After losing to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326, Max Holloway earns a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway together after UFC 326. Photo: Reproduction/X

Despite the tough defeat to Charles do Bronx in the main event of UFC 326 in the early hours of last Sunday (8), Max Holloway did not leave Las Vegas empty-handed. Without the BMF belt, the Blessed One became yet another fighter to be awarded a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu right after an MMA fight. Still in the corridors of the T-Mobile Arena, the Hawaiian posed for a photo with his coach Pedro Sauer, who recorded the moment in a post on Instagram.

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Sauer is a coral belt with an eighth dan in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and was also a student of the legendary Rickson Gracie. In the post, he congratulated his pupil for remaining safe throughout the 25 minutes against the greatest finisher in UFC history.

"Our new black belt, after demonstrating incredible defense in the UFC," stated the Brazilian.

🚨 Max Holloway was gifted a Black Belt for demonstrating incredible defense against Charles Olivera at #UFC326

Congratulations, @BlessedMMA 🌺 pic.twitter.com/qVI3VztXDP

— Octagon Pulse | UFC MEDIA🚨 (@OctagonPulse) March 8, 2026

Based on his striking, Holloway spent most of his career avoiding an offensive stance in grappling against his opponents. In his third fight with Dustin Poirier , "The Blessed One" had already shown skill by defending against a guillotine choke after being knocked down by "The Diamond." In a recent interview, the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) revealed that he had been unable to attend his last black belt exam due to an injury. Despite this setback, the Hawaiian was able to add another achievement to his vast career in the world of martial arts.

“I’m a brown belt (I received it in February 2021). I was supposed to take the black belt exam this year, but I missed it because of injuries. Our Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Pedro Sauer, doesn’t just hand out black belts—he wants us to pass an exam. I love Jiu-Jitsu with the gi, I like it more than without the gi. Everyone asks: ‘Why? You’re an MMA fighter.’ Brother, if you can’t take me down with the gi, you certainly won’t be able to without it,” he stated in an interview with Ag. Fight during UFC 326 week.

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