talkSPORT betting tips – Best bets and expert advice for UFC 326

Mar 6, 2026 - 15:00
talkSPORT betting tips – Best bets and expert advice for UFC 326

Two modern-day greats collide for the BMF title at UFC 326 as Max Holloway defends his belt against Charles Oliveira in Las Vegas.

Its a rematch of a clash way back in 2015, when as young featherweights Holloway got a TKO victory thanks to a controversial ending where Oliveira could not continue due to a first-round shoulder injury.

Fast forward to 2026 and these two are firm fan favourites and are two of the most electrifying fighters on the roster.

Here we preview some of the best bets from UFC 326.

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UFC 326 Tips

  • Max Holloway to win by KO, TKO or DQ @ 6/4
  • Reinier De Ridder to win @ 21/10
  • Gregory Rodrigues to win @ 1/2

BMF is blessed

Max “Blessed” Holloway (27-8-0) and Charles “Du Bronx” Oliveira’s (36-11-0, 1 NC) rematch is the most anticipated booking of the year so far.

Holloway brings ultra slick stand-up, where now as a fully fledged lightweight, he has gained recent wins over Dustin Poirier (Dec) and Justin Geathje (KO).

The face plant knockout of Gathje in the final second of their UFC 300 BMF title fight in 2024 came after five rounds of domination.

In between these two contests, the 34-year-old unsuccessfully ventured back down to Featherweight to try and reclaim his old title, but was stopped in the third round by Ilia Topuria.

Oliveira has also felt the wrath of Topuira, losing to the Spaniard for the vacant Lightweight title last summer.

Bouncing back since, the Brazilian submitted Mateusz Gamrot in the second round in October.

It was another highlight win for the 36-year-old, who holds the UFC record for the most finishes (21), submission victories (17) and performance bonuses (21).

The chaotic style of Oliveira has seen him become a bonus machine, even in defeat, where nine of his 11 losses have ended inside the distance.

That kill or be killed mentality could well be dangerous against Holloway, who has strong takedown defence, outstanding movement and a high volume output, more than doubling Oliveira’s significant strikes per minute output at 7.20 to 3.35.

Over five rounds, Holloway’s striking and improved power at lightweight, coupled with the recklessness of the Brazilian, could see the Hawaiian take this one inside the distance.

Don’t write off de Ridder

The co-main event sees an intriguing battle between Caio Borralho (17-2-0) and Reinier de Ridder (21-3-0).

Both arrive here off the back of defeats with Borralho coming up short in a possible title eliminator with Nassourdine Imavov in September.

It was a first MMA defeat in 10 years for the Brazilian, who has made slow progress up the UFC rankings.

De Ridder arrived in the UFC in late 2024 and took four fights in nine months that saw him climb into title contention.

Three stoppage wins over Gerald Meerschaert (Sub – R3), Kevin Holland (Sub – R2) and Bo Nickal (TKO – R2) grabbed the headlines, before a split decision win over former champion Robert Whittaker.

The Dutch fighter’s last appearance in October saw him retire on the stool at the end of round four against Brendan Allen after badly fading in the fight.

Although that performance remains a concern, de Ridder is a former two weight One Championship belt holder and is a supremely talented submission specialist.

If you’re looking for an underdog to play on this card, de Ridder can’t be written off just yet and the odds feel too wide here.

Robocop’s Revenge

Holloway vs. Oliveira isn’t the only rematch on this card, as Gregory Rodrigues (18-6-0) faces Brunno Ferreira (15-2-0).

The pair first fought in 2023 in what was Ferreira’s UFC debut, where he caught Rodrigues with a counter left in the first round.

Both have been in good form since, with Ferreira winning five and losing two, including a career best win over Marvin Vettori last time out in December over three rounds.

Rodrigues has put a 5-1 run together since that defeat and has back-to-back wins over Jack Hermansson and Roman Kopylov, while his only defeat was a main event TKO to perennial top five contender Jared Cannonier.

Both are BJJ specialists, who have fallen in love with their hands.

Ferreira is more explosive, while Rodrigues brings big power with a slightly more patient approach.

Rodrigues looks to have progressed more since the pair’s first encounter and is the pick to get his revenge.

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*odds correct at the time of writing and subject to change


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