UFC 331 is set to take place on September 19, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marking the promotion’s return to California. The card is expected to feature several high-profile matchups, and if recent reports from The LA Times and Ring Magazine reporter Manouk Akopyan are accurate, fans will finally get the long-awaited rematch between Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan.
It remains unclear whether the blockbuster lightweight clash will be contested for Oliveira’s BMF title or serve as the event’s main event. The pair first met at UFC 300, where Tsarukyan edged out “Do Bronx” via a razor-close split decision in one of the most competitive fights on the card.
Since then, though, their careers have gone in very different directions. Tsarukyan looked destined for a lightweight title shot after UFC 300 and was scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, ironically, also in California.
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However, he was forced to withdraw due to a back injury and complications during his weight cut. The setback seemingly soured Dana White on the idea of giving him another immediate title opportunity, with the UFC CEO repeatedly insisting that Tsarukyan must earn his way back into contention.
His inactivity hasn’t helped his case either. Over the last 26 months, Tsarukyan has fought just once, submitting Dan Hooker in dominant fashion at UFC Qatar in November 2025. However, the Armenian has remained extremely active in grappling contests in promotions like RAF, where he recently faced Colby Covington.
Oliveira, on the other hand, has stayed far busier. Since losing to Tsarukyan, the former lightweight champion has fought four times. He rematched Michael Chandler at UFC 309 before putting together a two-fight winning streak, dominating Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Rio and defeating Max Holloway to capture the BMF title at UFC 326.
His momentum was briefly halted at UFC 317 when Ilia Topuria knocked him out to claim the lightweight championship. Now, Oliveira has the opportunity to avenge another loss and strengthen his case for another shot at UFC gold.
With the lightweight title picture still in limbo as Justin Gaethje weighs his next move, Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan 2 could have huge championship implications. Gaethje himself has said that both men deserve to be next in line for a title opportunity, making this rematch a likely No. 1 contender fight.
UFC 331 is also rumored to feature the flyweight title clash between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja, adding even more intrigue to what is shaping up to be one of the biggest cards of the year. Here is the status breakdown of the UFC 331 fight card.
- Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2 (Lightweight BMF Title Bout / Expected Main Event)
- Joshua Van (c) vs. Alexandre Pantoja 2 (Flyweight Title bout/ Targeted Co-Main Event)
- Marlon “Chito” Vera vs. Charles Jourdain (Bantamweight Bout)
- Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega 2 (Lightweight Bout)
- Dooho Choi vs. Patricio Freire (Featherweight Bout)
- Ryan Gandra vs. Ozzy Diaz (Middleweight Bout)
- Casey O’Neill vs. Eduarda Moura (Women’s Flyweight Bout)
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