Charles Oliveira: Conor McGregor ‘ran from me’ because he thought Max Holloway ‘was the easier path’

Charles Oliveira believes Conor McGregor deliberately avoided him after his dominant five-round decision victory over Max Holloway in March to claim the BMF belt. Instead of facing Oliveira next, McGregor opted to headline UFC 329 against Holloway on July 11 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas—a matchup Oliveira views as an attempt to take an easier path.

"You and everyone else know that fight was supposed to be mine, but he chose Max because he thinks he can beat Max," Oliveira told MMA Fighting. "The truth is, he ran from me." While the pairing was never officially offered to Oliveira, the understanding in the sport was that the winner of his fight with Holloway would face McGregor next. Instead, "The Notorious" selected "Blessed" as his comeback opponent.

Oliveira remains undeterred, still targeting a unification bout with Justin Gaethje for both the UFC and BMF titles. However, he does not discount McGregor's threat against Holloway. The Irishman has been inactive since July 2021, when he fractured his leg against Dustin Poirier—a loss that was part of a 0–2 year for McGregor. After five years away from competition, McGregor carries the risk of ring rust, though Oliveira acknowledges his dangerous striking power in the early rounds.

"It's a complicated fight because he hasn't been in the cage for a long time," Oliveira said. "If you make a mistake and he lands, he will knock you out." Oliveira predicted the matchup hinges on timing. McGregor's advantage lies in the first and second rounds, where his explosive striking could produce an early knockout if he imposes his game plan. But as the fight extends beyond those opening frames, the pendulum swings toward Holloway, whose conditioning and experience in extended bouts becomes increasingly valuable. Holloway's last 17 fights were scheduled for five rounds, and he reached championship distance in 12 of those contests—an edge that could prove decisive if McGregor falters under the pace.