Overview
- Multiple outlets report that Arman Tsarukyan is set to rematch Charles Oliveira at UFC 331 in Los Angeles in September 2026, though whether the fight will be for Oliveira’s BMF belt or serve as the card headliner has not been confirmed.
- Tsarukyan is scheduled to compete away from the UFC on August 1 in a confirmed submission-only grappling match against Indian fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria in Yerevan, announced by Hype Fighting via a promotional poster.
- The Armenian contender has kept busy outside the Octagon, compiling a 7-1 record under the Real American Freestyle banner before suffering a points loss to Colby Covington at RAF 11 earlier this month.
- Tsarukyan previously beat Oliveira by split decision at UFC 300, a result that makes the reported rematch a direct pathway back into the division’s top title conversation.
- Analysts and outlets project the rematch winner would be positioned to challenge Justin Gaethje for the undisputed lightweight title in early 2027, but that scenario depends on final UFC confirmations around the September booking and belt status.