Charles Oliveira shoots down UFC title eliminators against Arman, Paddy Pimblett — ‘I’m next in line … I can wait’

Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira has declined to fight contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett in title eliminator bouts, insisting he is already next in line for a championship shot. Oliveira stated he would rather wait for a UFC lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje than take what he considers a step backward. The comments were made public on August 25, 2026, by reporter Jesse Holland.