Arman Tsarukyan will no longer meet Charles Oliveira for a second time at UFC 331, with the promotion instead preparing a different opponent for the lightweight contender in the event’s five round co main attraction.
Tsarukyan has been waiting for another opportunity to strengthen his case for a championship fight after submitting Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last year. Recent reports suggested that a return meeting with Oliveira was being considered for UFC 331 next month, but those plans have now changed following the latest event announcement.
The Armenian fighter already owns a victory over the former lightweight champion. Tsarukyan edged Oliveira in a highly competitive contest at UFC 300, earning an important result that pushed him closer to the top of the division.
His journey towards another championship opportunity has not been straightforward, however. Tsarukyan was scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight crown at UFC 311 but withdrew from the contest on short notice. That decision delayed his progress and forced him to rebuild momentum before another title opportunity could become realistic.
A second meeting with Oliveira appeared to offer Tsarukyan the chance to reinforce his position among the leading contenders. Oliveira currently holds the BMF championship and remains one of the biggest names on the UFC roster, making the proposed contest an attractive matchup for both competitors.
Multiple reports had indicated that discussions surrounding the bout were taking place in recent weeks. However, the UFC has now moved in another direction.
Tsarukyan is still expected to feature prominently at UFC 331, competing across five rounds in the co main event against a new opponent. The change adds another twist to his pursuit of lightweight gold as he attempts to secure the performance needed to move closer to a long awaited championship opportunity.
