A potential rematch between Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira quickly became a talking point last Monday after a video posted by the Armenian contender went viral.
On his New York vlog, Tsarukyan said his next fight was probably a September title bout in Los Angeles, then pointed towards Oliveira and said they may meet again.
That sounded close to confirmation, but ‘Ahalkalakets’ has since acted to slow the story before it ran away.
Arman Tsarukyan changes tone on rumoured September fight
Speaking to Ariel Helwani last Monday, Tsarukyan insisted the reaction to his video had missed the important word.
“Nothing is official. I didn’t say I was 100% going to fight him. I said, ‘I might fight him.’”
“My fight can be in September, October, December… You know, maybe next year. Who knows what UFC wants to do and who I’m fighting next?”
It was not a denial of interest. It was a reminder that the UFC’s lightweight plan still runs through Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje first.
Tsarukyan said he expects to face the winner, but the timing depends on who leaves with the belt. If Topuria wins, he believes the bout likely moves later.
If Gaethje wins, Tsarukyan suggested the fight could happen sooner, possibly September or October. That leaves Oliveira as an option, not a signed opponent yet.
The change in tone matters because Tsarukyan and Oliveira are obvious names for each other. Their first fight was close, meaningful, and left enough debate for a rematch.
For now, though, Tsarukyan’s message is simple. September is possible, Oliveira is possible, but neither is official right now.
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