UFC 326 Main Card is Live Tonight at 9:00 PM ET
(Main card picks listed at the bottom of the article)
Introduction
Any intriguing story, and any convincing plot, typically consists of two key character types: protagonist and antagonist. In the UFC, marquee events, and the storylines surrounding them, are often understood within a similar framework. The fanbase gravitates towards one, less infamous fighter and deems him a “hero.” Contrarily, the more polarizing personality in a particular matchup will function as a “villian.”
However, the pairing in the main event of UFC 326 eludes this familiar approach to comprehending consequential bouts. Nevertheless, the imminent showdown is rather alluring compared to most headlining contests.
On Saturday, Charles “Do Bronxs” Oliveira will challenge current BMF champion Max “Blessed” Holloway for his prized silver belt.
Over the past decade, very few nicknames in the UFC have carried a more hallowed ring than those of “Do Bronxs” and the “Blessed Express.” The two legends epitomize combat sport greatness. With a multitude of championship accolades and historic records decorating their respective resumes, Holloway and Oliveira are not only established, but beloved.
Both competitors are among the classiest in the business. They always maintain reputations as exemplary ambassadors of mixed martial arts.
When the two fighting entities clash on Saturday night, fans will stare at their television in a confused and conflicted state. Their utter mesmerization will arise from the unthinkable idea of possibly cheering on one venerated warrior at the expense of the other.
Despite a potential inability to choose sides, the virtual audience, and the live attendees at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, will be rewarded nonetheless with a captivating display.
Holloway and Oliveira are two of the most talented and electrifying mixed martial artists to ever walk our planet. Thus, the showdown between them is guaranteed to produce a slew of fireworks.
Background on BMF (stands for “Baddest [expletive]”)
Unlike the standard undisputed championship, certain qualifications, beyond simply a proven ability to outperform robust competition, must be met to contend for the BMF strap. Only brawlers with a particularly predatory and unrelenting style merit a potential claim to the rare title.
Although Holloway and Oliveira exude nothing but humility and grace outside the octagon, within the cage, the two are undeniably ferocious.
At UFC 300, former featherweight champ Max Holloway was granted the chance to vie for the BMF throne in a bout with Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje. Despite eclipsing Gaethje through all five rounds of the duel, Holloway gifted his opponent a generous opportunity in the final seconds.
The Hawaiian soldier deployed his patented “point-down,” an invitation to gather in the middle of the octagon and exchange a flurry of reckless, rivaling strikes. Gaethje willingly accepted the risky proposal. As a result, he was temporarily knocked into oblivion, and the Blessed Express emerged as the new BMF.
The king of the unique title upholds an obligation to undertake only the most lethal opposition. Since the monumental moment at UFC 300, Holloway has successfully defended the silver belt against another violent veteran, Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier.
Next in the queue, looms a madman in Oliveira. The Brazilian combatant fights without the slightest fear or reservation. He is a lion in standup exchanges, confidently and aggressively stalking his prey. Holding the record for the most submissions in UFC history, Oliveira is a suffocating python on the ground.
Hopefully the animal metaphors are sufficient in conveying the following sentiment: Charles Oliveira is himself a BMF.
Technical Breakdown
On paper, the upcoming spectacle appears to be a classic striker versus grappler battle, a matchup which has existed since the first fighting cavemen.
The accomplishments of Holloway and Oliveira would provide ample evidence to support such logic. Max Holloway has landed more significant strikes than any other fighter in UFC history, and Oliveira is the submission king.
Yet, despite their individual expertises, both competitors are far too experienced in the craft of MMA not to offer up a more well-rounded clash.
As it relates to Oliveira’s versatility, Holloway wisely noted at the UFC 326 pre-fight press conference that his opponent is not the type of combatant to immediately shoot for a takedown and begin progressing toward submissions. Instead, Do Bronxs inflicts damage in striking exchanges before exercising his superb jiu-jitsu to capitalize on his competition’s vulnerability.
Although Max seems wary of this sequence of tactics, Oliveira will likely remain loyal to his usual techniques. The former lightweight champion will seek to land devastating strikes by walking Holloway down.
Kicking attacks will prove especially fruitful for Oliveira. He likes to throw a myriad of front kicks to the body, which will play a role in maintaining his heavy pressure at a comfortable distance. Additionally, wielding teeps to the core may assist in dwindling the inexhaustible cardio of Holloway.
Since Max utilizes his footwork in creating new angles to land boxing combinations, a healthy dose of calf kicks from Oliveira could comprise the Blessed One’s movement and speed. A less slick and quick Holloway will level the playing field on the feet.
In regards to his striking, Do Bronxs must avoid becoming overzealous. Though trading punches and kicks will be an integral aspect of the upcoming war, Oliveira should certainly initiate grappling action.
Conversely, though Max has developed exceptional takedown defense, the Holloway corner will rely on the standup game. The Hawaiian BMF is a very skilled pugilist. He is constantly changing levels, alternating between punches to the body and strikes to the dome.
Moreover, in recent contests, all “eight limbs” have been on display for Holloway. The camp has refined a very sneaky spinning back kick to add to their fighter’s arsenal.
Very late in rounds, with only a few seconds to spare before the bell, the Blessed Express loves surprising his adversaries with this orbiting shot.
Even with his striking pedigree, Holloway must be very diligent in evading Oliveira’s forward pursuits at an angle. The current BMF champ has exhibited a tendency to exit straight back from exchanges. If Max stumbles, falling victim to this possibly fatal flaw, Oliveira could land some calamitous blows.
Main Event Official Pick
It is senseless to visit the metaphorical race track without placing a bet on a metaphorical horse (please note the emphasis on “metaphorical”). The figurative money of Club Underground is on Max Holloway.
Speed and precision tramples power in Saturday night’s matchup. Although Charles Oliveira is always dangerous, his aggression tends to place him in very precarious positions. Holloway will cash in on such mistakes.
Although the bout will last the full twenty five minutes, an accumulation of accurate strikes from the Blessed Express will ultimately lead to his second successful BMF title defense.
Underground Pick: Holloway wins by unanimous decision.
Complete List of Main Card Picks:
Lightweight BMF Title Fight: Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira – Underground Pick: Winner – Max Holloway
Middleweight Fight: Caio Borralho vs. Reinier De Ridder – Underground Pick: Winner – Caio Borralho
Bantamweight Fight: Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr. – Underground Pick: Winner – Raul Rosas Jr.
Lightweight Fight: Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson – Underground Pick: Winner – Michael Johnson
Middleweight Fight: Gregory Rodrigues vs. Brunno Ferreira – Underground Pick: Winner – Gregory Rodrigues
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