Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira (34-9 MMA, 22-9 UFC) is slated to face off against Arman Tsarukyan (21-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC) at UFC 300 on April 13, set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The high-stakes showdown will be featured on the main card, broadcasted via pay-per-view, with preliminaries anticipated to air on ESPN and ESPN+.
Originally, Oliveira was primed for a rematch against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 last October but had to withdraw due to a cut. Subsequently, Makhachev also encountered an injury setback, prolonging their awaited bout.
Now, Oliveira finds himself pitted against Tsarukyan, who is riding the momentum of a first-round victory over Beneil Dariush.
Expressing his readiness for the upcoming clash, Oliveira conveyed his anticipation to ESPN, stating, “I’m ready to go. I’m ready to go for this fight very excited. It’s not a matter of can, it’s a matter of will. We know it’s going to happen. I am the next one in line for the title. Islam hurt himself last time, but I’m ready. Let’s make this happen.”
The significance of the match was underscored by UFC CEO Dana White, who designated it as a No. 1 contender bout upon its announcement, thereby lending further credence to Oliveira’s assertion. Since 2017, Oliveira has only suffered one defeat, which occurred in his title fight against Makhachev at UFC 280.
Reflecting on the bout’s significance, Oliveira remarked, “It’s always important for us. I’m the next one in line. You can’t deny this. But to hear it from the boss? So much better.”
