Charles Oliveira’s coach names opponents worthy of BMF title fights, and why Arman Tsarukyan isn’t one

Charles Oliveira currently has no fight scheduled in the UFC but plans to return to competition before year's end, according to his manager and head coach Diego Lima. The former lightweight champion and current BMF titleholder has resumed training following the death of longtime friend and teammate Allan Nascimento and is targeting fights on November or December numbered cards in New York or Las Vegas. Lima indicated negotiations will likely begin within roughly two weeks.

Oliveira's preferred next opponent is current champion Justin Gaethje, whom he defeated in Arizona in 2022, though Gaethje is not expected to defend before year's end following recent victories over Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria. If Oliveira competes beforehand, Lima named Diego Lopes and Justin Gaethje as worthy opponents, emphasizing fighters with strong media appeal and selling power rather than purely competitive resume credentials. Lima described Lopes as an exceptional option despite his move to 155 pounds, citing his two previous title fights and aggressive style. Regarding Arman Tsarukyan, Lima acknowledged him as "an interesting option" but distinguished between fights suitable for the BMF title versus title shots, arguing that BMF bouts require "major media appeal" beyond fighting ability. Lima suggested Gaethje represents the most marketable matchup for Oliveira, offering a "perfect" scenario if the bout included both the BMF and lightweight titles. The question of whether Oliveira's BMF belt will be contested in his next fight remains undecided and depends on his opponent.