Charles Oliveira is poised for another run at the UFC Lightweight Championship, and his next opponent will likely be the winner of Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan. Both fighters bring unique challenges, making Oliveira's potential title fight a stylistic puzzle that has fans eagerly anticipating the outcome.
Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev (Potential Rematch):
This matchup pits Oliveira’s versatile striking and record-setting submission game against Makhachev’s suffocating wrestling and high fight IQ. Their first encounter at UFC 280 saw Makhachev dominate Oliveira, securing an arm-triangle choke to win the vacant lightweight title. Since then, Oliveira has rebounded with dominant performances, showing improved defensive grappling and pressure. The rematch would test Oliveira's adjustments against Makhachev’s seemingly impenetrable ground game and calculated striking.
Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan (Potential Rematch):
Oliveira and Tsarukyan last faced off in a razor-thin contest at UFC 300, with Tsarukyan eking out a split decision. Oliveira’s dynamic jiu-jitsu and aggressive stand-up clashed with Tsarukyan’s explosive grappling transitions and cardio. A rematch would offer Oliveira a chance to address Tsarukyan's pace and scrambling ability while leveraging his edge in finishing capability. For Tsarukyan, it’s a matter of keeping the fight in advantageous positions and outlasting Oliveira in exchanges.
Recent Performances
Charles Oliveira's Last Five Fights
1. Win vs. Michael Chandler (UFC 309, Unanimous Decision)
Oliveira showcased elite striking and grappling control, neutralizing Chandler’s power and wrestling over five rounds.
2. Loss vs. Arman Tsarukyan (UFC 300, Split Decision)
A highly competitive fight where Oliveira landed cleaner strikes but struggled with Tsarukyan’s relentless grappling.
3. Win vs. Beneil Dariush (UFC 289, TKO, Round 1)
A devastating finish with pinpoint striking, re-establishing Oliveira as a top contender.
4. Loss vs. Islam Makhachev (UFC 280, Submission, Round 2)
Oliveira succumbed to Makhachev's superior grappling in a high-stakes title fight.
5. Win vs. Justin Gaethje (UFC 274, Submission, Round 1)
A thrilling finish where Oliveira overwhelmed Gaethje with striking before locking in a rear-naked choke.
Record: 35-10 (23-10 UFC)
Islam Makhachev's Last Five Fights
1. Win vs. Dustin Poirier (UFC 302, Submission, Round 5)
Makhachev’s cardio and technical grappling shone as he submitted Poirier late in the fight.
2. Win vs. Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 294, KO, Round 1)
A stunning head-kick KO in their short-notice rematch solidified Makhachev’s position as the pound-for-pound king.
3. Win vs. Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 284, Unanimous Decision)
A five-round chess match showcasing Makhachev’s wrestling and defensive striking.
4. Win vs. Charles Oliveira (UFC 280, Submission, Round 2)
Makhachev dominated Oliveira with precise striking and relentless ground control to capture the lightweight belt.
5. Win vs. Bobby Green (UFC Fight Night, TKO, Round 1)
A quick and decisive finish to underline his dominance in the division.
Record: 26-1 (15-1 UFC)
Arman Tsarukyan's Last Five Fights
1. Win vs. Charles Oliveira (UFC 300, Split Decision)
Tsarukyan showcased relentless pressure and grappling transitions in a closely contested victory.
2. Win vs. Beneil Dariush (UFC on ESPN, KO, Round 1)
A highlight-reel knee and punches stunned the division and earned him a title eliminator.
3. Win vs. Joaquim Silva (UFC on ESPN, TKO, Round 3)
A methodical performance capped off by a devastating finish.
4. Win vs. Damir Ismagulov (UFC Fight Night, Unanimous Decision)
Tsarukyan dominated with superior wrestling and pace over three rounds.
5. Loss vs. Mateusz Gamrot (UFC on ESPN, Unanimous Decision)
A back-and-forth battle showcasing elite grappling exchanges in a Fight of the Night performance.
Record: 22-3 (9-2 UFC)
The stakes are immense for Oliveira. Facing Makhachev would allow him a chance to reclaim glory in a fight that would likely test his improvements since their first meeting. On the other hand, a rematch with Tsarukyan offers Oliveira a path to redemption against one of the division’s rising stars. Both matchups promise fireworks, with Oliveira’s aggressive style clashing against the strategic brilliance of either opponent.
The lightweight division has never been more exciting, with Oliveira positioned as a pivotal figure in its evolution.
