The UFC lightweight division is stacked with some of the top fighters in the world. Interestingly, the #1 ranked contender of the division, Arman Tsarukyan, recalled an intriguing story in an interview. Tsarukyan revealed what he would have done if he lost to Charles Oliveira in their last fight.
In just five years of his career, Tsarukyan has established himself as the next title contender. Tsarukyan might soon get the opportunity to face lightweight king Islam Makhchev. However, Tsarukyan recently appeared in a podcast, where he reflected on his victory against the Brazilian fighter. As such, Tsarukyan admitted he wouldn’t have the motivation to continue if he had lost to Oliveira.
I’d be done, I’d leave the sport.
Arman Tsarukyan via Adam Zubayraev’s YouTube channel
The fight between Tsarukyan and Oliveira was close. The #1 ranked lightweight revealed that he would have left the sport for good if the judges didn’t score in favor of him. However, that didn’t happen as Tsarukyan came out as victor in that fight. With that victory, he became an undeniable contender to challenge Makhachev.
The anticipated rematch between Tsarukyan and Makhachev is yet to happen. Tsarukyan’s nine-month suspension from competing in the octagon and Makhachev’s recent injury troubles might have caused the delay. However, there’s still a lot of uncertainty about their upcoming fight.
Now coming to Tsarukyan’s stats, the Armenian fighter has significant victories over Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira. Interestingly, Tsarukyan finished Dariush within round 1, whereas with Oliveira, it went whole three rounds. Although the Armenian fighter came out as the victor, the Brazilian had contradicting opinions.
Charles Oliveira believes he won against Arman Tsarukyan
Charles Oliveira last featured on the main card of UFC 300 a few months back. In that fight, the Brazilian suffered a contentious split decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan. The fight was arguably one of the closest three bouts in the UFC. Interestingly, in one instance, Tsarukyan also revealed that the judges apologized to him for handing over a round in favor of Oliveira.
Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 (Image via X)On the other hand, the Brazilian fighter seemingly believed he had won the fight. In an interview with AgFight, the former UFC 155 lbs champion shed down his views on the outcome of that fight. With that, Oliveira also stated that he wants no controversies surrounding him.
I think I actually won the first round. The second I lost. He (Arman Tsarukyan) was more effective with his elbows, and the third round, I think I won that too.
Charles Oliveira via AgFight
Charles Oliveira revisits his fight with Arman Tsarukyan at #UFC300 and says he believes he won rounds 1 and 3.
He also says that he wanted to fight in June during International Fight Week, but his team told him to calm down so he is now targeting a return in July/August.
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 1, 2024
Following that, Oliveira also vowed to take him time and return in July or August. As of now, although there are a lot of fighters that want to take on the Brazilian, there has been no confirmation of his return yet. The former lightweight champion could return by the year’s end if things go according to plan.
