Charles Oliveira‘s return to the octagon at UFC Rio was more than a fight; it was a statement. With last-minute opponent changes and a ten-year feud simmering, the night promised fireworks. Oliveira’s post-fight call-out to Max Holloway for a BMF title bout only added a new layer of intrigue, leaving fans wondering if the long-awaited rematch was finally coming. Well, Dana White has now finally provided an answer.

The Brazilian did not waste time making his impression. After Rafael Fiziev withdrew, the former UFC Lightweight Champion faced Mateusz Gamrot on short notice and submitted him with a rear-naked choke in the second round. The win was historic, and it sent a clear message: ‘Do Bronx’ is back, sharp, and still a strong contender in the lightweight division.

Following the bout, Oliveira focused on the BMF title. He addressed UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell directly, saying, “Hey Hunter, Charles Oliveira vs. Max Holloway. BMF. Let’s make it happen,” delivering the challenge in Portuguese. The call-out is personal and professional, as Oliveira lost to Holloway due to an injury in 2015 and is now seeking a rematch to end unfinished business.

And now, Dana White has weighed in and looks to be ready to facilitate the matchup. Speaking at the Contender Series post-event press conference, White stated, “That is obviously a fight that would be incredible to see, the two of them again. But yeah, we don’t have anything. We talked about it today, though.”

The UFC CEO’s words suggest that conversations are underway and that Charles Oliveira‘s desire for a BMF showdown may soon become a reality. And why wouldn’t they book the match, especially when Max Holloway too showed his eagerness to fight just minutes after the callout? On his Kick broadcast, he accepted Oliveira’s challenge and showed a desire to make the fight happen.

“Why wouldn’t I be interested in that? We have a history. Perhaps in February? March is also an option. Fight in Las Vegas, or something. We’re fighting on my terms, brother,” Holloway stated, signifying his willingness to negotiate and his readiness to step back into the Octagon for the long-awaited rematch.

With Charles Oliveira back in the win column, Holloway open to a rematch, and Dana White now on board, fans may finally see the long-awaited showdown that has been brewing for more than a decade. But when will we get to see it? That remains a question. Can we get to see the duo clash at the White House? Well, not according to ‘Blessed.’

Max Holloway denies Charles Oliveira a chance to fight at the UFC White House event

Despite both fighters expressing interest, the rematch between Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway has a few hurdles to cross. One of which is the fact that ‘Do Bronx’ envisions a high-profile fight at the UFC White House. But as much as he desires to be a part of that fight card, and even though it makes a lot of sense,  ‘Blessed’ is unwilling to wait that long.

The BMF champion is eager to defend his title and settle unfinished business as quickly as possible, showing a desire for control over timing and location. During his Kick stream, Holloway made it clear that he doesn’t want to wait that long. He said, “I don’t know if I want to wait that long. Maybe February? Fight in Las Vegas or something. We fighting on my terms, brother.”

His words suggest that, while he appreciates Charles Oliveira’s challenge, he prefers a traditional venue where he can dictate the conditions rather than a politically charged White House setting. For ‘Do Bronx,’ this presents a dilemma. While he’s looking for a statement win and the opportunity to avenge his 2015 defeat, Holloway’s insistence on an earlier, Las Vegas-based fight may push the Brazilian to change his dream plans of being on the White House card.

Fans may finally get the long-awaited battle, but it seems like the stage will be a usual arena rather than the White House, at least for now. What do you think? When will the two actually get to fight? Let us know your predictions in the comments.