Max Holloway spoke out following his loss to Charles Oliveira in the UFC 326 main event, showing determination despite the setback.
Holloway (27-10 MMA, 23-10 UFC) lost a clear decision to Oliveira (37-11 MMA, 25-11 UFC) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Oliveira controlled much of the fight, scoring five takedowns and maintaining over 20 minutes of time on the ground. Holloway fought to defend submissions but was unable to escape Oliveira’s pressure over the course of five rounds.
Holloway releases first statement
Late Monday, Holloway shared his first public reaction on social media:
“The highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Saturday night was not my night. Sorry to all my family, friends, and fans that I have let down. Shout out to Oliveira for doing his thing. All class, so nothing but love to him.
No excuses from this side and there never will be. I’ve been here before. I know the work I need to do to get back to where I wanna be. We are far from done. See you guys at the top.”
This statement highlights Holloway’s focus on returning stronger, emphasizing that his career is far from over.
The highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Saturday night was not my night. Sorry to all my family, friends and fans that I have let down. Shout out to Olivera for doing his thing. All class so nothing but love to him. No excuses from this side and there never will be. I’ve… pic.twitter.com/rldqR1cq76
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) March 10, 2026
Lightweight career and recent form
Holloway entered the fight as a favorite and was expected to challenge Oliveira for the BMF title. Despite his strong takedown defense in previous bouts, he struggled against Oliveira’s grappling-heavy approach, which repeatedly put him on the canvas.
The defeat drops Holloway to 2-2 in the lightweight division since moving there full-time in 2025. Prior to UFC 326, he had notable wins including a knockout over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 and split results against Dustin Poirier.
Holloway now has multiple options for his next fight and remains determined to climb back into title contention.
