Charles Oliveira Says His Selling Power Should Jump Him Past Tsarukyan for Title Shot
Charles Oliveira argues his star power gives him the edge over Arman Tsarukyan for the next lightweight title shot.
Charles Oliveira wants the next lightweight title shot, and he thinks his name alone should get him there.
The former UFC lightweight champion told MMA Fighting that he believes his drawing power puts him ahead of Arman Tsarukyan in the title queue. "I think I sell a lot more than Arman," Oliveira said. "So I could move ahead of Arman."
Oliveira, ranked No. 3 at 155 pounds, is on a two-fight win streak. He claimed the BMF title by unanimous decision over Max Holloway at UFC 326 and will defend it against Diego Lopes at UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas. Lopes is moving up from featherweight for the bout.
The lightweight title picture hinges on Justin Gaethje's next move. Gaethje won the belt from Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 but is dealing with injuries and has openly discussed retirement. Oliveira laid out the scenario plainly: "If he retires, there's no other path to take." A vacant-belt fight between Oliveira and Tsarukyan would be the most logical booking.
Oliveira and Tsarukyan have history. Tsarukyan won a closely contested split decision over Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024. That result, combined with Tsarukyan's overall body of work, has positioned the Armenian as the consensus next challenger. But Oliveira has made a career out of defying the odds, and he is banking on the UFC valuing pay-per-view numbers as much as rankings.
Before any title talk materializes, Oliveira needs to handle Lopes at UFC 335. A loss there would end the conversation entirely.
I love Do Bronx. The guy has fought everybody, finished legends, and put on some of the wildest fights in lightweight history. But this argument doesn't hold up.
Tsarukyan beat you. Split decision, sure, but he won. You can't skip the guy who has the win over you just because you sell more tickets. That's not how title shots should work, and deep down Oliveira knows it.
Now, if Gaethje retires and the belt is vacant? That changes everything. Oliveira versus Tsarukyan for the vacant lightweight title is the fight to make, no arguments. Both guys deserve it. But Oliveira trying to jump the line while Tsarukyan holds a win over him is a tough sell to anyone paying attention.
Handle Diego Lopes at UFC 335 first. Win that fight impressively, and the title conversation takes care of itself.
