“I was with my parents and snapped that picture because again, the face is on the poster, I’m fighting for the BMF title,” Oliveira said. “I’m very happy and full of joy.”
That is the same sentiment he feels about getting the opportunity to face the Hawaiian BMF titleholder this weekend as well, as it was both the fight he requested and a rematch a long time in the making.
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Holloway and Oliveira faced off more than a decade ago when they were both aspiring featherweights looking to work their way forward in the Top 10. Making their first headlining appearances together in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the highly anticipated bout ended 99 seconds after it began when Oliveira suffered some sort of neck injury.
Their paths diverged from there. Holloway continued his winning streak all the way through winning and successfully defending the featherweight title, eventually challenging for and winning the BMF title in spectacular fashion at UFC 300.
