This weekend, Charles Oliveira captured the BMF belt against Max Holloway by decision in a fight that leaned heavily toward grappling. While the fight was technically interesting, many fans complained about the lack of spectacle, something usually expected from a fight meant to crown the UFC’s “baddest” fighter.
Over five rounds, we mostly saw “Do Bronx” control the fight, score points, wrestle, and secure a dominant victory. Under normal circumstances, it would be considered a masterclass. However, the context changed expectations : fans wanted an all-out war where both fighters would take risks on the feet and deliver a historic spectacle.
The problem is that the belt is now contested between fighters who hope to fight for the undisputed title if they win. With that kind of reward at stake, why take unnecessary risks? Oliveira simply did what he had to do, bring Holloway into his domain and secure the victory.
In the first BMF fight between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz, neither fighter was close to a title shot. Because of that, there was no strategic calculation. That freedom allowed them to fight without hesitation. Perhaps the UFC should return to that formula : fighters near the end of their careers and a belt that mainly exists to promote entertaining super-fights.
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