Charles Oliveira dropped out of his UFC 294 bout thanks to an injury and for a little while, he simply disappeared. He would show up to matches as a spectator, but that’s all we heard from him. Now, he’s slated to make a comeback before Conor McGregor at UFC 300.
Oliveira is an accomplished UFC fighter. He was the former lightweight champion before Islam Makhachev took his title away from him. However, has Oliveira not done enough to prove his worth? The fighter was once called a ferocious “assassin” by Joe Rogan. So, why is it that his next opponent, Arman Tsarukyan, was preferred over him during recent odds?
Charles Oliveira to enter as an underdog for his next fight
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That’s right, Charles Oliveira’s odds favored him only as an underdog. A +135 for him in comparison to a -160 for Tsarukyan who has only recently entered the UFC in comparison to Oliveira. ‘Do Bronx’ has been in the promotion since 2010 and holds a professional record of 34 and 9 with one no-contest.
Tsarukyan, as powerful as he is, only entered the UFC in 2019. Since then, he’s won the majority of his matches and holds a record of 21-3. The common denominator between the two? Both of them have lost once to the reigning lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.
However, one can argue that ‘Do Bronx’ has much more experience with the promotion. He also has more experience as a fighter, having won more professional bouts than Tsarukyan has ever even fought. So it only made sense for fans to be confused when the odds came out.
Arman Tsarukyan comes in as a favorite over former champion Charles Oliveira at #UFC300 👀💰 pic.twitter.com/pn7ioOiLyG
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) January 8, 2024
Now, there’s no way to tell how the fight will go down. Tsarukyan is a brilliant wrestler in his own right, but Oliveira and his unforgiving striking and BJJ skills remain unmatched. It could come down to a battle on the mat in the end. But who will really pick up the win? Here’s how fans reacted to the odds on X.
UFC fans are no strangers to surprises
Fans were divided on this one. Many considered this an interesting turn of events, while some others just believed that they’d make easy money betting on Oliveira because they’d have to bet less to make more. Here are some of the best reactions from X.
Arman is free money
— Degen (@Degen30677052) January 8, 2024
Some found disrespect in the odds.
The Disrespect 😨
— FARHAN (@lamFarhan) January 8, 2024
Some analyzed it carefully.
This doesn't entirely feel like a shock, though. Arman is very similar to Islam & he's still a very unfinished prospect, yet he's already a great fighter.
However, Charles, as an underdog, could very well be smart money too.
I have to lean with Arman
— Kieran J 💪 (@Jw95Kieran) January 8, 2024
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Meanwhile, others were surprised Oliveira was still an underdog.
Charles still getting disrespected by the books lmao they never learn
— tonio (@ANTONIOEESPARZA) January 8, 2024
genuinely how at this point?
— ✝ (@JLycxhe) January 8, 2024
Others reminded the world that Oliveira was once the champion.
When will they learn to stop doubting the champion
— Slade (@oSladester) January 8, 2024
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Finally, others declared who they’d be betting on.
BIG MONEY ON DO BRONX
— Matthew (@Matthew97517447) January 8, 2024
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Clearly, the books see ‘Do Bronx’ as an underdog. There’s no denying that Tsarukyan is a brilliant fighter. He has dealt with experienced fighters before like his most recent win against Beneil Dariush. However, many believe Oliveira is a level above. Will he be able to prove his fans right at UFC 300? We’ll find out in a few months’ time. Who are you betting on?