Tony Ferguson compares Charles Oliveira’s ‘star power’ to Mike Tyson ahead of Max Holloway UFC 326 rematch

Tony Ferguson has witnessed firsthand the power Charles Oliveira possesses in his hands.

Oliveira, who defeated Ferguson in 2020 before becoming UFC lightweight champion, takes on Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 326 in Las Vegas this weekend.

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‘Do Bronxs’ bounced back from a devastating knockout loss to Ilia Topuria by submitting Mateusz Gamrot in his native Brazil last time out.

Holloway was also a victim of a stoppage defeat to Topuria in 2024, but the Hawaiian put on a masterclass against Dustin Poirier last June to defend the belt that represents the baddest mother****er in the UFC.

With both men coming off big victories, their main event clash is already being earmarked as an early contender for Fight of the Year, with the winner set for a crack at lightweight gold next.

Oliveira holds the record for the most finishes in UFC history with 21, while Holloway’s striking is on a level above his peers, having landed the most significant blows in the promotion with 3,655 across his 16 years.

Although a natural submission specialist, Oliveira’s former foe Ferguson highlighted just how dangerous the Brazilian’s hands can be when speaking ahead of the fight.

Tony Ferguson: Charles Oliveira’s power made me freeze

“You want to hear the truth about my fight with Charles?” Ferguson explained.

“I practised one time for that fight, one time. I mean, I took the fight on short notice…

“I took the fight to help the company and I did the best I possibly could.

“I was looking for a D’Arce [choke] from bottom for the longest time and I got it in the third round, damn near f***ing cinched it…

“There were times when I could have finished him, but he had this star power.

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“Like a Nintendo when you hit somebody and you get a star—like a Mike Tyson punch—and it kind of froze me for a second…

“But when I go back and you ask me about Max Holloway or Charles Oliveira.

“When I look at Charles, I’m like, I don’t hate on it… [But], I’ll say, hey, homie, don’t waste this f***ing opportunity.

“Cuz if you do, I’m gonna come back after your a**.”

What happened when Ferguson fought Oliveira?

Ferguson’s fight with Oliveira provided one of the most unforgettable moments in UFC history.

Oliveira met Ferguson on the back of a seven-fight win streak and with his sights firmly set on a title shot.

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Ferguson, meanwhile, entered the bout having suffered just the second loss of his UFC career in a championship bout against Justin Gaethje after going 12 fights undefeated and being crowned the interim king at 155lbs.

The pair went to war during the three rounds, but Oliveira dominated most of the fight on the ground to secure a comfortable unanimous decision win.

In the final 10 seconds of the first round, Oliveira had the world looking on with one eye when he came within seconds of snapping Ferguson’s arm in half.

Ferguson somehow survived, telling talkSPORT.com how one of his son’s abilities to hyperextend his arm inspired him not to give up.

His never-give-up mentality acted as a stark reminder of why ‘El Cucuy’ is one of the most respected fighters in UFC history, despite his journey in Dana White‘s promotion ending in an eight-fight slump.

Oliveira is viewed on a similar, if not greater, pedestal and has the chance to reclaim his former belt at UFC 326 on Saturday.

His meeting with Holloway marks the second time both men have met in the Octagon.

Before their careers exploded, Holloway stopped Oliveira in the first round of a UFC Fight Night card in Saskatoon, Canada.

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s UFC schedule.