Overview
- Tsarukyan’s manager, Sayat Abdrakhmanov, told Match TV that the team does not plan to wait for Justin Gaethje and views a rematch with Charles Oliveira as the most attractive short-term option.
- Justin Gaethje unified the UFC lightweight title after beating Ilia Topuria and is widely reported to be expected to take several months off to recover, reducing the chance of a near-term title defense.
- Oliveira currently holds the promotion’s BMF strap and lost to Tsarukyan by split decision at UFC 300, so a rematch would carry both commercial weight and clear competitive stakes for the division.
- Tsarukyan has not fought in UFC MMA since November but has stayed active in Real American Freestyle events and grappling; his past behind-the-scenes incidents have complicated booking discussions with UFC leadership.
- No fight is official yet, and promoters must balance sporting merit, fighter activity needs, and commercial incentives when deciding whether to book Tsarukyan vs. Oliveira or wait for Gaethje’s return.