The lightweight division is about to erupt into chaos once again as the champion, Islam Makhachev, is sidelined. Now, the UFC is scrambling for a solution to keep the division active. Enter Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira, two of the division’s most electrifying fighters. Reports suggest they’re being tapped for an interim title showdown.
The first Tsarukyan-Oliveira at UFC 300 was a nail-biter, but it was far from one-sided. This was a chance to get a shot at the title, and Tsarukyan emerged victorious, being hailed as the next contender for Islam Makhachev’s belt.
However, recent events surrounding Islam Makahachev have put a wrench in the plans for Tsarukyan vs. Makhachev 2. The champion probably needs to have surgery on his hand as he had torn his ligament. His coach, Javier Mendez, recently gave a definitive answer about his student not being able to compete at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi next.
A potential five-round battle between the two may be in the works. For Charles Oliveira, this is one more chance at redemption and to secure that title shot. But things are not as mellow for Tsarukyan as he already proved his mettle against ‘Do Bronx.’ Whether this comes to fruition or not remains to be seen.
Charles Oliveira Remains Confident in Islam Makhachev’s Victory Over Arman Tsarukyan
Oliveira, the former lightweight champion, has given his take on the fight between Makhachev and Tsarukyan. He’s not just predicting a winner; he’s declaring an impossibility. According to Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan simply can’t beat Islam Makhachev. The MMA world is abuzz with this bold claim. But there is a logic behind Oliveira’s confidence in Makhachev’s victory.
Charles Oliveira didn’t mince words when speaking to MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz. He stated that there was no possibility that Tsarukyan would beat Islam Makhachev. That’s a spicy take from someone who’s faced both fighters.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
“Arman is a guy that takes you down and holds you there the entire time. No way. It’s not a fight he can win. Of course, I’ve just said this and I can’t backtrack, we’re talking about MMA and it’s very unpredictable,” said Oliveira.
Oliveira isn’t just throwing shade, though. He acknowledges the unpredictable nature of MMA. But ‘Do Bronx’ doesn’t back down from his prediction as he believes Makhachev has the edge in experience, focus, and strength. It’s high praise from someone who’s felt both fighter’s skills firsthand.
