Charles Oliveira says there’s ‘NO WAY’ Arman Tsarukyan can beat Islam Makhachev in rematch

Charles Oliviera confident that Islam Makhachev would dominate Arman Tsarukyan in their rematch.

Charles Oliveira says there’s ‘NO WAY’ Arman Tsarukyan can beat Islam Makhachev in rematch

Charles Oliveira predicts Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan (via Imago)

Charles Oliveira is one of the most loved and respected fighters in UFC. His voice carries weight when talking about fights or predictions. The former champion has shared the octagon with the division’s elite, giving him a unique insider’s perspective. According to ‘Do Bronx,’ the matchup between Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev seems destined for a lopsided outcome.

As per Oliviera, a potential rematch between reigning champion Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan would be little more than a formality. Charles Oliviera believed Makhachev possessed much more skill and experience than his Armenian opponent. This would provide him with quite an edge in the fight.

Arman is a guy that takes you down and holds you there the entire time. No way. It’s not a fight [against Islam Makhachev] he can win.
Charles Oliveira via MMA Fighting
YouTube video

The Brazilian’s dismissive tone stemmed from his assessment of each fighter’s strengths. While praising Tsarukyan’s wrestling prowess, Oliveira believed that Islam Makhachev‘s ever-improving striking and sublime submission game made him a stylistic nightmare. He saw no chance for Tsarukyan to outshine Makhachev.

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Oliviera’s assessment of the potential rematch is more than just a prediction. Charles Oliviera has fought both of them in the octagon. He lost to Islam Makhachev via an arm triangle choke at UFC 280. Oliviera faced Tsarukyan at UFC 300. He, however, lost the fight via a split decision after three close rounds. As such, Oliveira expects Makhachev to prevail.

Charles Oliviera declines Mateusz Gamrot’s callout

Callouts are as common as cauliflower ears in MMA. Every fighter wants a piece of the divisional elite. But for Charles Oliveira, not all callouts are created equal. Poland’s Mateusz Gamrot recently learned this firsthand when he called out Oliviera after his UFC 300 loss.

Charles Oliveira dismissed Mateusz Gamrot's callout
Charles Oliveira dismissed Mateusz Gamrot’s callout (via Sports Illustrated/ MMA Fighting)

The No. 5-ranked lightweight brazenly tweeted at Oliveira, proposing a summer showdown. However, the Brazilian legend did not feel the same. As such, he rejected the callout from the Polish lightweight.

Everyone now wants to face Charles. Everybody wants to fight whoever is up front. It's part of it. Let it happen. We have to always be ready, but I don't think so. We have to think properly and see what would work out. It might be that forward, yes, but right now, I think it's not what the moment is.
Charles Oliveira via Ag Fight

Oliveira acknowledged Gamrot’s achievements while still rebuffing the challenge. The number 2 ranked fighter did not wish to fight down the line at the moment. The fan favorite didn’t outright dismiss a future clash with Gamrot, but it was obvious where his sights were set. Gamrot also reacted to Oliveira’s dismissal with a ‘ducking’ accusation.

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