Arman Tsarukyan has clarified that no fight with Charles Oliveira has been confirmed, despite comments he made on his YouTube channel that sparked widespread speculation. Tsarukyan explained that he mentioned a possible September bout as speculation, not as a done deal. He noted his next fight could come in September, October, December, or even next year, and that UFC's plans remain unknown to him.
Arman Tsarukyan has moved to walk back speculation about a potential lightweight showdown with Charles Oliveira, clarifying that no bout agreement is in place despite comments he made on his own YouTube channel that sent rumors spreading across MMA media.
Tsarukyan explained that he mentioned September as a possibility, not a confirmed date. He acknowledged his next fight could realistically land in September, October, December, or even sometime next year, and that UFC's scheduling plans have not been communicated to him.
The Armenian-born Russian fighter carries a 23-3 record and sits as the top-ranked lightweight contender at just 29 years old. Fighting out of American Top Team, Tsarukyan is one of the division's most active offensive wrestlers, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes while also posting 3.85 significant strikes landed per minute at 50 percent accuracy.
Oliveira, ranked third at lightweight, brings a 37-11 record and remains one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport at 36. The Brazilian, who trains with Chute Boxe Diego Lima, averages 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes and lands 3.35 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 54 percent accuracy, making him a threat in virtually every phase of a fight.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan as the No. 1 contender makes any fight he takes a likely title eliminator or title shot
- Oliveira at No. 3 is hunting a path back to another championship run, and a win over Tsarukyan would reestablish him as the frontrunner
- The stylistic contrast is stark: Tsarukyan's wrestling-heavy pressure against Oliveira's elite submission grappling and durable striking creates a compelling matchup on paper
- Until the UFC makes an official announcement, the September timeline should be treated as unconfirmed speculation
