Jorge Masvidal has defended Charles Oliveira’s win over Max Holloway at UFC 326, even though Masvidal says he lost a large bet on Holloway. The rematch ended with Oliveira keeping the BMF title in a grappling-heavy fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Overview of the Fight
Charles Oliveira defeated Max Holloway by unanimous decision in their rematch at UFC 326. The fight took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Oliveira kept the BMF belt with a game plan built on grappling and control rather than a stand-up striking battle.
Many fans expected a striking fight that fit the BMF name, but Oliveira used takedowns, top control, and submission attempts to frustrate Holloway and sway the judges. The result and the style of the fight sparked debate about what the BMF title should mean.
Masvidal Speaks Up
Masvidal, who was the first-ever BMF champion, defended Oliveira on The Bohnfire podcast. He said the fight still felt like a BMF performance, even if fans did not like the style. Masvidal argued that Oliveira was trying to finish the fight and was not just holding on.
Masvidal explained that Oliveira reached strong positions, landed elbows, and worked for submissions. He said that kind of effort is not a bad performance for the belt and that people should not judge only by whether fighters traded punches.
Masvidal also noted the history between these two fighters. He pointed out that Holloway had once forced Oliveira to quit in a past fight. For Masvidal, Oliveira beating the man who once made him quit added emotional weight and made this victory feel like a true BMF moment.
The Fight Details and Reaction
The match was a rematch, and Oliveira’s grappling-focused plan changed the tone of the fight card for many viewers. Some fans wanted more striking, but others saw Oliveira’s win as a smart, effective performance that earned the decision.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Charles Oliveira | Won by unanimous decision (retained BMF title) |
| Max Holloway | Lost by unanimous decision |
Betting, Rules, and Masvidal’s Future
Masvidal admitted he placed a big bet on Holloway and lost a lot of money. The UFC forbids active fighters from betting on the promotion’s events. Masvidal retired in 2023 but has spoken about a possible comeback in 2026 and still has an active contract with the promotion.
Despite the personal loss, Masvidal praised Oliveira’s win and urged fans to respect the way Oliveira fought. The discussion highlights how fans and fighters can see the same match very differently, especially when a title with a strong image like the BMF belt is on the line.
