Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan, UFC 300 ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press
Saturday’s UFC 300 featured a rare official title eliminator, pitting former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira against up-and-comer Arman Tsarukyan.
Since Oliveira is the UFC submission leader, Tsarukyan would be wise to hold on to this fight while expressing confidence in his overall skill set ahead of the lightweight bout.
A quick leg kick from Oliveira sent Tsarukyan to the ground, and Oliveira began a guillotine attack. Tsarukian tried to stand up, but was trapped so tightly that the guillotine tightened his arms, but he managed to squeeze his way out. Oliveira maintained control while hitting his elbows, but Tsarukyan was able to sweep the Brazilian and get into top control. Oliveira’s illegal upkick caused Mark Smith to call a timeout. Tsarukyan regained his position after the timeout. Oliveira was able to get to his feet as time expired in the round.
Early in the second round, both fighters found success on their feet. Tsarukyan succeeded in defeating Oliveira. Both fighters traded elbows, but Tsarukyan maintained his top position throughout the exchange. “Ahal Karaketz” cut Oliveira open with a nasty elbow at the end of the second round. At least that’s what Oliveira’s corner believed.
Oliviera fended off Tsarukyan’s early takedown attempts, but Tsarukyan finally knocked down Oliviera midway through the round. Tsarukyan got Oliveira’s back, but as time expired, Oliveira wriggled and attempted a dulce choke, but Arman Tsarukyan calmly got through. It was a very close game and could have gone either way.
Arman Tsarukian won a split decision in a close and action-packed fight. If the rumors of a match between Islam Makhachev and himself in June are true, he should probably be the next choice after Dustin Poirier.
Official result: Arman Tsarukian defeats Charles Oliveira by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
