In a thrilling match at UFC 300, Arman Tsarukyan secured a split decision victory over Charles Oliveira

Former lightweight champion and highly-ranked lightweight contender, Charles Oliveira, faced off against the fourth-ranked Arman Tsarukyan in a high-stakes showdown on the main card of UFC 300. Oliveira entered the bout with momentum from a remarkable TKO victory over Beneil Dariush, while Tsarukyan arrived with an impressive three-fight winning streak, including a first-round finish over Dariush that earned him a ‘Performance of the Night’ bonus.

I’m fighting the winner 👊🏼 https://t.co/ZFV6VmREzg

— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) April 14, 2024

As the fight began, Oliveira landed a leg kick, followed by another as Tsarukyan was throwing a strike, causing Tsarukyan to fall to the canvas. Oliveira capitalized on the opportunity by gaining top position and attempting a guillotine choke. Though Tsarukyan defended well, Oliveira managed to mount him and deliver a solid elbow. In a display of resilience, Tsarukyan reversed Oliveira midway through the round, landing elbows from inside Oliveira’s full guard. However, an illegal kick from Oliveira led to a brief halt in the fight. After being cleared by a doctor, Tsarukyan returned to the same position, delivering consecutive elbows as the round drew to a close. It was a closely contested round, with MMAWeekly scoring it 10-9 in favor of Tsarukyan due to his top control.

The second round commenced with a mutual show of respect between the two fighters. Oliveira started strong with a stiff right hand in the pocket, while Tsarukyan pressed forward but failed to land significant strikes. Tsarukyan attempted an axe kick that missed, and he subsequently looked to bring the fight to the ground, eventually succeeding in pulling Oliveira down with three minutes remaining in the round. Oliveira focused on controlling Tsarukyan’s posture and minimizing damage, while Tsarukyan remained active with short punches and elbows, causing Oliveira to bleed. As the round ended, Oliveira isolated an arm, but Tsarukyan held on. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 in favor of Tsarukyan.

Huge victory for @ArmanUFC!

He gets the split decision victory at #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/avzOhQpQ9v

— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2024

In the final round, Oliveira initiated with a flying knee and a kick to Tsarukyan’s body. The fighters clinched and vied for position against the cage. Oliveira managed to spin Tsarukyan around and separate, while Tsarukyan attempted a takedown that Oliveira successfully defended. Tsarukyan found success with his jab and secured a takedown at the midpoint of the round. Although Oliveira briefly had a hold of Tsarukyan’s neck, he was forced to release it. Tsarukyan took Oliveira’s back, but Oliveira regained top position and applied a d’arce choke, which Tsarukyan survived until the end of the round. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 in favor of Tsarukyan.

In a closely contested battle, the judges rendered a split decision in favor of Tsarukyan, with scorecards reading 28-29, 29-28, and 29-28.