Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Former UFC lightweight champ Charles Oliveira takes on streaking contender Arman Tsarukyan on the main card of the historic UFC 300. With his rematch with Islam, Makhachev cancelled Oliveira’s camp and agreed to fight the Armenian-Russian Tsarukyan in a title eliminator rather than stay inactive for months waiting for Makhachev to heal. The bout's winner would likely go on to battle for the lightweight title later in the year. The risky move by Charles Oliveira to get into the Octagon against the in-form Tsarukyan is reflected in the odds with the former champion, a huge underdog with the oddsmakers at this stage. UFC 300 will take place in April at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

MMA: UFC Lightweight 

Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

Where to watch: N/A

Date: 14.04.2024. 06:00

Ranked number six in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings, 34-year-old Charles Oliveira is a multiple record holder in the promotion with the most submission wins and most finishes. In 2021, Oliveira secured the vacant lightweight championship with a TKO of Michael Chandler. In early 2022, the Brazilian vacated the title after missing weight against Justin Gaethje. Against Islam Makhachev for the vacant 155 pounds strap, “Do Bronx” lost via second-round submission.

• Age: 34
• Height: 5’ 10”
• Reach: 74”
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Record: 34-9-1 (NC)

We had to fight once before Makhachev to stay in rhythm, to stay ready for Makhachev, and at the same time, we couldn’t find anybody, someone lower-ranked. We had to pick someone at the top. [Tsarukyan] was the main name for us to fight, and that’s why this fight was booked.

Diego Lima

The Armenian debuted in the UFC in Saint Petersburg in 2019, losing to current lightweight king Islam Makhachev. The now 27-year-old took his lessons and went on an amazing run, only punctuated by a 2022 loss to Mateusz Gamrot. The run returned eight wins from nine with several bonus awards. Fighting out of Yerevan, Tsarukyan has never finished in his career. The number four-ranked lightweight is a member of the American Top Team.

• Age: 27
• Height: 5’ 7”
• Reach: 72”
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Record: 21-3

Charles really loved this fight. He watches everything, and that’s one guy he likes to watch. Charles loves challenges. Charles’s career is for real. He’s always fought beasts ever since he got in the UFC, so that’s the best fight available for us, the best opportunity.

Diego Lima

Arman Tsarukyan is a 1.57 odds favorite on Bet365. Charles Oliveira is a 2.486 underdog on Betwinner. 1XBET prices the favorite at 1.53 odds.