Charles celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Charles Oliveira 's future has taken new turns in recent weeks after the Brazilian was linked to a possible fight against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331, scheduled for September 19. Faced with rumors that he had refused to fight the Armenian, the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) explained that the situation did not progress to an official negotiation and revealed the reason why he could not accept the fight at that time.
In an interview with the YouTube channel 'Olhar da Luta', released this Tuesday (25), Charles explained that he was consulted about the possibility of facing 'Bad Boy', but made it clear that he was not in a position to compete at that moment. Shortly after, the death of Allan Puro Osso , teammate and close friend of the Chute Boxe fighter, made it even more difficult to accept the commitment.
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“Actually, there was only one contact, just a rumor, (they asked) what do you think? I said: 'I can't fight now'. Let's move forward, if it goes ahead, it doesn't matter who it's against, I would fight. But then what happened with Allan happened. Out of respect for what the UFC saw, I'm not in a position to fight at a time like this. The UFC ended up scheduling the fight between Arman and Ruffy, which will be a great fight,” said Charles do Bronx.
The situation gained notoriety in recent weeks after Tsarukyan publicly questioned the Brazilian's decision not to proceed with negotiations. The Armenian even suggested that 'The Enlightened One' had found an excuse to avoid the confrontation, a version that the Paulista himself now refutes by reiterating that he did not refuse an official offer and that he was unable to fight at that time.
The fight ultimately didn't happen, and Arman Tsarukyan will face Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331, scheduled for September 19th in Los Angeles.
Charles Oliveira's career in MMA.
Charles at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
At 36 years old, Charles is one of the biggest names in UFC history and a legend in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). A professional since 2008, the Brazilian has a record of 37 wins, 11 losses, and one no contest, with 10 knockout victories and 22 submission wins, making him the all-time leading finisher (17) in Ultimate history. His main career achievements include victories over Dustin Poirier , Justin Gaethje , Michael Chandler , Beneil Dariush , and Max Holloway.
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