Charles Oliveira dominates Max Holloway in lackluster UFC 326 main event
Charles Oliveira secured the BMF title by smothering Max Holloway in a grappling-heavy main event that ultimately disappointed fans at UFC 326 in Las Vegas.
The highly anticipated matchup was widely expected to be a breathless contender for fight of the year.
Instead, the Brazilian submission specialist utilised his superior ground game to constantly stifle the Hawaiian striker.
Spectators were treated to a methodical wrestling clinic rather than the chaotic entertainment usually associated with the symbolic championship.
Undercard provides explosive finishes
Fortunately, the supporting bouts delivered several moments of genuine excitement to salvage an otherwise frustrating evening.
Drew Dober extended his own remarkable record for the most knockouts in lightweight division history.
The veteran southpaw crushed Michael Johnson with a devastating straight left hand in the second round to register his 11th career stoppage.
Earlier in the night, Gregory Rodrigues secured spectacular revenge against Brunno Ferreira.
Debutants make an immediate impact
Rodrigues needed only a single thunderous right hand to knock out his middleweight rival in the opening round.
The brutal finish perfectly avenged a previous knockout defeat the imposing fighter suffered against his compatriot in 2023.
In the featherweight division, highly touted prospect Alberto Montes made a flawless introduction to the premier mixed martial arts promotion.
The newcomer battered Ricky Turcios aggressively before securing a brilliant second-round victory via his signature anaconda choke.
Light heavyweight Rodolfo Bellato also added to the evening’s highlight reel by securing a rapid first-round technical knockout over Luke Fernandez.
