Arman Tsarukyan has moved to correct widespread speculation that he is scheduled to fight Charles Oliveira in September. Tsarukyan says his mention of Oliveira on his own YouTube channel was taken out of context, and that no bout has been officially agreed. He added that his next fight could come in September, October, December, or even the following year, with the UFC's plans still undetermined.
Arman Tsarukyan has pushed back on reports circulating online that a fight between him and Charles Oliveira has been set for September, stating that no such bout has been officially agreed upon.
The confusion appears to stem from a video posted on Tsarukyan's own YouTube channel in which he mentioned Oliveira's name. According to Tsarukyan, that reference was taken out of context and was never intended to signal a confirmed booking. He noted that his next octagon appearance could come as early as September, but also possibly in October, December, or even into the following year, with the UFC yet to finalize any plans.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters this period of uncertainty as the number-one ranked lightweight in the division. The Russian fighter out of American Top Team carries a record of 23-3 and has built a reputation as one of the busiest and most well-rounded athletes at 155 pounds, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute and 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Oliveira, ranked third at lightweight and 11th pound-for-pound, would represent a marquee opponent for any title contender. The 36-year-old Brazilian, who trains with Chute Boxe Diego Lima, holds a record of 37-11 and remains one of the most dangerous submission artists in the sport, posting 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 54 percent.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight, making his next matchup a likely title eliminator or championship bout
- Oliveira at number three would be a high-stakes pairing with genuine title implications for both men
- The style matchup pits Tsarukyan's high-volume wrestling against Oliveira's elite submission grappling
- Until the UFC announces officially, any reported September date for this fight should be treated as unconfirmed
