Charles Oliveira vs Arman Tsarukyan prediction, pick, start time, odds for UFC 300

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom takes a quick look at the UFC 300 showdown between Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan.

Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan meet Saturday on the main card of UFC 300 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.  

Charles Oliveira vs Arman Tsarukyan UFC 300 preview

Oliveira (34-9 MMA, 22-9 UFC) and Tsarukyan (21-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC) both enter UFC 300 looking to stake their claim to a lightweight title shot against champion Islam Makhachev. … Oliveira, the UFC’s all-time leader in stoppages, has won 12 of his past 13 bouts dating back to 2018, with his lone defeat when he dropped the title to Makhachev in October 2022. UFC 300 marks Oliveira’s first action since a TKO win over Beneil Dariush last July. … Tsarukyan enters UFC 300 having won eight of his past nine bouts since July 2019, including a current three-fight winning streak against Damir Ismagulov (unanimous decision), Joaquim Silva (TKO) and most recently Dariush (knockout) last December.

Charles Oliveira vs Arman Tsarukyan expert pick, prediction

Coming in as one the best fights on the entire card, Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan is an important lightweight showdown.

Despite the oddsmakers initially opening Oliveira as the favorite, public money flipped the betting lines in Tsarukyan’s favor. Although I understand the line movement, I’d be careful about prematurely putting a fork in the former lightweight champion.

Not only does Oliveira offer opportunistic submission threats on the floor (as the UFC’s submission leader, no less), but “Do Bronx” has steadily developed a nasty striking game in the latter chapters of his career.

I’ve been high on Tsarukyan since Jump Street, so I won’t be shocked if the 27-year-old is able to grind out Oliveira from top position. That said, Tsarukyan hasn’t faced anything close to this level of offensive potency since his promotional debut opposite Islam Makhachev.

There’s some admitted bias attached, but I’ll take a shot on “Slim Charles” to secure a club-and-sub win in Round 2.

Charles Oliveira vs Arman Tsarukyan odds

The oddsmakers are favoring the less-established fighter, listing Tsarukyan -230 and Oliveira +184 via FanDuel.

Charles Oliveira vs Arman Tsarukyan start time, how to watch

Oliveira and Tsarukyan are expected to make their walks at approximately 11 p.m. ET (8 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). The fight streams on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

For more detailed analysis from Dan Tom, check out his weekly show, “The Protect Ya’ Neck Podcast.”