A decade later, Charles Oliveira’s injury suffered against Max Holloway remains a mystery: ‘Nobody knows what actually happened’
MMA Fighting
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Charles Oliveira’s mysterious injury from his 2013 fight against Max Holloway remains unresolved nearly a decade later, leaving fans and experts alike puzzled. During their short-lived bout at UFC Saskatoon, Oliveira attempted a takedown but quickly signaled distress after standing up, prompting referee Herb Dean to stop the fight just 99 seconds in. The following day, the UFC revealed Oliveira had suffered an esophagus tear, but hospital officials couldn’t pinpoint the cause or fully treat it, leaving him briefly stranded in Canada. Despite this setbacks, Oliveira returned to Brazil and continued his fighting journey, eventually becoming a UFC lightweight champion.
Diego Lima, who later became Oliveira’s coach, described the incident as “very strange” and noted that medical professionals were unable to determine the exact cause of the injury. This left Oliveira hospitalized for days before he was allowed to return home. The case remains unsolved, with Lima suggesting it may forever remain a mystery. Meanwhile, Holloway went on to achieve significant milestones in his career, including unifying the featherweight title and winning the BMF championship.
As they prepare to face off again at UFC 326 for the BMF strap, both fighters have evolved into dominant forces in the sport. Oliveira, now a lightweight champion, has showcased his ability to dominate opponents, while Holloway continues to be a well-rounded threat with exciting performances inside the octagon. Their upcoming clash is highly anticipated, not only because of their storied history but also due to their remarkable resilience and growth over the years.
The fight promises to be an intense showdown between two of the most dynamic fighters in MMA. Both have demonstrated exceptional skills in various areas of the sport—whether it’s Oliveira’s aggressive style or Holloway’s technical precision. With such high stakes and their contrasting yet equally impressive styles, fans
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/14/2026