Charles Oliveira Exits UFC 331 After Teammate's Death, Sending Arman Tsarukyan to Mauricio Ruffy
Updated
Updated · MMA Mania · Aug 7
Charles Oliveira Exits UFC 331 After Teammate's Death, Sending Arman Tsarukyan to Mauricio Ruffy
3 articles · Updated · MMA Mania · Aug 7
Summary
UFC 331's Sept. 19 Los Angeles card now lists Arman Tsarukyan against Mauricio Ruffy after Charles Oliveira was removed from the lightweight contender bout.
Daniel Cormier said Oliveira's withdrawal followed the Monday death of Chute Boxe teammate Allan Nascimento, describing the team as especially close.
Cormier said Tsarukyan had expected an Oliveira rematch after their narrow UFC 300 fight and had told him in Abu Dhabi that matchup was set.
The switch gives Tsarukyan a riskier fight with less name value, though Cormier said accepting Ruffy still strengthens his case for a title shot.
UFC 331 will instead be headlined by Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title, with Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega also on the main card.