The BMF Title is on the Line at UFC 326, and it Pits Two Absolute Legends Against Each Other!
Get ready, fight fans! UFC 326 is set to be an absolute barnburner, featuring a highly anticipated showdown between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira for the coveted BMF (Baddest Motherf…er) title. This isn't just another fight; it's a clash of titans who have already etched their names in UFC history and are widely considered future Hall of Famers. While they've headlined before, their 2015 encounter was tragically cut short due to an injury Oliveira sustained, leaving us all wanting more. Since then, both have ascended to championship glory, proving their mettle time and again.
But who truly embodies the BMF spirit? Let's break down their incredible credentials.
Max Holloway: The Striking Maestro
Max Holloway, often called "Blessed," isn't just a former UFC featherweight champion; he's a striking savant who has redefined what it means to be an elite boxer in MMA. His reign as featherweight king saw three successful title defenses, solidifying his dominance. And here's a mind-blowing fact: Holloway is the only fighter to have successfully defended the BMF title itself.
His claim to BMF fame? He's arguably the best striker in the UFC, and the numbers speak for themselves. Remember his January 2021 masterpiece against Calvin Kattar? Holloway didn't just win; he put on an audacious display of striking, famously declaring, "I'm the best boxer in the UFC, baby!" during the fight. He shattered records in that bout, landing a staggering 445 significant strikes in total and an incredible 141 in a single round. These records still stand today! Throughout his UFC career, Holloway has consistently delivered, surpassing 3,000 career significant strikes and currently sitting at 3,655. He's a fighter who consistently lands over 100 significant strikes, achieving this feat in 17 out of his 31 UFC fights.
Most Career Significant Strikes Landed - UFC Modern Era
- Max Holloway - 3,655
- Sean Strickland - 2,307
- Angela Hill - 2,242
Charles Oliveira: The Submission Specialist
Charles Oliveira, affectionately known as "Do Bronx," is a different breed of fighter, a submission artist with an unparalleled ability to finish opponents. His UFC record stands at 24 wins, 11 losses, and 1 no-contest, a testament to his enduring presence in the promotion. He's also a former UFC lightweight champion, having defended his title twice.
His claim to BMF fame is rooted in a statistic that's hard to argue with: he holds the most finishes in UFC history. But here's where it gets truly remarkable: In June 2018, at UFC 225, an unranked Oliveira submitted Clay Guida with a guillotine choke. Little did we know, this was the beginning of an incredible ascent. Within three years, he went from an 11-8 record (with a no-contest) to becoming UFC lightweight champion.
This transformation was fueled by an astonishing nine-fight winning streak, during which he finished eight of those nine opponents. When he claimed the UFC lightweight title against Michael Chandler in May 2021, it marked his 17th career finish, a new UFC record that surpassed Donald Cerrone. Since then, "Do Bronx" has added four more finishes to his tally, including impressive victories over Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
Most Career Finishes - UFC History
- Charles Oliveira - 21
- Jim Miller - 19
- Donald Cerrone - 16
- Derrick Lewis - 16
So, the question remains: who is the true BMF? Is it the fighter who dominates with unparalleled striking volume and precision, or the fighter who consistently finds ways to finish his opponents with devastating submissions and knockouts? Holloway's claim rests on his sheer volume and technical striking prowess, while Oliveira's is built on an unmatched record of finishing fights. This Saturday, we'll get to see who reigns supreme! What are your thoughts? Who do you believe embodies the BMF title more? Let us know in the comments below!
