Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan are booked to meet at UFC 331 on September 19 in a five-round contest. The fight will not have the BMF title on the line.
Two of the lightweight division's most dangerous contenders will collide on September 19 when Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan meet in a scheduled five-round main event at UFC 331. The matchup brings together the third- and second-ranked lightweights in the world, with no title on the line.
Oliveira, ranked third at 155 pounds and eleventh in the pound-for-pound standings, carries a 37-11 record into the bout. The 36-year-old Brazilian trains out of Chute Boxe Diego Lima and has long been regarded as one of the most complete submission artists in MMA history. He lands 3.35 significant strikes per minute at a 54 percent accuracy rate and averages 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a finishing threat from virtually every position on the mat.
Tsarukyan enters ranked second in the lightweight division with a 23-3 record. The 29-year-old Russian, who fights out of American Top Team, has built a reputation as a relentless pressure fighter. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute and averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, giving him one of the more well-rounded offensive profiles in the division. His submission attempt rate of 0.1 per 15 minutes reflects a fighter who prefers top control and wrestling aggression over finishing on the ground.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan holds the number-two ranking and Oliveira the number three, meaning the winner strengthens a case for a title shot.
- The five-round format rewards both men — Oliveira's submission volume and Tsarukyan's wrestling output both tend to compound over championship distance.
- Oliveira's reach advantage of 74 inches against Tsarukyan's 72 inches is modest, but the five-inch height difference could shape the striking range throughout.
- The fight will not be contested for the BMF title, keeping the stakes squarely on divisional positioning.
Saturday, September 19, 2026
