Since his last fight against Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira has transformed completely as a fighter.
This March 7, UFC 326 will feature two warriors who embody the ‘BMF’ spirit battling for the symbolic strap. Max Holloway won the belt after delivering one of the most iconic knockouts of all time against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.
Oliveira’s rise to prominence
Charles Oliveira holds several UFC records and delivers an intense fight every time he enters the Octagon. Early in his career, fans booed the Brazilian, labeling him a ‘quitter’ after disappointing performances. Since then, Oliveira has reversed that narrative and become one of the promotion’s most popular stars.
The 36-year-old captured undisputed lightweight gold and earned over $1 million in post-fight bonuses. His rise reflects dedication, resilience, and an unmatched commitment to improvement.
The evolution before the rematch
Ahead of facing the current ‘BMF’ champion again, Oliveira explained the biggest difference since their first encounter. “From that last fight to this one, I evolved a lot,” he said in a recent YouTube video. “In that fight, I entered with an injury. Today’s Charles is completely different. I know he’s evolved, he’s grown, he’s the BMF champion, but I am a complete fighter now. At the time, I was just Charles of jiu-jitsu. Today, I’m Charles of MMA. I’m a complete guy. At that time, I was just a boy. Today, I’m a lion among lions, so it’s completely different, one fight from the other.”
Predictions and fan debate
Fans remain divided on who will leave Las Vegas as the BMF champion. Top-ranked lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan believes the ‘hot and cold’ Brazilian will prevail. Tsarukyan predicts Oliveira will claim the fourth BMF championship with his evolved skills and relentless fighting style.
