BMF titleholder Max Holloway isn’t afraid to challenge grappling ace Charles Oliveira’s Jiu-Jitsu in their UFC 326 rematch.
In one of the biggest fights of 2026, BMF champion Max Holloway and former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will headline a stacked card at UFC 326. Holloway and Oliveira battled earlier in their careers, with Holloway earning a TKO win after Oliveira suffered an injury just minutes into the fight.
Holloway vs. Oliveira 2 could feature another striking showcase in the Octagon between the two fierce lightweights. But Oliveira, who is looking to secure another UFC lightweight title shot, also possesses arguably the greatest submission grappling in the promotion’s history.
If the fight gets to the ground, Holloway is prepared to give Oliveira one of his toughest tests yet.
Max Holloway exudes confidence in potential grappling battle with Charles Oliveira
In a recent interview with Stake, Holloway squashed one of the big narratives surrounding the UFC 326 main event.
“I find it funny, people say that this is a striker vs grappler matchup, but this is MMA,” Holloway said of Oliveira.
“Charles is not a straight jiu-jitsu guy, he uses his strikes to set up his grappling. I’ve seen some people say, ‘If it goes to the ground, it’s over for Max,’ and I’m like, what?!
“I am very confident in my takedown defense, but also my ground game. I’ve been training in jiu-jitsu for years, I love it. I have way more jiu-jitsu sessions now than any other aspect, and I actually like them the most.
“I like training in the gi. I saw some things online with people saying why am I doing that, it’s unrealistic,” Holloway continued. “But if you can’t hold me down in a gi, then you’re not going to hold me down when I’m all sweaty in an MMA fight.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)
What is your prediction for Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira 2? Let us know in the comments!