The mystery regarding Charles
Oliveira’s next opponent is over, as the Brazilian will face
Arman
Tsarukyan in a contender’s bout at UFC
300.
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While it was rumored that Justin
Gaethje would receive the next lightweight title shot against
reigning champion Islam
Makhachev,
UFC CEO Dana White added some clarity to the situation during
his announcement on Sunday night.
“The winner will face Islam when he returns this summer,” White
said.
Shortly after the official announcement, Oliveira’s coach, Diego
Lima, revealed further details regarding the negotations in an
interview with Sherdog.com.
“As I [said] a few weeks ago, Charles’ main focus was the belt. If
Makhachev would fight, the opponent would be Charles, but many
things have happened since we talked,” Lima said. “Makhachev is
still injured and besides that, he will have Ramadan. And after
Ramadan he will need time to get ready.
“Since Charles is a former champion and No. 1 ranked [in the UFC at
lightweight] we could wait, but many things could happen. Let´s
imagine that [Arman] fought against Gaethje or [Dustin] Poirier and
got a great KO in the first round. He would have a great chance to
cut the line. Of course, we would be running the risk of losing the
title shot [by waiting].”
Lima was pleased with the way the UFC handled negotiations, though
his suggestion for an interim lightweight belt did not come to
fruition.
“As I always say, the UFC gives us a great treatment,” Lima said.
“They offered us a great proposal to fight at UFC 300, and since
Charles doesn’t want to go one year without fighting, we accepted.
In my opinion they could make an interim belt for that fight. But
that’s only my opinion. The UFC decided to make it a title
eliminator match.”
The Chute Boxe coach declined to offer details regarding a
potential strategy for Tsarukyan.
“All I can say now is that Tsarukyan is a great fighter, both
standing up and on the ground,” Lima said. “No doubt one of the
best of the division. I have seen some of his fights but never
thought about [preparing for] him. Now I’ll start to study his
fights, looking at him as an opponent and thinking on a strategy to
beat him. But Charles’ fans can be assured we will do great work to
get one more win and have him fighting for the belt before the end
of the year again.”