At UFC 326 in Las Vegas on March 7, Charles Oliveira successfully defended the BMF belt by defeating Max Holloway in their rematch. Oliveira controlled much of the fight with a grappling strategy that earned him a decision victory, but the lack of action led many fans to leave the T-Mobile Arena before the bout concluded.
UFC 326’s Main Event Fails to Thrive Amid Rising Expectations
The BMF title, since its inception in 2019, has produced several thrilling fights. However, the Oliveira-Holloway matchup diverged from that tradition, falling short of the excitement fans have come to expect. Unlike past highlight-reel moments such as Justin Gaethje’s head kick knockout of Dustin Poirier or Holloway’s last-moment knockout at UFC 300, this fight emphasized control and grappling over striking fireworks.
This conservative approach left MMA enthusiasts disappointed, with many viewers and attendees deeming it the “worst BMF fight ever” and expressing frustration that the symbolic title’s reputation suffered. During the contest, large portions of the crowd streamed toward the exits; video footage captured by @IcyVert on X shows fans leaving the arena as the fight progressed.
“People are genuinely pissed and leaving early pic.twitter.com/79Mo3tttLn” — IcyVert
MMA’s Leading Promotion Faces Challenges Amid Controversy and Fan Discontent
UFC 326 marks a continuation of a difficult period for the promotion, particularly in its early presence on Paramount. Following controversy over the UFC 324 main event, which disappointed Arman Tsarukyan fans, and a highly criticized rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes — the sole undisputed title fight of 2026’s first quarter — the organization struggles to regain momentum.
The recent announcement of the UFC White House card for June 14 failed to excite the fanbase, further intensifying concerns about the promotion’s trajectory. With many fans and MMA enthusiasts unsettled by current offerings, pressure mounts on the UFC to produce more compelling matchups in the near future.
People are genuinely pissed and leaving early pic.twitter.com/79Mo3tttLn
— IcyVert (@IcyVert) March 8, 2026
