BMF titleholder Max Holloway responded to Charles Oliveira's recent pitch for a rematch that was a decade in the making.
Max Holloway has not defended the BMF title since winning it with one of the most shocking knockouts in UFC history at UFC 300 last April. But 10 years after fighting Charles Oliveira in the featherweight division, they are now both UFC fan favorites, and the timing behind a potential rematch seems perfect for later this year.
Oliveira, who is in the mix for a potential lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev, recently called out Holloway in an interview for a shot at the BMF belt. Makhachev may not return to the Octagon until late 2025 after defeating Renato Moicano in the UFC 311 main event last weekend.
Oliveira and Holloway headlined a 2015 UFC Fight Night card, with Holloway scoring a TKO victory in the first round. Three fights later, Holloway earned the interim UFC featherweight belt by knocking out Anthony Pettis at UFC 206.
It didn't take long for Holloway to notice Oliveira's call.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Max Holloway slams online troll after responding to Charles Oliveira's call-out
After X account Championship Rounds shared Oliveira's quotes, Holloway seemed to accept the idea of facing Oliveira next.
“International fight week?” Holloway tweeted.
This year's International Fight Week is expected to take place in June or July, although nothing has been formally announced by the promotion yet. That time frame has also been suggested for the potential straight-line heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.
After a fan questioned why Oliveira wouldn't wait for Makhachev, Holloway hit back.
“Good cause? Ha lost in another division. The one before that I beat the guy who would fight for the belt next?” Holloway replied.
Holloway is coming off a UFC featherweight title fight loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308; the first time in his career he was knocked out in the Octagon. After the loss, Holloway announced that he will never fight at featherweight again, and will likely compete at lightweight for the rest of his career.
Max Holloway prepared to defend the BMF belt for UFC return
Oliveira last defeated Michael Chandler in a Fight of the Year contender at UFC 309 in November. He bounced back after a split-decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan, who was set to co-headline UFC 311 against Makhachev in the previous fight.
Oliveira wants another shot at Makhachev after losing by submission at UFC 280. He bounced back with a finish of Beneil Dariush at UFC 289 last June.
After a third featherweight title loss to Alexander Volkanovski, Holloway seemed lost at sea in his career before the knockout win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. Although he has recent featherweight victories over The Korean Zombie and Arnold Allen, many wondered whether or not Holloway would do. ever earn a world championship again.
A showdown between Holloway and Oliveira BMF would feature two of the biggest fan favorites in the UFC, and that's what the title is all about. We could get more clarity on the return of the two former UFC champions to the Octagon in the coming weeks, especially after their recent back and forth.
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