Oliveira alleges McGregor chose Max Holloway over him for UFC 329

Charles Oliveira says Conor McGregor passed on a bout with him, opting instead to fight Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11. Oliveira, who defeated Holloway by decision at UFC 326 to capture the BMF belt, told MMA Fighting that McGregor viewed Holloway as the easier opponent. “Everyone knows that fight was supposed to be mine, but he chose Max because he thinks he can beat Max. The truth is, he ran from me,” Oliveira said.

Oliveira added that the matchup with McGregor was expected after his win over Holloway, but McGregor, returning after a five‑year layoff following a leg fracture, reportedly selected Holloway because he perceived the fight as less risky. The Irishman’s fight with Holloway will be his comeback, while Oliveira is looking toward a future unification bout for the UFC and BMF belts.