The anticipated UFC 326 fight between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, originally set to headline the March 7th event, may lose its top billing due to rising interest in a potential undisputed flyweight title bout. While the rematch between these veteran fighters for the symbolic BMF belt has generated excitement, ongoing tensions between flyweight champion Joshua Van and contender Manel Kape have sparked speculation that their fight could overshadow Holloway and Oliveira’s clash.
With less than a month until UFC 326 in the U.S., social media exchanges between Joshua Van and Manel Kape are increasingly pointing toward a showdown that fans are eager to see. Both fighters have publicly called for the fight to be scheduled at this marquee event, intensifying the possibility that their bout may be added as the main event, thereby demoting Holloway vs Oliveira.
Tensions Rise Between Joshua Van and Manel Kape Over UFC 326 Clash
The flyweight champion Joshua Van ignited the verbal sparring by calling out his prime contenders, notably Manel Kape and Tatsuro Taira, on the social media platform X. Van aimed to provoke, notably tagging his opponents with a mix of humor and challenge. In response, Kape directly questioned Van’s hesitation to sign the fight contract for March 7th, increasing pressure for the bout to materialize.
We’re all waiting for u to sign for March 7th. What’s the delay? Pen out of ink or hands shaking?
Manel Kape responded to Van’s post, highlighting the urgency of finalizing the fight at UFC 326.
Sources reveal that a contract has indeed been offered, but Joshua Van’s camp has yet to finalize an agreement. This ongoing back and forth adds tension not only between the fighters but also around the event’s scheduling. Van also expressed frustration over the lack of fights, publicly demanding activity rather than a prolonged wait.
How y’all get mad at me asking for fights !?? Yall want me to wait all year or stay active!? @ufc,
Van posted, reinforcing his desire not to remain sidelined and indicating eagerness for competition.
The exchange between Van and Kape is intensifying fan anticipation for a possible flyweight title fight at UFC 326. Should this fight be confirmed as the main event, it would likely overshadow the Holloway vs Oliveira rematch for the BMF belt, which, while notable, does not carry the official title designation.
Charles Oliveira’s Confidence Ahead of Rematch With Max Holloway
The rematch between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira brings together two celebrated superstars with a history dating back more than a decade. Their first encounter at UFC Fight Night 74 in 2014 ended in a victory for Holloway after Oliveira suffered a neck injury early in the fight. Oliveira has since revealed that the injury was pre-existing, suggesting his initial performance did not reflect his full potential.
In the build-up to UFC 326, Oliveira has expressed strong confidence in his growth as a fighter, emphasizing the transformation from his previous self to the more complete mixed martial artist he is today.
From that last fight to this one, I evolved a lot,
Oliveira said in a recent video on his YouTube channel.
In that fight, I entered with an injury. It’s a completely different Charles. I know he’s evolved, he’s grown, he’s the BMF champion, but today’s Charles is a completely different Charles. At the time, I was just Charles of jiu-jitsu. Today, I’m Charles of MMA. I’m a complete guy. At that time, I was just a boy. Today, I’m a lion among lions, so it’s completely different, one fight from the other,
he added.
Despite recent setbacks, including a loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317, Oliveira has shown resilience, bouncing back with a win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Rio. His warrior mentality is clear, yet the true test will be facing a highly prepared Max Holloway, who demonstrated remarkable power and endurance in his recent bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318.
Future of UFC 326’s Main Event Remains Uncertain
As the UFC 326 event approaches, uncertainty remains surrounding which fight will ultimately headline the card. Max Holloway, the current BMF champion, and Charles Oliveira’s rematch offers a compelling story rooted in history and redemption, but lacks the official title stakes.
In contrast, the flyweight championship clash between Joshua Van and Manel Kape would involve undisputed title implications, raising the stakes significantly and commanding greater attention. This developing rivalry, characterized by public challenges and increasing tension, makes the flyweight bout a strong candidate to become the primary draw of UFC 326.
Fans and analysts alike await official announcements, eager to see if the flyweight showdown will indeed steal the spotlight, or if Holloway and Oliveira will retain the event’s main stage. The outcome could influence UFC’s event marketing and fighter momentum heading into the 2026 fight season.
We’re all waiting for u to sign for March 7th. What’s the delay? Pen out of ink or hands shaking? https://t.co/sRNqDMeOQT
— Manel Kape (@ManelKape) February 12, 2026
