Arman Tsarukyan Eyes Charles Oliveira Rematch to Return to Title Contention

Arman Tsarukyan is ready to put in the work to get back into the UFC lightweight title picture.

Tsarukyan earned his gold bid against Islam Makhachev with a split-decision win over former champ Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 last year. “Ahalkalakets” was scheduled to challenge Makhachev in the main event at UFC 311 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles this past Saturday. However, Tsarukyan pulled out on the day of the weigh-ins due to a back injury.

Renato "Money" Moicano, who was originally supposed to fight Beneil Dariush on the same card, got a last-minute title shot against Makhachev. While “Moicano” tagged Makhachev a couple of times, the champ eventually made quick work of the Brazilian with a brabo choke in the first round.

UFC CEO Dana White didn’t seem too happy with Tsarukyan and clarified that the Russian won’t be receiving the next title shot at lightweight. And Tsarukyan isn’t complaining. The lightweight contender is ready to fight his way back into title contention. And a rematch with “Do Bronx” seems the most viable option to Tsarukyan.

“I agree with [Dana White]. Once my back heals, I’ll be ready to prove I’m the true [No. 1] contender by taking on anyone they put in front of me!” he wrote.

“[Charles Oliveira] in five rounder makes most sense.”

I agree with @danawhite. Once my back heals, I’ll be ready to prove I’m the true #1 contender by taking on anyone they put in front of me! https://t.co/LAI2khcxCX

— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) January 19, 2025

@CharlesDoBronxs in 5 rounder makes most sense

— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) January 19, 2025

Meanwhile, Michael Chandler, who is far removed from the title picture with losses in four of his last five bouts, called out Tsarukyan. While Tsarukyan didn’t dismiss the idea, he would prefer fighting Oliveira, who already beat Chandler twice.

“You don’t show up, you don’t get a shot. Beat me, if you can, [Arman Tsarukyan],” Chandler wrote.

“I’m not against it, but fighting someone who beat you twice sounds way more compelling,” Tsarukyan replied.

I’m not against it, but fighting someone who beat you twice sounds way more compelling. https://t.co/urmybysT8f

— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) January 19, 2025

Tsarukyan and Makhachev were respectful toward each other leading up to UFC 311. Tsarukyan congratulated Makhachev on his win over “Moicano” and also had some motivating words for the champ’s teammate, Umar Nurmagomedov, who fell short in a bantamweight gold bid against Merab Dvalishvili.

Congrats to @MerabDvalishvil 🇬🇪🇺🇸! Today, you dance alone, but soon I’ll be joining you 👊

— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) January 19, 2025

Congratulations to @MAKHACHEVMMA on the victory, and keep your head up, @UNmgdv - better days are ahead!

— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) January 19, 2025