Former lightweight champion and top lightweight contender Charles Oliveira faced fourth-ranked Arman Tsarukyan on the UFC 300 main card on Saturday.  

In a fight that could determine the next title challenger, Oliveira entered the bout coming off an impressive TKO win over Beneil Dariush.  Tsarukyan entered the octagon at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday riding a three-fight winning streak.  He too was coming off a first-round finish over Dariush that earned him a 'Performance of the Night' bonus.    

They two touched gloves and Oliveira landed first with a leg kick.  Oliveira landed a leg kick as Tsarukyan was throwing on and Tsarukyan fell to the canvas.  Oliveira seized the moment and gained top position.  

Tsarukyan tried to stand but Oliveira applied a guillotine choke.  Tsarukyan defended the submission attempt but it was in deep.  Oliveira mounted Tsarukyan and connected with a solid elbow.  Midway through the opening round, Tsarukyan reversed Oliveira.  He delivered an elbow inside Oliveira's full guard.  Oliveira went to kick Tsarukyan off him and landed an illegal kick.  The fight was briefly halted for Tsarukyan to recover.  A doctor was brought in and cleared Tsarukyan to continue.  

The fight was returned to the same position with Tsarukyan in Oliveira's guard.  Tsarukyan delivered back to back elbows.  With seconds remaining in the ground, Oliveira got to his feet.  He delivered a knee inside the clinch before separating and that's how the round ended.  It was a competitive first round, but MMAWeekly scored it 10-9 for Tsarukyan due to top control.  It could have went either way.    

The two hugged before the second round.  Oliveira stepped in the pocket with a stiff right hand.  Tsarukyan pressed forward but didn't land.  Tsarukyan pulled out an axe kick that missed.  Tsarukyan ducked under a punch and looked to get the fight to the ground.  Oliveira remained standing but remained in the clinch.  Tsarukyan pulled Oliveira to the canvas with three minutes left in the frame.  

Oliveira controlled Tsarukyan's posture and kept from absorbing much damage.  Tsarukyan delivered short punches to the body remaining active enough.  He connected with a few elbows.  He connected with a right hand.  Oliveira started to bleed.  Oliveira isolated an arm as the round ended.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Tsarukyan.  

Oliveira pressed forward with a flying knee that came up short.  He delivered a kick to the body of Tsarukyan.  Tsarukyan clinched and they worked for position along the cage.  Oliveira spun him around and separated.  Tsarukyan looked for a takedown but Oliveira defended the attempt.  Tsarukyan landed his jab and changed levels.  He secured a takedown at the midway mark in the frame.  

Oliveira had ahold of Tsarukyan's neck but was forced to let it go.  Tsarukyan took Oliveira's back.  Oliveira went to stand and gained top position.  He applied a d'arce choke.  It's in deep but Tsarukyan held on until the end of the round.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Tsarukyan.  

The judges scored the fight for Tsarukyan via split decision.  The scorecards read 28-29, 29-28, and 29-28.