Arman Tsarukyan reveals September title fight but apparently not against Ilia Topuria

The clue came when Tsarukyan noticed Charles Oliveira on a Topps Chrome package. In the video, he was heard adding: “I may fight him again.”

That made the September claim feel less like a direct Topuria or Gaethje hint and more like a possible rematch with Oliveira for the symbolic “Baddest M———” belt.

Oliveira claimed that title from Max Holloway at UFC 326, using his grappling to control most of the fight and earning a clear decision in Las Vegas.

Tsarukyan knows Oliveira well. They fought at UFC 300 in April 2024, where Tsarukyan won a split decision after surviving early submission threats.

His wrestling and ground-and-pound turned the tide, with two judges scoring it 29-28 in his favour while the third gave the same score to Oliveira.

That history would give a rematch immediate logic. It would also keep Tsarukyan active if Topuria or Gaethje takes a different direction after UFC Freedom 250.

For now, the lightweight title picture remains unclear. But Tsarukyan’s own comments suggest September could bring a title fight, just not against Topuria.