Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is set to renew his rivalry with former featherweight titleholder Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 326 on March 7, with Holloway’s BMF belt on the line. Nearly a decade after their first meeting ended in abrupt and unusual fashion, Oliveira is shedding new light on the frightening injury that forced him out of their 2015 bout.
Oliveira (36-11 MMA, 24-11 UFC) and Holloway (27-8 MMA, 23-8 UFC) previously faced off at UFC Fight Night 74 in August 2015 in Saskatoon, Canada. The fight ended just 99 seconds into the opening round when Oliveira suddenly crumpled to the canvas and was unable to continue. At the time, speculation swirled regarding the nature of the injury, with rumors suggesting he had suffered damage to his chest or even his esophagus.
Speaking this week to New York Post Sports, Oliveira clarified what actually occurred inside the Octagon.
“I lost movement on my left side in the fight,” Oliveira said. “I think a lot of people didn't know that I explained what it was. So they talked about the esophagus and all of that, but you know, the reality of it is that it was an injury to my neck.”
The Brazilian star explained that the situation was far more serious than many realized at the time.
“There were talks that I could have been paralyzed because of that, but the reality of it is that I lost movement on my left side, you know, it was no joke,” he said. “I was told that in the ambulance the guys were trying to put an IV in my arm and I couldn't even feel it because I just couldn't feel my left side. So I was scared that my career was over at that moment.”
Despite the terrifying episode, Oliveira rebounded to become one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history, capturing the lightweight title and setting multiple submission records. Now, as he prepares to face Holloway again with the symbolic BMF championship at stake, the rematch carries added emotional weight…a chance to rewrite a chapter that once left his career in jeopardy.
