On Saturday, March 7, UFC 326 will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, featuring a highly anticipated rematch between Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway for the BMF title. The event brings together two of the UFC’s most accomplished former champions more than a decade after their initial encounter, promising an intense showdown for fans of mixed martial arts.
The anticipation for this fight is intense, as both Oliveira and Holloway have grown significantly since their first bout, making this clash not only a personal rivalry but also a crucial battle for career legacies and the coveted BMF championship.
Background on the Oliveira-Holloway Rivalry and What’s at Stake
This rematch headline is especially meaningful because it is the second time these two fighters meet inside the Octagon. Their first face-off occurred in August 2015, ending with Holloway securing a first-round TKO victory after Oliveira suffered a neck injury. Since then, both athletes have established themselves as elite competitors in UFC history.
Max Holloway currently holds the BMF title and is recognized for his relentless pace and striking volume, alongside being a former featherweight champion. Charles Oliveira, on the other hand, is a former UFC lightweight champion who holds the record for the most submission wins in the promotion’s history. This fight offers Oliveira an opportunity to avenge his early career defeat, while Holloway aims to continue defending his BMF belt and enhance an already impressive resume that includes triumphs over several notable former champions.
Fans of Holloway can reflect on his many memorable and intense battles throughout his career, highlighting the resilience and skill that have defined his time in the UFC.
Key Matchups and Undercard Highlights at UFC 326
Apart from the main event, UFC 326 features several high-profile bouts across multiple weight classes. One of the most anticipated undercard matchups is the middleweight contest between Caio Borralho and Reinier de Ridder, with both fighters seeking to climb toward title contention.
Additional main card fights include Rob Font facing Raul Rosas Jr., Drew Dober against Michael Johnson, and Gregory Rodrigues matched with Brunno Ferreira. These contests promise competitive action and potential shifts in divisional rankings.
The preliminary card offers notable names as well, such as former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt going up against Xiao Long. Other prelim fights include competitors like Cody Brundage, Ricky Turcios, and Cody Durden, adding depth to the overall event lineup. Notably, a scheduled bout between Jeong Yeong Lee and Gaston Bolanos was cancelled when Lee missed weight during official weigh-ins.
Event Timing and Viewing Details for UFC 326
UFC 326 will follow a structured schedule beginning with early preliminary fights at 5:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. PT), followed by the prelims at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT). The main card kicks off at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT), with the expected walkouts for the headline fight between Holloway and Oliveira projected around 11:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. PT), although this timing may vary depending on preceding bouts.
The Las Vegas event is listed locally as starting at 6 p.m. PT, and viewers in the United States will be able to watch the fights through the UFC’s official broadcast partners. As one of the year’s early major pay-per-view cards, UFC 326 serves as a prime showcase for the sport’s top contenders across divisions.
Betting Expectations and Predictions for the Main Event
Heading into the main event, Max Holloway enters as the betting favorite, with sportsbooks such as SportsBettingDime setting his odds at approximately -230. This reflects an implied winning chance close to 69 percent. Despite this, Charles Oliveira remains a formidable opponent, known for his highly dangerous finishing ability and his record-shattering submission skills.
Oddsmakers emphasize Holloway’s exceptional durability, cardio, and striking volume as key factors favoring him, but Oliveira’s aggressive grappling and capacity to end fights decisively keep the matchup unpredictable and exciting for fans and bettors alike.
The collision between these two former champions for the BMF title, supported by a competitive lineup filled with ranked fighters, positions UFC 326 as one of the most eagerly awaited events of the spring fight calendar.
“Who ever losses, the fans will be left devastated but highly entertained by the two legends.” ?Anonymous
