With UFC 300 just around the corner, all eyes in the mixed martial arts community are eagerly anticipating the milestone event scheduled for April 13. Featuring a stacked card with twelve past or current champions and top-tier fights, UFC 300 promises to be one of the most memorable events in the company’s history.
For lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, UFC 300 presents the perfect opportunity to make a significant statement in his career. Tsarukyan, who made his UFC debut against current champion Islam Makhachev, has been steadily climbing the ranks and is now poised to face former champion Charles Oliveira.
“Finally, I got what I wanted,” Tsarukyan expressed during a UFC 300 Q&A session in March. “UFC 300 is the biggest fight, and I want to fight on that day. It’s so exciting.”
Tsarukyan sees his bout against Oliveira as the definitive No. 1 contender fight in the lightweight division. After an impressive knockout victory over Beneil Dariush in 2023, Tsarukyan knew a significant challenge awaited him next, and facing Oliveira was no surprise.
Oliveira, known as “Do Bronx,” has had a remarkable journey in the UFC, including a historic title run. Despite a setback against Makhachev, Oliveira bounced back with a first-round knockout win over Dariush. When a rematch with Makhachev fell through due to injury, Oliveira accepted the fight with Tsarukyan.
“For me, it’s my time right now,” Tsarukyan asserted. “When I beat him, people are going to talk about me. ‘Who is this kid?’ Everybody is going to know me.”
While Oliveira enjoys considerable fan support, Tsarukyan remains undeterred by the heckling from Oliveira’s supporters. With a mature demeanor, Tsarukyan is focused on delivering a memorable performance against Oliveira at T-Mobile Arena.
At UFC 300, the matchup between Oliveira and Tsarukyan joins three other highly anticipated lightweight bouts, including Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway. Tsarukyan aims to outshine his counterparts and hopes a victory over Oliveira will pave the way for a rematch with Makhachev.
“Of course, every day I’m thinking about [a rematch with Makhachev],” Tsarukyan revealed. “To be honest, I think about Charles, but sometimes I think, ‘Okay, I’m going to win and finally. I’m going to fight with Islam Makhachev.’ One step, and that’s it.”
Tsarukyan envisions a victory by submission, aiming to replicate Makhachev’s success against Oliveira. With his sights set on a rematch with the champion. Tsarukyan is determined to leave a lasting impression at UFC 300.
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