Max Holloway makes case for Charles Oliveira fight after fan brings up Ilia Topuria KO loss, dismisses "Charity" allegations

BMF titleholder Max Holloway has addressed Charles Oliveira’s challenge for a rematch 10 years in the making, reigniting interest in a potential clash between two of the UFC’s most beloved fighters.

Holloway, who won the BMF belt with a highlight-reel knockout at UFC 300, hasn’t defended the title since. Oliveira, fresh off the lightweight title contention scene, called out Holloway during an interview, proposing a bout for later this year. The two last met in 2015, where Holloway secured a first-round TKO victory.

Fans speculated on Oliveira’s decision to target Holloway instead of waiting for Islam Makhachev, who defended his lightweight title for the fourth time at UFC 311. Holloway dismissed the criticism on X, stating:

"Charity? Ha Lost in a different division. The one before that I beat the guy who was supposed to fight for the belt next?"

Check out Max Holloway's post below:

With lightweight champion Islam Makhachev potentially sidelined until late 2025, a Holloway-Oliveira matchup could materialize sooner rather than later. UFC’s International Fight Week, expected in June or July, has been floated as a possible timeline, alongside other marquee matchups like Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall for the lineal heavyweight title.

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A look into the initial fight between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira from 2015

The featherweight main event at UFC Fight Night 74 in Saskatoon, Canada, on August 23, 2015, ended abruptly due to an unusual injury. Max Holloway secured a technical knockout victory over Charles Oliveira, but the fight was cut short after the Brazilian sustained an unexpected injury.

The fight began with Holloway showcasing his striking skills, delivering body punches and creating angles. Oliveira attempted a double-leg takedown, but Holloway defended effectively, using an underhook to gain the upper hand. The Hawaiian chose not to engage Oliveira on the ground, respecting his Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise, and returned to the center of the octagon.

Moments later, Oliveira stood up, clutching his left collarbone, and signaled that he could not continue. The bout was stopped at 1:39 of the first round. Oliveira was stretchered out as a precaution, wearing a neck brace.