Bettors Back Oliveira as He Dominates Holloway at UFC 326

Charles Oliveira won an impressive victory at UFC 326 in Las Vegas, controlling nearly every phase of his bout with Max Holloway to claim the symbolic BMF title by unanimous decision. During his post-fight interview, Oliveira even asked if there was room for him on the UFC’s proposed White House fight card, indicating that the veteran has even grander ambitions.

Tensions Were High Before the Fight

The two fighters entered the cage as two of the most recognizable figures on the UFC roster and likely future Hall of Famers. Holloway, the former featherweight champion and reigning BMF titleholder, carried a reputation for pace and durability. Oliveira, meanwhile, held the record for the most finishes in UFC history, along with the victories by submission.

Oddsmakers favored Holloway, who entered the contest as a -220 favorite according to sportsbook BetMGM. Yet bettors leaned the other way. The pre-fight statistics revealed that 72% of fans supported Oliveira as the +180 underdog, representing 59% of the total money wagered on the fight. As the final bell rang, crowd wisdom had proven true.

The bout carried added intrigue because of the fighters’ shared history. Their first UFC encounter took place in 2015, when Holloway won by stoppage. Oliveira spent the following years refining his fighting abilities, expanding beyond his grappling specialty. Back then, he described himself primarily as a jiu-jitsu fighter. Now, he said, he considered himself a fully developed MMA competitor. This fight reinforced his claims.

Oliveira Demonstrated His Growth as a Fighter

Holloway entered the contest with a 27–8 record and some impressive metrics under his belt. Last year, he added another milestone, defeating Dustin Poirier to become the first fighter to defend the BMF belt. Holloway’s 3,681 significant strikes remain the highest total ever recorded in the promotion, showcasing a fighting style that favors overwhelming aggression.

This time, however, Oliveira dictated the pace. Holloway landed clean shots in spots, yet he never managed to gain the necessary momentum. Oliveira masterfully changed levels and forced another grappling sequence each time the American seemed poised to open up, preventing his opponent from getting into the flow.

The Brazilian who won the lightweight championship in 2021 walked away with the symbolic belt after the judges returned unanimous scorecards in his favor.  As the decision was announced, Oliveira celebrated while Holloway acknowledged the result with quiet composure. Ultimately, the underdog controlled the fight, the bettors called it correctly, and Oliveira added another chapter to his stellar career.