The UFC could be set to revisit one of the lightweight division’s most competitive matchups.
According to reputable Russian MMA outlet RedFuryMMA, Charles Oliveira is expected to defend the BMF title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331 on September 19. While the promotion has yet to officially announce the bout, the report has quickly generated excitement given the history between the two elite lightweights.
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If finalized, the contest would mark a rematch of their first meeting at UFC 300 in April 2024. On that occasion, Tsarukyan edged ‘Do Bronx’ via a razor-close split decision in a highly competitive three-round affair. The Armenian survived several submission attempts and matched Oliveira in the striking exchanges to earn the biggest win of his career at the time.
Both fighters have remained among the division’s elite since their first encounter.
Oliveira enters the reported matchup as the reigning BMF champion after defeating Max Holloway by unanimous decision at UFC 326. The former lightweight champion delivered a composed performance against one of the sport’s most durable fighters, adding another major accolade to an already remarkable résumé that includes victories over Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler, and Beneil Dariush.
Tsarukyan, meanwhile, has not competed in the UFC since earning a unanimous decision victory over Dan Hooker in November 2025, further strengthening his case for another title opportunity. The Armenian standout has since remained active through Real American Freestyle wrestling, where he dropped a competitive decision to former UFC welterweight Colby Covington, though that result has no bearing on his UFC standing.
Beyond the BMF title, the reported booking could also have major implications for the lightweight division.
Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2 carries major lightweight implications
If Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan are indeed matched for the BMF belt, it may signal that the UFC is leaning toward a different marquee fight involving lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. A potential rematch between Topuria and Justin Gaethje has gained momentum following their first meeting and would allow the promotion to keep two blockbuster fights alive instead of combining them into one.
For Oliveira, the bout presents an opportunity to avenge one of the narrowest defeats of his career and reinforce his claim for another lightweight title shot. For ‘Ahalkalakets’, it is a chance to prove his UFC 300 victory was no fluke by defeating one of the greatest lightweights in MMA history for a second time. If the reports prove accurate, UFC 331 could feature one of the year’s most significant fights outside of a championship main event.
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