Charles Oliveira previews potential Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan clash: "I think he’s just stronger by a little bit"
Charles Oliveira is no stranger to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and the division's current top contender, Arman Tsarukyan, having faced and lost to both inside the octagon. 'Do Bronx' recently weighed in with his opinion regarding the expected rematch between Makhachev and Tsarukyan.
Makhachev defeated Oliveira via second-round submission to capture the vacant UFC lightweight championship in Oct. 2022. The veteran Brazilian fighter returned to the win column by knocking out Beneil Dariush in June 2023. In his next fight, which also happens to be his most recent, Oliveira suffered a razor-thin split decision defeat against Tsarukyan in April 2024.
Presently, the belief is that Makhachev, who's been recovering from a hand injury, is likely to defend his lightweight belt in a rematch against Tsarukyan sometime in 2025. Their first encounter transpired back in April 2019 and saw Makhachev secure a closely-contested unanimous decision win. Tsarukyan had accepted that matchup on short notice.
During a recent interview with New York Post Sports, Oliveira was asked what Makhachev and Tsarukyan should watch for in their possible rematch. Speaking via a translator, Oliveira responded by explaining that both combatants possess "very similar games."
The 35-year-old believes Makhachev and Tsarukyan ought to watch out for the same things. He implied that both offer some threats in the striking realm, adding that they should be mindful of one another's grappling prowess as well. Oliveira added:
"It's very, very similar strikers... Very similar styles. And I think that they have to watch out for the same things on each other."
When asked who the better striker and grappler is between Makhachev and Tsarukyan, the Brazilian answered:
"As I said, whenever asked about this, I think that one of them is just a toe ahead of the other. I think Islam is a little step, a step ahead of Arman. I think he's just stronger by a little bit. But I think when push comes to shove, any of them could win. That's how I feel."
Check out Charles Oliveira's comments below (7:50):
Charles Oliveira outlines ideal scenario for next two fights ahead of UFC 309
Charles Oliveira won the UFC lightweight title by defeating Michael Chandler via second-round TKO in May 2021. He later defended it against Dustin Poirier before missing weight and losing the belt on the scales heading into his fight against Justin Gaethje. Presently, Oliveira is booked to rematch Chandler in the co-headlining matchup of the much-awaited UFC 309 pay-per-view on Nov. 16, 2024.
During his aforementioned interview, Oliveira alluded to his close points defeat against Arman Tsarukyan as well as his one-sided submission loss against Islam Makhachev. 'Do Bronx' notably suggested the Makhachev defeat was inexplicable, adding that he simply didn't show up.
Regardless, outlining the ideal scenario for his next two fights, Oliveira signaled that he aims to win at UFC 309 and later face the Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 winner:
"Honestly, I just want to win as soon as possible, as early, quick as possible, and just wait for whoever is going to win. Arman Tsarukyan or Islam Makhachev. And that's what I'm thinking." [7:07]