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Charles Oliveira clashed with Arman Tsarukyan in a battle that would determine the next contender for Islam Makhachev's lightweight title. Despite entering the octagon as the underdog, Oliveira showcased his resilience and skill against Tsarukyan in a high-stakes bout.
The fight began with Oliveira demonstrating his ground prowess, locking in a deep guillotine choke in the opening round. However, Tsarukyan managed to survive the submission attempt, leading to a back-and-forth exchange of strikes and grappling maneuvers. Oliveira found himself in control on the ground until a pivotal moment occurred when an accidental illegal upkick landed, shifting the momentum of the fight.
As the bout progressed into the second round, both fighters engaged in a striking exchange before transitioning to grappling. Tsarukyan seized the opportunity to execute a takedown, dominating Oliveira with a series of elbows from the top position. Despite sustaining a cut, Oliveira resiliently endured the onslaught, showcasing his durability.
In the third and final round, Tsarukyan attempted to capitalize on his ground game once again, but Oliveira's solid takedown defense kept the fight standing. As the round unfolded, Tsarukyan managed to secure a takedown, asserting control over the former champion. However, Oliveira relentlessly hunted for submission opportunities, keeping Tsarukyan on the defensive until the closing moments of the round.
Ultimately, the judges awarded Tsarukyan the victory by split decision, with scores of 28-29, 29-28, and 29-28. Despite the official result, controversy surrounded the judges' scorecards, with many fans expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome. Tsarukyan's impressive performance has likely earned him a title shot against the reigning lightweight champion, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in the future.