This weekend’s UFC 300 features a highly-anticipated lightweight bout between former champion Charles Oliveira and the formidable contender Arman Tsarukyan. This match is not just a clash of two talented fighters; it’s also a pivotal battle that may determine the next number one contender for the lightweight title.
Arman Tsarukyan Secures Decision Over Charles Olivera
Charles Oliveira, also known as “Do Bronx,” brings a seasoned record of 34-9-0 into the octagon. At 34 years old, Oliveira is known for his exceptional grappling skills and holds the record for the most submission wins in UFC history. His last fight saw him secure a victory with a stunning knockout against Beneil Dariush, demonstrating his capability not just on the ground but also in striking. Oliveira’s strategy often revolves around his aggressive submission game, paired with his ability to land significant strikes with a 53% accuracy. As the former lightweight champ with one of the most exciting title runs in history, Oliveira looks to earn another shot at the title with a win over the highly touted prospect in Tsarukyan.
Arman Tsarukyan
On the other side, Arman Tsarukyan enters the fight with a solid record of 21-3-0. At 27 years old, Tsarukyan has made a name for himself with a balanced skill set, featuring a striking accuracy of 48% and an impressive ability to manage and control fights on the ground. Known as “Ahalkalakets,” Tsarukyan’s last outing in the UFC saw him win over Mateusz Gamrot, showcasing his readiness for higher-stakes battles. He will likely use his wrestling background and striking skills to counter-act the dangerous grappling of Oliveira and secure his spot to face Islam Makhachev for the title next.
Fight Analysis
This fight between Oliveira and Tsarukyan is expected to be a dynamic contest of Oliveira’s jiu-jitsu against Tsarukyan’s wrestling and striking. Oliveira might look to bring the fight to the ground and seek a submission, while Tsarukyan could aim to keep the fight standing, leveraging his striking and takedown defence. Oliveira is not to be underestimated on the feet however, showing significant improvement and knockout ability in recent fights. Olives has also been able to show his durability and adaptability in their recent fights, being dropped early in recent contests and coming back to finish the fight. Tskarukyan needs to look to finish the fight early to prevent Oliveira from adapting.
What Happened
Round 1 opened with a short feeling out process before Olivera secured a standing guillotine on Arman. Arman survived this deep submission from Olives and ended up on bottom but then Arman manages to transition to top. Arman was dominating on top of Olivera who then threw an illegal up kick to a grounded opponent resulting in a warning. He maintained top position landing some elbows. Then when the fight briefly returned to the feet Olives landed a knee and elbow.
Round 2 is a back and forth on the feet both landing Arman utilising his jab and olives landing his right hand. Arman shot for a takedown which Olivera scrambled out of however was brought to the fence. Tsarukyan then took down Olivera against the fence maintaining top position. From mount Arman landed elbows which cut open Olivera having a dramatic end to round 2. Round 3 stays on the feet for longer both guys throwing Arman using his jab. Arman the blasts a double leg which he gets the back landing knees to the body. In the final 20 seconds Arman slips off Olivera’s back and Olivera catches Arman in a tight guillotine which Arman survived. Arman was awarded a split decision in a hard fought victory.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
