Charles Oliveira is one of the most loved and respected fighters in UFC. His voice carries weight when talking about fights or predictions. The former champion has shared the octagon with the divisionโs elite, giving him a unique insiderโs perspective. According to โDo Bronx,โ the matchup between Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev seems destined for a lopsided outcome.
As per Oliviera, a potential rematch between reigning champion Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan would be little more than a formality. Charles Oliviera believed Makhachev possessed much more skill and experience than his Armenian opponent. This would provide him with quite an edge in the fight.
Arman is a guy that takes you down and holds you there the entire time. No way. Itโs not a fight [against Islam Makhachev] he can win.
Charles Oliveira via MMA Fighting
The Brazilianโs dismissive tone stemmed from his assessment of each fighterโs strengths. While praising Tsarukyanโs wrestling prowess, Oliveira believed that Islam Makhachevโs ever-improving striking and sublime submission game made him a stylistic nightmare. He saw no chance for Tsarukyan to outshine Makhachev.
Charles Oliveira doesn’t see Arman Tsarukyan as a big threat to Islam Makhachev:
“Arman is a guy that takes you down and holds you there the entire timeโฆ No way [he beats Islam]. Itโs not a fight he can winโฆ.
Of course, Iโve just said this and I canโt backtrackโฆ MMA isโฆ pic.twitter.com/s5KmTKrzrT
โ Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 26, 2024
Olivieraโs assessment of the potential rematch is more than just a prediction. Charles Oliviera has fought both of them in the octagon. He lost to Islam Makhachev via an arm triangle choke at UFC 280. Oliviera faced Tsarukyan at UFC 300. He, however, lost the fight via a split decision after three close rounds. As such, Oliveira expects Makhachev to prevail.
Charles Oliviera declines Mateusz Gamrotโs callout
Callouts are as common as cauliflower ears in MMA. Every fighter wants a piece of the divisional elite. But for Charles Oliveira, not all callouts are created equal. Polandโs Mateusz Gamrot recently learned this firsthand when he called out Oliviera after his UFC 300 loss.
Charles Oliveira dismissed Mateusz Gamrotโs callout (via Sports Illustrated/ MMA Fighting)The No. 5-ranked lightweight brazenly tweeted at Oliveira, proposing a summer showdown. However, the Brazilian legend did not feel the same. As such, he rejected the callout from the Polish lightweight.
Everyone now wants to face Charles. Everybody wants to fight whoever is up front. It’s part of it. Let it happen. We have to always be ready, but I don’t think so. We have to think properly and see what would work out. It might be that forward, yes, but right now, I think it’s not what the moment is.
Charles Oliveira via Ag Fight
Charles Oliveira responds to Mateusz Gamrotโs callout to fight in July/August:
โWith all respect [to Gamrot], Iโm not looking behind, just forwardโฆ
Everyone now wants to face Charles, everybody wants to fight whoever is up front. Itโs part of itโฆ but I donโt think so. Weโฆ pic.twitter.com/qt2piFQPWL
โ Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 2, 2024
Oliveira acknowledged Gamrotโs achievements while still rebuffing the challenge. The number 2 ranked fighter did not wish to fight down the line at the moment. The fan favorite didnโt outright dismiss a future clash with Gamrot, but it was obvious where his sights were set. Gamrot also reacted to Oliveiraโs dismissal with a โduckingโ accusation.
