UFC 331 Main Event Shakeup: Oliveira vs Tsarukyan 2 Won't Be for BMF Title
The UFC 331 main event, pitting Charles Oliveira against Arman Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated rematch, will no longer carry the BMF title, according to a recent report from Brazilian journalist Leo Guimaraes. The bout, scheduled for Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, will remain a five-round affair but will not feature Oliveira's symbolic BMF belt on the line.
Guimaraes reported on social media that the UFC's current decision is to keep the fight as a non-title event, despite initial expectations that the BMF championship would be at stake. The organization initially planned a three-round fight, but later changed course and opted for a 25-minute contest. This update contradicts earlier statements from Tsarukyan, who had hinted that his next fight would be for a title and suggested the BMF champ as his opponent.
The news adds another layer of intrigue to a matchup already steeped in narrative. Oliveira captured the BMF title in March with a dominant grappling performance against Max Holloway at UFC 326. Tsarukyan, meanwhile, has been waiting for a shot at redemption after his controversial pull-out from a title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. The rematch at UFC 331 will still be the event's headliner, but without the championship designation, the stakes shift slightly.
Why It Matters: Title Implications and Lightweight Landscape
The removal of the BMF belt from the Oliveira-Tsarukyan rematch significantly alters the context of the fight. For Oliveira, a win would still position him as a top contender for the lightweight title, but without adding another title to his resume. For Tsarukyan, victory would be crucial to re-establishing himself in the championship picture, especially after his recent loss to Colby Covington in a grappling match under the Real American Freestyle banner.
The lightweight division remains crowded, with Islam Makhachev holding the undisputed title and names like Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway lingering in the mix. A non-title bout could allow the UFC to preserve the BMF belt for a more marquee matchup, possibly involving Holloway or another fan favorite. It also gives the promotion flexibility in determining the next title challenger, as a win for either man wouldn't automatically grant them a shot at Makhachev.
Tsarukyan, ranked second in the lightweight division, has been vocal about wanting a title shot, but his history of missed weight and the UFC 311 pull-out have complicated his path. Oliveira, despite his 20 UFC finishes (a record), has lost two close fights to Makhachev and a knockout to Ilia Topuria, leaving his title future uncertain. This bout will serve as a key eliminator, even without the BMF strap.
Context: The Rematch and the BMF Legacy
The first meeting between Oliveira and Tsarukyan took place at UFC 300, where Tsarukyan earned a split decision in a closely contested three-round fight. That result left many fans and analysts wanting more, and the rematch was expected to settle the score. However, the initial reporting that the fight would be for the BMF title was based on the assumption that Oliveira's recent victory over Holloway had elevated him to a new level of stardom.
The BMF title, introduced in 2019, was created to honor fighters who embody a "baddest motherf***er" ethos. It has been held by Jorge Masvidal, Justin Gaethje, and Max Holloway before Oliveira won it. The belt is largely symbolic, but it carries significant prestige and often draws attention from casual fans. Its absence from UFC 331 could be a blow to the event's marketing, but the main event still features two of the division's most exciting fighters.
Reports indicate that the UFC had originally hoped to book a different headliner for the event, possibly involving Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes, but those plans fell through. The promotion then pivoted to Oliveira vs Tsarukyan, which was initially announced as a five-round title fight. The recent reversal suggests that negotiations over the BMF belt may have hit a snag, or the UFC simply wants to keep the title for another occasion.
Perspective: What This Means for the Fighters and the Division
For Charles Oliveira, the loss of the BMF title may not diminish his motivation. The Brazilian has made a career of proving critics wrong, and a decisive win over Tsarukyan would send a powerful message. Oliveira's grappling-heavy style, which he used to neutralize Holloway, will be tested again against Tsarukyan's strong wrestling and submission defense. The fight promises a chess match on the ground, with both men capable of finishing at any moment.
For Arman Tsarukyan, this fight is about redemption. He has not fought in the UFC since his submission win over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last November, and his activity outside the Octagon has been notable. A win over Oliveira would put him back in the title conversation, but a loss could push him further down the line. The lack of the BMF belt might reduce the immediate glory, but the importance of the victory remains unchanged.
The broader implications for the lightweight division are significant. If Oliveira wins, a trilogy with Makhachev becomes almost inevitable, given their storied past and the champion's recent comments about Oliveira. If Tsarukyan wins, he could push for a rematch with Makhachev, though his past pull-out may make the UFC hesitant. The fight's outcome could also influence the plans for Gaethje and Holloway, both of whom are waiting in the wings.
As UFC 331 approaches, the landscape of the lightweight division remains fluid. This non-title bout, while less flashy than a championship defense, could have lasting consequences. The fighters are preparing for a five-round war, and the fans can expect a compelling main event in Los Angeles. Whether the BMF belt is present or not, the stakes are personal and professional.
Other Bouts on the UFC 331 Card
Beyond the main event, UFC 331 features a rebooked featherweight clash between Renato Moicano and Brian Ortega, which was originally scheduled for another event. The card also includes a matchup between Charles Jourdain and Marlon Vera, as well as Dooho Choi taking on Patricio Freire. Polish light heavyweight Iwo Baraniewski is reportedly set to face veteran Alonzo Menifield, adding more depth to the card. Baraniewski has impressed in his three UFC bouts, all first-round finishes that earned Performance of the Night bonuses.
With the main event now officially a non-title five-round fight, the UFC will likely intensify its marketing around the individual stakes of the competitors. The event, held at Crypto.com Arena in a city with a substantial Armenian community (potentially giving Tsarukyan a home-crowd advantage), is shaping up to be a must-watch for MMA fans.
The story of UFC 331 is evolving, and the absence of the BMF title adds a layer of unpredictability. Both Oliveira and Tsarukyan have everything to fight for, and this bout could define their careers.
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