Arman Tsarukyan is targeting a fight for the BMF title against Charles Oliveira at a September event in Los Angeles. He has also indicated that a bout with the winner of the Topuria vs. Gaethje matchup is planned for later in the year. The full picture for the lightweight division is expected to become clearer following the White House event.
Arman Tsarukyan is reportedly targeting a BMF title fight against Charles Oliveira at a September event in Los Angeles, with a lightweight title shot penciled in for later in 2026, though neither bout has been officially confirmed.
Tsarukyan's side has indicated that a fight with the winner of the Ilia Topuria versus Justin Gaethje lightweight title matchup is also being planned for later in the year. The full shape of the lightweight division is expected to come into clearer focus following the upcoming White House event.
Oliveira, 36, enters the picture as one of the most decorated lightweights in UFC history. The Brazilian holds a 37-11-0 record and is currently ranked third in the division and eleventh pound-for-pound. Fighting out of Chute Boxe Diego Lima, "Do Bronxs" is a relentless finisher who averages 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes and lands takedowns at a rate of 2.22 per 15 minutes.
On the other side of the title picture, lightweight champion Justin Gaethje carries a 28-5-0 record and is set to defend against Topuria. "The Highlight," 37, is one of the sport's most prolific strikers, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. His opponent, Ilia Topuria, arrives at 17-1-0 and ranked second in the division. The 29-year-old Spaniard is the number-one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- A Tsarukyan vs. Oliveira BMF fight would place the third-ranked lightweight directly in the spotlight ahead of a potential title run.
- The Topuria vs. Gaethje outcome will determine which champion or former champion Tsarukyan is reportedly lined up to face next.
- Oliveira's submission threat and Gaethje's striking volume make both fights stylistically significant tests for anyone in the division.
