Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira has moved to quash speculation of an imminent showdown with Max Holloway, explicitly denying reports of a January bout while simultaneously confirming the high-profile rematch is in the works for next year.
Oliveira Sets the Record Straight on Fight Rumours
In a statement posted to his Instagram story on Monday, 1st December 2025, Oliveira addressed the swirling rumours head-on. Speaking in Portuguese, the Brazilian star clarified that no fight with Holloway has been confirmed for January, contradicting widespread reports that the pair would be added to the already-stacked UFC 324 card.
"Look, there’s nothing confirmed about my fight, Max Holloway and I for January," Oliveira stated, with his comments translated by MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz. "I’m on vacation with my family. That [news] came out these days and there’s a lot of people calling me, tagging me. So far, we don’t know anything."
He was emphatic in shutting down the proposed timeline, adding: "And it certainly won’t be in January, just to make it clear."
Timeline Confirmed for Long-Awaited Rematch
Despite dismissing the January date, the 36-year-old Oliveira provided fight fans with a significant update, expressing strong confidence that the rematch will materialise in the first half of 2026. The duo first fought nearly a decade ago in 2015, with Holloway securing a victory after Oliveira suffered a neck injury.
"But this fight will happen; I want it, he wants it, and you also want it," Oliveira declared, building anticipation for the clash. "We’re just waiting for the contract, but I believe it should be around March or April, so I expect to have some news soon."
He hinted that the emergence of the initial report was a sign of negotiations progressing behind the scenes, suggesting: "If that [report] came out, it means something is coming. Not now, but soon."
Paths to a Second Showdown
Both fighters are coming off significant victories that have positioned them for this lucrative rematch. Oliveira last competed in October 2025, submitting Mateusz Gamrot in Brazil. This win served as a bounce-back from a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in June 2025, a bout where Topuria claimed the vacant lightweight title Oliveira once held.
Similarly, Max Holloway rebounded from his own knockout defeat to Topuria in 2024. The Hawaiian star retained his symbolic 'Baddest Mother******' (BMF) belt in July 2025 by outpointing Dustin Poirier in what was the American's retirement fight.
While their first encounter took place at featherweight, the anticipated sequel is expected to be contested at lightweight, where both now frequently compete. The proposed bout would see Holloway's BMF title on the line, adding a major attraction to the UFC's 2026 schedule.
