According to the former champion, Charles do Bronx could jump the queue for the lightweight title if he wins at UFC 326.

Charles do Bronx thanks his fans at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

With one of the most anticipated duels of the year approaching, the attention of the entire MMA world is turning to the rematch between Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway, the main event of UFC 326. Even though the fight is for the BMF belt, Michael Bisping believes the winner has the potential to become the next challenger for the undisputed lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg), even overtaking Arman Tsarukyan.

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The former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) and current UFC commentator spoke about the fight in a video published on his official YouTube channel last Wednesday (25). According to him, Justin Gaethje should have the right to face Ilia Topuria as the interim champion, even with brutal defeats for both involved in the duel.

“They are fighting for the BMF belt, and that’s really cool. Only fighters from the lightweight and welterweight divisions have had the opportunity to compete for this belt. However, both want to come back with all their might. They want to be the undisputed world champions. Now, it’s going to be difficult because Charles and Max were knocked out by Ilia, and now we have an interim champion called Justin Gaethje. Both have already knocked out or submitted Justin Gaethje. But he is the interim world champion, and if things go as planned, then the interim champion will face the undisputed champion,” stated the Englishman.

Charles from the Bronx could be privileged if he experiences a moment like José Aldo's.

Charles celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

However, Bisping doesn't believe the same logic will apply to Tsarukyan. While widely recognized as the most difficult challenge for the Georgian/Spanish fighter, the Armenian doesn't enjoy a good relationship with Dana White and the UFC matchmakers. Given this, imagining a scenario where he is overlooked isn't improbable.

“Will they surpass Arman Tsarukyan? As we know, he’s out there angry, thinking he’s the legitimate number one contender. But it’s not quite like that. There’s an interim champion. This fight needs to happen. But what if Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway do something insane, if Charles Oliveira finishes Max Holloway in a sensational way, running into the crowd like José Aldo in Rio de Janeiro? If something like that happens and the fans want it, guess what? Ilia Topuria or Justin Gaethje would love it. Being also the BMF champion, there would be a possibility of the undisputed title and the BMF title being on the line in the same fight. Would that make Arman Tsarukyan surpassed? I don’t know,” he concluded.