Tsarukyan targets September UFC return with Oliveira rematch and title shot in sight

Arman Tsarukyan has revealed he is targeting a September return to the UFC, with a rematch against Charles Oliveira emerging as a likely option — and possibly a shot at the vacant 155-pound belt depending on how events unfold at UFC White House on June 14.

The Armenian-Russian lightweight shared the update in a video blog on his YouTube channel, offering the clearest indication yet of his plans following a lengthy absence from the Octagon. Tsarukyan last competed in MMA in November, when he submitted Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar.

The path to a title fight hinges on several variables. Ilia Topuria is set to defend the lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje at UFC White House, and speculation has been building that a Topuria victory could prompt the Georgian star to move up to welterweight. Should that happen, Tsarukyan appears to be positioning himself as the frontrunner for a rematch with Oliveira to crown a new champion at 155 pounds. Tsarukyan defeated Oliveira by split decision in a No. 1 contender’s bout at UFC 300.

The UFC has yet to confirm its September schedule, but Tsarukyan’s comments suggest the promotion is planning a major California event around that time.

Tsarukyan’s road back to the UFC’s good graces has not been entirely smooth. He was originally lined up to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311 but withdrew from the bout shortly before the event, damaging his standing with the promotion. He has since kept himself active outside the Octagon, going 5-0 under the Real American Freestyle banner in 2026 alone.

Beyond his role as backup fighter for the UFC White House main event, Tsarukyan has RAF bouts scheduled against Tony Ferguson on June 13 and Colby Covington on July 18, keeping his competitive rhythm intact while he waits for his Octagon return to be formalised.