UFC legend Frankie Edgar questions Charles Oliveira’s mindset ahead of his next fight. The Brazilian former champion returns in the main event of UFC 326 in Las Vegas on March 7. Oliveira will meet BMF champion Max Holloway at the T-Mobile Arena as “Do Bronx” aims to add the symbolic belt to his decorated résumé on MMA’s biggest stage.
At 36, he continues his chase to regain the lightweight title. He lost the championship on the scale before his victory over Justin Gaethje in 2022. That moment ended his reign in anticlimactic fashion and followed a remarkable career resurgence. Edgar now doubts Oliveira still carries the hunger that fueled his unlikely rise to the top.
Edgar sees Holloway surging while Oliveira raises questions
Edgar knows what it takes to reach the summit of the lightweight division. He captured the belt more than a decade before Oliveira joined the elite club of 155-pound champions. During an appearance on The Bohnfire podcast with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, Edgar assessed the upcoming clash and highlighted contrasting motivations. He sees Holloway riding a new wave of momentum but remains unsure about Oliveira’s drive.
“I think Holloway is on a tear, kind of like a resurgence a little bit,” Edgar said. “Lightweight is definitely his weight class now. I think going down to 145 was too taxing on him.” He added: “Oliveira, I don’t know, sometimes you just wonder. He had such an up-and-down career until he became champion, and you just wonder if he’s still hungry. That’s what I wonder. I feel like Holloway is still chasing the bone.”
Gaethje targets Holloway or Oliveira for high-profile rematch
Justin Gaethje became interim lightweight champion at UFC 324 and appeared set for a unification fight with Ilia Topuria. If Topuria delays his return or misses Gaethje’s desired date, Gaethje has alternative plans. He wants to compete on the White House card on June 14 and named the Holloway versus Oliveira winner as a logical opponent. He admitted he wants to avenge past defeats to both fighters.
“If Ilia can’t go, then the winner of Max vs Charles at the White House would be the one that makes sense,” Gaethje said. “That’s the card I want to be on. I’m not chasing anyone else, but I’ll be ready if the opportunity is there.” He added: “I’d absolutely love to get that one back. Max is a legend and I respect him a lot, and if that fight lines up, I’d take it in a heartbeat.”
