Charles Oliveira claimed the BMF title with a unanimous decision victory (50-45 x3) over Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 326 on March 7, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Brazilian's grappling-heavy style neutralized Holloway's striking amid crowd boos, while the event featured standout finishes earning Performance bonuses and post-fight announcements including the UFC Freedom 250 card.
UFC 326 took place on March 7, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, headlined by a lightweight BMF title rematch between champion Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira—11 years after Holloway's first-round TKO win over Oliveira due to injury.
Oliveira dominated from the start. Round one featured leg kicks into a body lock takedown, side control with elbows, and submission attempts (face crank, neck crank); Holloway escaped late (10-8 Oliveira). Round two: takedown to back with body triangle and elbows; Holloway survived chokes. Rounds three and four mirrored with takedowns, half guard/mount control, and strikes (noting a round three streaming blackout). Round five saw Holloway briefly reverse, but Oliveira regained top for a late exchange, capped by Holloway's signature point-down flurry too late to matter. Oliveira improved to 37-11; judges scored 50-45 unanimously.
The grappling focus drew boos, contrasting BMF stand-and-bang history. Commentator Joe Rogan defended Oliveira as masterful against 'casuals.' Post-fight, Holloway showed respect: 'Hell of a fighter, true BMF,' earning a BJJ black belt from coach Pedro Sauer for submission defense. Oliveira replied, 'I respect you so much... my biggest pride is representing my family like you,' and prioritized a lightweight title shot while challenging critics like McGregor and Diaz.
Performance of the Night bonuses ($100,000 each) went to Alberto Montes (R2 anaconda choke sub over Ricky Turcios in debut), Rodolfo Bellato (R1 TKO via left hook/gnp over Luke Fernandez), Drew Dober (R2 KO left hand over Michael Johnson, extending lightweight KO record), and either Raul Rosas Jr. (UD grappling over Rob Font) or Gregory Rodrigues (R1 KO revenge over Brunno Ferreira) per sources. No Fight of the Night.
Undercard highlights: Co-main Caio Borralho UD (30-27 x3) over Reinier de Ridder (called out Dricus du Plessis); Rosas Jr. swept Font 30-27; Rodrigues KO'd Ferreira R1; Dober KO'd Johnson R2; Cody Garbrandt controversial decision over Xiao Long (low blows); Donte Johnson split over Cody Brundage.
UFC CEO Dana White announced UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14, headlined by Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje (lightweight title) and Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane (heavyweight interim). Other bouts: Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi, Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler, Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus, Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia. White dismissed Jon Jones' involvement claims as 'bull***t' and confirmed McGregor return talks but no deal. Jones responded on social media. UFC inducted Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk (UFC 248) into Hall of Fame Fight Wing.
