate title shot against Topuria, given the recency of their losses.

However, the UFC landscape changes fast. A spectacular finish could force the UFC’s hand. Moreover, this fight is likely for the BMF Title. Holloway won it against Gaethje and defended it against Poirier (in spirit, if not officially sanctioned every time). putting it on the line against Oliveira—a fighter who embodies the “kill or be killed” mentality—is perfect booking.

There is also the “Legacy” factor. Both men are eyeing the Hall of Fame. Winning this rematch cements their status as the better fighter of the era. For Oliveira, beating Holloway adds a name to his resume that few lightweights have (Poirier, Gaethje, Chandler, and now Holloway?). It would be a murderer’s row of victories.

The Undercard: Hidden Gems at UFC 326

While the main event steals the headlines, the UFC 326 card features some pivotal matchups that hardcore fans should not miss. The co-main event rumors suggest a middleweight clash with serious implications.

• Reinier de Ridder vs. Caio Borralho: A fascinating grappler vs. grappler/striker hybrid. De Ridder, the former two-division ONE champion, has had a mixed run since joining the UFC, but his submission game is elite. Borralho has looked unstoppable, blending high-level judo with improved striking. The winner here enters the top 5 conversation.
• Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson: A “loser leaves town” or perhaps just a “violence guarantee” fight between two veterans who only know how to move forward.
• Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Rob Font: The ultimate test for the youngster. Rosas Jr. has been carefully managed, but facing a seasoned striker like Rob Font is a massive step up. If Rosas can get it to the mat, he wins. If Font keeps it standing, the kid is in trouble.

For those following the European scene, keep an eye on the prelims where several rising stars are looking to break into the rankings. Check the UFC Rankings Explained guide to see how these fights impact the ladder.

Prediction: Who Leaves Las Vegas Victorious?

Predicting a fight between Holloway and Oliveira is a nightmare for bettors. The volatility is off the charts.

The Case for Holloway: Max survives the early storm. He uses his footwork to deny the clinch and punishes Oliveira’s body. As the fight enters Rounds 4 and 5, Oliveira fades (as seen against Poirier or in the Tsarukyan loss), and Max pours on the volume for a late TKO or a clear decision.

The Case for Oliveira: Charles hurts Max early. We’ve seen Max wobbled more in recent years. Oliveira is a ruthless finisher. He lands a clean knee in the clinch, hurts Max, drags him down, and secures a rear-naked choke in Round 2.

The Verdict: Max Holloway’s durability has cracked slightly, but his cardio and defensive wrestling remain elite. Oliveira’s tendency to accept the bottom position could be fatal against a smart veteran like Max who won’t engage there. Expect a war, but Max Holloway via Unanimous Decision seems the safest, yet still risky, bet.

Don’t forget to check the latest medical suspensions and fight updates as we get closer to fight week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When and where is UFC 326 taking place?

UFC 326 is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026. The event will be held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, considered the home of big UFC pay-per-views.

How can I watch UFC 326 in Estonia or Europe?

In Estonia and most of Europe, the main card typically airs on Viaplay or Go3 Sport, depending on current rights deals. The Prelims are often available on UFC Fight Pass. Check a guide on How to Watch UFC in Estonia for specific channel listings and start times.

What happened in the first fight between Holloway and Oliveira?

The first meeting took place at UFC Fight Night 74 in August 2015. It ended in the first round when Charles Oliveira suffered a tear in his esophagus (initially thought to be a neck/shoulder injury) while attempting a takedown. Max Holloway was awarded the TKO victory, but due to the injury, it was never considered a definitive conclusion to their rivalry.

Is the BMF Title on the line at UFC 326?

While not always officially confirmed until fight week, Max Holloway is the current BMF Champion. Given the high-profile nature of this fight and Oliveira’s exciting style, it is widely expected to be contested as a 5-round BMF title fight, even if no divisional belt is at stake.

Who is the current Lightweight Champion going into UFC 326?

As of early 2026, Ilia Topuria holds the UFC Lightweight Championship after knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June 2025. Topuria is currently the two-division champion (Featherweight and Lightweight).