Arman Tsarukyan Questions the Reason Behind Charles Oliveira’s Sudden Withdrawal From UFC 331

Armenian star Arman Tsarukyan cautiously blames Charles Oliveira for the failure to make their rematch at UFC 331.

Arman Tsarukyan Questions the Reason Behind Charles Oliveira’s Sudden Withdrawal From UFC 331

Arman Tsarukyan blames Charles Oliveira for UFC 331 failure (via MMA Mania)

Arman Tsarukyan returns to the UFC after his dominant showing against Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar in November 2025. The Armenian contender is set to face Brazilian star Mauricio Ruffy in the UFC 331 co-main event. However, Ruffy was clearly not the original opponent lined up for Tsarukyan’s UFC return.

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Tsarukyan was originally booked to face another opponent at UFC 331. Reports had already linked him to Charles Oliveira, making the Brazilian the obvious fighter being referenced. Those reports were later confirmed, establishing Oliveira as Tsarukyan’s original opponent.

Many believed Oliveira withdrew from UFC 331 after the death of his teammate Allan Nascimento. The flyweight contender died at 34 after an apparent heart attack and had a 4-2 UFC record. However, Tsarukyan recently questioned the reasoning behind Oliveira’s withdrawal from their planned rematch.

They told me Charles’ friend died and he couldn’t train. But I don’t understand, because three or four days later he was doing live streams and was back in camp. I think they probably already set up a fight with Diego Lopes. Maybe he just found an excuse. Everybody is different, and losing somebody is so hard, but you could beat me and dedicate the victory to your friend. I just think they’re probably going to make Charles against Diego Lopes for the BMF title.

Arman Tsarukyan via The Ariel Helwani Show

Tsarukyan and Oliveira were set for a rematch after their first meeting at UFC 300. Tsarukyan won by split decision, with two judges scoring it 29-28 for him. The Brazilian veteran threatened with submissions throughout the fight, adding intrigue to their planned rematch two years after their first meeting at the T-Mobile Arena.

Interestingly, Tsarukyan’s comments also appear to confirm Diego Lopes‘ rumored move to the lightweight division. Lopes recently knocked out Steve Garcia at UFC Freedom 250. However, his featherweight run faced scrutiny after title fight losses to two-time champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 314 and UFC 325.

UFC legend Daniel Cormier has added weight to reports surrounding Oliveira’s UFC 331 withdrawal. Cormier revealed Tsarukyan told him in Abu Dhabi that Oliveira would be his next opponent. He also confirmed Nascimento’s death prompted the withdrawal, while the rematch would not have included Oliveira’s BMF title.

While mourning Nascimento’s loss, Oliveira also played a major role in Ian Garry‘s camp for his UFC 330 title shot against Islam Makhachev. Their relationship was built at Chute Boxe, where ‘Do Bronx’ helped Garry prepare for the welterweight title fight. Garry ultimately lost the fight to Makhachev by unanimous decision.

A major test still awaits Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331, with Mauricio Ruffy presenting a dangerous knockout threat. Ruffy has predicted a knockout victory over the Armenian lightweight in their upcoming matchup. It remains to be seen how Charles Oliveira reacts to those comments from his former rival.

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Arman Tsarukyan confirms title shot next if he wins at UFC 331

Arman Tsarukyan fell out of favor with UFC management after Dana White overlooked him for the interim title fight at UFC 324. His disciplinary issues contributed to that decision, including the UFC 300 fan altercation and his late withdrawal from UFC 311. The latest incident came when Tsarukyan headbutted Dan Hooker during the UFC Qatar weigh-ins.

However, Tsarukyan appears to have earned back the promotion’s trust after serving as backup for UFC Freedom 250. More recently, White confirmed during the UFC 331 press conference that Tsarukyan is no longer in the doghouse. The development marks a major shift after his previous issues with UFC management.

Arman Tsarukyan
Arman Tsarukyan (via Yahoo Sports)

Justin Gaethje captured the lightweight title with a brutal performance against Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250. Gaethje has ruled out a rematch against the Spaniard and expressed interest in facing Tsarukyan for his first defense. Interestingly, Tsarukyan recently revealed that UFC has promised him the next title shot.

It was an option [to wait for Gaethje], but the best option is to fight, stay active, and especially to fight in LA. I have to build my name… I make good money as well for this fight, and it’s the No. 1 contender fight.

Arman Tsarukyan via The Ariel Helwani Show

Tsarukyan’s comments carry added weight after remaining active under RAF and Hype Fighting following his UFC Qatar victory. He has competed multiple times outside UFC since defeating Hooker in November 2025. However, the newly crowned champion has confirmed he will remain sidelined until 2027, leaving the Armenian phenom waiting.

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