According to the former champion, Allan "Puro Osso"'s death motivated Charles Oliveira to withdraw from the rematch at UFC 331.

Charles and Puro Osso at Chute Boxe Diego Lima. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/allanpuroosso

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With the news that Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy will face off at UFC 331 in September with the number one contender spot in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) at stake, many fans questioned the situation of Charles do Bronx , pointed out by several media professionals as the most likely to face the Armenian. However, Daniel Cormier came forward in a video published on YouTube last Thursday (6) to explain the situation behind the plans drawn up by the Ultimate.

According to the former fighter and current UFC commentator, the company's initial plan was a rematch between the Brazilian and Arman Tsarukyan . However, this plan fell through after the tragic death of Puro Osso, which deeply affected the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg).

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“It’s a shame, because we would have loved to see a rematch between (Tsarukyan) and Oliveira. The first fight was incredible. Arman even hit a fan on his way to the octagon! But, unfortunately, a teammate of Charles passed away, and that’s why I believe we won’t have that fight. Obviously, the guys on Oliveira’s team are very close-knit. So, I think that’s why the fight against Charles isn’t going to happen. To be honest, guys, Arman Tsarukyan told me in Abu Dhabi that the fight would be between him and Oliveira. Nothing about the BMF belt; it would be him against Oliveira in Los Angeles,” he stated.

Daniel Cormier revealed that Arman Tsarukyan was originally slated to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 331.

DC believes that the unfortunate passing of Allan Nascimento earlier this week forced the UFC to change their plans and match Arman with Mauricio Ruffy instead:

“If I'm… pic.twitter.com/gf31ouvETd

— Fighters Only (@FightersOnly) August 7, 2026

The information provided by Cormier corroborates the findings of journalists, such as Leonardo Guimarães, the first Brazilian commentator to mention the possibility of the "Radiant Lion" competing against the Armenian for the second time. After the official announcement from the UFC, he also presented the same points raised by DC.

Even without Charles Oliveira, Tsarukyan remains on UFC 331.

Tsarukyan celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

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Clearly sidelined in the top tier of the UFC's most popular weight class, Tsarukyan has been trying to make himself more approachable during negotiations. According to Cormier, the decision to remain on the card to face Ruffy is linked to this desire.

“Arman told me that he only wants to keep fighting to become an unquestionable contender, basically, because he wants a title shot. Yesterday, we received the news that he will face Mauricio Ruffy . It’s a dangerous fight that doesn’t bring much return, because Ruffy—although he’s good and achieved that great victory at the White House—doesn’t have the weight of Charles Oliveira’s name. I believe that the fact that Arman Tsarukyan accepted this fight strengthens his position more than anything else. Now he accepts fighting anyone in any situation. This makes him the kind of guy everyone wants to work with,” he concluded.

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