Charles Oliveira recalls fear and 'terrifying' feeling during his first fight with Max Holloway.

Charles backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

With nearly 50 professional fights in almost 20 years of career, Charles of the Bronx He has already had the opportunity to live through various experiences as an MMA fighter. However, perhaps one of the most memorable happened in his first duel with... Max Holloway, when both were still UFC prospects. In this context, the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) came forward to talk about his expectations for the rematch scheduled for March 7th, valid for the BMF belt.

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During an interview with 'New York Post Sports' last Tuesday (24), the Blurred Lion recalled the frightening experience of being defeated by the Hawaiian in 2015. On that occasion, he ended up losing by technical knockout in less than two minutes after suffering a bizarre injury.

“I lost movement on my left side. It was a neck injury. There were rumors that I could become paralyzed. In the ambulance, the paramedics were trying to put an IV in my arm, and I couldn't feel anything because I couldn't feel the left side of my body, so I was afraid that my career was over at that moment,” he stated.

Charles Oliveira reveals he was scared his career was over after losing sensation on his left side against Max Holloway

“I lost movement on my left side. It was an injury to my neck. There were talks that I could've been paralyzed. In the ambulance, the guys were trying to put… pic.twitter.com/kvMMXbQmk5

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 25, 2026

The Brazilian had to leave the octagon on a stretcher after the fight ended. At the time, it was erroneously reported that the alleged injury was a micro-tear in the esophagus, information that the fighter himself has denied on several occasions since then.

Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway are two of the most popular names in the UFC.

Charles of the Bronx e Max Holloway face each other at UFC 326. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage

From their first encounter, both prospects became extremely successful figures and two of the best fighters in history. While Holloway remained in the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg) and became champion with victories against... José Aldo, Frankie Edgar e Yair RodriguezThe Brazilian moved up to the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) and, in addition to winning the category's belt, also broke numerous records within the organization.