UFC 326 FIGHT NIGHT: Holloway vs Oliveira 2 — Full Card Preview, Predictions & How to Watch
- Dana Black
- Mar 6
- 5 min read
Overview
It's fight night. UFC 326 is LIVE tonight from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, headlined by one of the most compelling rematches in recent memory — Max Holloway defends his BMF title against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in a fight over a decade in the making. The card also features explosive middleweight action, a huge bantamweight showcase for Raul Rosas Jr., and the return of a fan favourite in Cody Garbrandt. Off the back of this week's Aspinall/Hearn bombshell and a string of explosive fight-week quotes, the stage is set for one of 2026's best nights of MMA.
Contents
Main Event: Holloway vs Oliveira 2 — BMF Title
Max Holloway (27-8) puts the BMF title on the line tonight against Charles Oliveira (36-11, 1 NC) in the main event at T-Mobile Arena. Holloway is one of the most iconic fighters in UFC history, a former featherweight champion who has transformed the BMF belt from a novelty into one of the most talked-about titles in the sport. Oliveira is the most prolific finisher in UFC history, holding records for both submissions and finishes, and arrives with a burning desire to claim the title that has eluded him despite a dominant title reign at lightweight.
The Rematch Storyline
Their first encounter was in August 2015 — over a decade ago — when Holloway finished Oliveira in the first round after the Brazilian sustained a mysterious injury. The unresolved nature of that result has fuelled discussion ever since. Oliveira has since gone on a remarkable journey from underachiever to UFC champion and all-time great. Holloway has proven himself as one of the sport's most beloved warriors. Tonight they settle it properly, with the BMF belt and major legacy stakes on the line. Henry Cejudo has backed Holloway to be too sharp, while Tsarukyan is picking Oliveira — and already eyeing the winner for a future title shot. Even Michael Bisping pointed out this week that 100 pay-per-views after he once asked a dazed Holloway if he was okay, 'Blessed' is as iconic as ever.
Prediction
Holloway enters as the slight betting favourite. His elite volume striking, legendary chin, and ability to turn any fight into a war make him deeply dangerous across all five rounds. But Oliveira's submission grappling is among the best the sport has ever seen, and his left hand has cracked elite fighters. Holloway has reportedly been drilling submissions himself this camp — a remarkable revelation that shows the lengths he will go to match Oliveira on the ground if needed. This has all the ingredients for an instant classic. Ultimate Fight Hub's pick: Holloway by decision in a war for the ages.
Fight Week Talking Points
Oliveira: McGregor Fight Is Only About the Money
In one of the most refreshingly honest quotes of the fight week, Charles Oliveira confirmed that his only interest in a fight with Conor McGregor would be financial. Oliveira made clear that he sees the McGregor bout purely as a money-spinner rather than a competitive or legacy-driven encounter — a take that perfectly captures the debate around McGregor's long-awaited comeback. Holloway, for his part, has separately stated he would be open to fights with both Islam Makhachev and McGregor after UFC 326, meaning the lightweight landscape post-tonight could look very different depending on the result.
Tsarukyan Picks His Winner
Arman Tsarukyan, the lightweight division's No. 1 contender, has publicly backed Charles Oliveira to win tonight and revealed he wants to fight the winner. Tsarukyan's future remains clouded following his conduct at RAF 06, but the Armenian still believes he is the rightful heir to the lightweight throne. His pick adds another storyline layer to an already loaded evening — and could set up one of the most anticipated title fights of 2026 if Oliveira wins and Tsarukyan is eventually cleared for a shot.
Garbrandt Reveals O'Malley RAF Clash in the Works
Cody Garbrandt lit up fight week with the revelation that a Real American Freestyle wrestling match against Sean O'Malley is in the works — outside of the UFC. Garbrandt, who fights Long Xiao on tonight's prelim card, has spoken about returning to his roots and rediscovering his love of fighting. An O'Malley crossover at RAF would be one of the most marketable bantamweight grudge matches outside the Octagon that the promotion has produced. O'Malley is meanwhile in Vegas this week for UFC meetings to lock in his next fight, leaving open the possibility that both paths — a UFC contest and a RAF match — could run simultaneously.
Full UFC 326 Fight Card
MAIN CARD (9PM ET, Paramount+)
🏆 Max Holloway (c) vs. Charles Oliveira — BMF Title, 155 lbs
Caio Borralho vs. Reinier de Ridder — 185 lbs
Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr. — 135 lbs
Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson — 155 lbs
Gregory Rodrigues vs. Brunno Ferreira — 185 lbs
PRELIMS (7PM ET, Paramount+) / CBS SIMULCAST FROM 8PM ET
Cody Garbrandt vs. Long Xiao — 135 lbs
Donte Johnson vs. Cody Brundage — 185 lbs
Alberto Montes vs. Ricky Turcios — 145 lbs
Cody Durden vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel — 125 lbs
Sumudaerji vs. Jesus Aguilar — 125 lbs
EARLY PRELIMS (5PM ET, Paramount+)
Rafael Tobias vs. Diyar Nurgozhay — 205 lbs
Gaston Bolaños vs. Jeong Yeong Lee — 145 lbs
Luke Fernandez vs. Rodolfo Bellato — 205 lbs
How to Watch UFC 326 Tonight
UFC 326 is available to stream exclusively in the US on Paramount+, with Paramount+ Essential available from $8.99 per month. This is also the first UFC numbered event to be partially simulcast on CBS — the network will broadcast a two-hour window from 8PM to 10PM ET, covering the final hour of prelims and the first hour of the main card. The full main card including the main event airs exclusively on Paramount+. Early prelims start at 5PM ET, prelims at 7PM ET, and the main card at 9PM ET. UK fans can find broadcast details via their regional providers.
FAQs
What time is the UFC 326 main event tonight?
The UFC 326 main card begins at 9PM ET on Paramount+. The main event between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira typically walks out around 11PM–11:30PM ET depending on the length of earlier fights. CBS simulcasts from 8PM to 10PM ET.
Who is favoured to win Holloway vs Oliveira 2?
Max Holloway enters as the slight betting favourite heading into the main event. Henry Cejudo is among the expert pickers backing Holloway, while Arman Tsarukyan has publicly picked Oliveira. The consensus leans towards a Holloway decision, but Oliveira's submission game and power represent a genuine KO/sub threat at any moment.
What is the BMF title?
The BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title was created by the UFC for particularly spectacular matchups between fan-favourite fighters. It was first competed for at UFC 244 when Jorge Masvidal stopped Nate Diaz. The belt has no weight class or divisional implications but carries enormous prestige with fans. Max Holloway won it by defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in one of the most talked-about performances in recent UFC history.
What happens to the lightweight title picture after UFC 326?
Islam Makhachev is the reigning UFC lightweight champion, and the UFC has been reported to be planning a 'bigger' fight for his first title defence rather than the mandatory Tsarukyan challenge. If Holloway wins impressively tonight, he could vault himself into title contention. Oliveira, should he claim the BMF belt, would likely be targeted for a Tsarukyan grudge match next. Conor McGregor's summer return also looms over the division as a major wildcard.
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