Megan Olivi believes there’s more than just the BMF title at stake in the UFC 326 main event: her relevance as a lightweight contender is also at stake.
Both Holloway (27-8 MMA, 23-8 UFC) and Oliveira (36-11 MMA, 24-11 UFC) will enter Saturday’s rematch at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (Paramount+, CBS) hungry to win and continue their challenge for the undisputed 155-pound title.
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Whether it’s Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, or even Arman Tsarukyan, there are some serious championship aspirations, and if they want to achieve that goal while staying at the top of their game, this win is imperative.
Holloway, 34, and Oliveira, 37, may only have a limited amount of time left to get that opportunity, and longtime UFC reporter Oliveira believes the loser will be taken out of the title fight – possibly forever.
“It’s important because there has to be a step forward,” Olivier told MMA Junkie. “There are so many players in this situation that it could take a long time for the guys who aren’t winning to find themselves in a situation that puts them back close to a championship because there’s a logjam. There’s a lot of talent. There’s up-and-coming talent, there’s a lot of people who want their chance. If one of these former champions doesn’t perform on Saturday night, it could take them longer than a year to get their name back in the mix.”
A rematch between “Blessed” and “Do Bronx” has been in the works for over a decade, ever since their debut at UFC Fight Night 74 in August 2015 ended in disappointing results. Oliveira suffered a neck injury early in the first round, resulting in Holloway’s TKO victory, which did not end well.
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Both men went on to become legends of the sport, winning belts and setting records along the way.
Now they clash in a very important fight, and while their record suggests it won’t go the full five rounds, Olivier admits she wants to hear the final clap and see what happens when someone points down to the center of the octagon.
“Selfishly, I hope it gets there. Do I really think it gets there? I don’t think so. But selfishly, let’s go,” Olivier said. “Because the two of them have said, ‘We’re going to do this.'” Charles looked expectantly, and Max pointed downward. He’s willing to be involved and of course we know Max is ready, willing and able to do that. I think this will be historic. I think that was enough to make the whole night great. “
To learn more from Olivi, check out her full appearance on “The Bohnfire” podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Megan Olivi: UFC 326 BMF loser faces ‘long time’ in title picture