Oliveira says McGregor picked Holloway over BMF title fight

Charles Oliveira says Conor McGregor turned down a BMF title shot to face Max Holloway instead.

The Brazilian, who won the BMF strap by outwrestling Holloway at UFC 326 in March, told Action Network that McGregor hand-picked the rematch for UFC 329 on July 12. "He actually asked for the fight to be three rounds, and he picked the opponent," Oliveira said, per MMA Junkie. "Because, in reality, everyone knows that fight was supposed to be against me, but he chose the opponent. … That's part of the game. You've got to choose what you think is best for you."

Why McGregor avoided the BMF champion

Oliveira's win over Holloway at UFC 326 made him the obvious next opponent for McGregor's return, but the Irishman opted for a different path. UFC CEO Dana White had already ruled out Michael Chandler, and a reported offer to welterweight knockout artist Carlos Prates went nowhere. Oliveira believes ring rust will favor Holloway in the later rounds. "If he doesn't get the knockout or put on a very dominant performance in the first round, then the later rounds tend to favor Max Holloway because of his speed and because he won't need to cut weight," he said.

Oliveira has moved on to targeting a unification bout with new featherweight champion Justin Gaethje, who dethroned Ilia Topuria earlier this year. Oliveira stopped Gaethje in 2022, and a rematch would pit the BMF belt against the undisputed title. The only potential roadblock is undefeated contender Muhammad Mokaev, who has been vocal about earning a shot.

McGregor and Holloway meet at UFC 329 on July 12 in a three-round contest at lightweight.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Charles Oliveira skipped over as Conor McGregor’s return opponent in favor of Holloway rematch: ‘Part of the game’