Overview
- Oliveira defeated Max Holloway by unanimous decision at UFC 326, controlling five rounds with takedowns and repeated submission threats to claim the BMF belt.
- Holloway issued an apology on social media, praised Oliveira, and said he is not retiring, vowing to put in the work for a return.
- Fans and notable fighters, including Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor, criticized the main event as dull given the BMF belt’s action-oriented expectations.
- Post-fight, Oliveira reiterated his push for the undisputed lightweight title, floated a BMF grand prix concept, and said he is willing to serve as backup for the White House card.
- In the rankings fallout, Holloway stayed No. 4 at lightweight as pound-for-pound lists shifted, and analysts highlighted Benoit Saint-Denis, Dan Hooker and Paddy Pimblett as viable rebound options, with Pimblett also expressing interest in facing Oliveira.