Charles Oliveira Withdraws from UFC 331 Following Friend's Death

Charles Oliveira has pulled out of his scheduled fight against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331, which is set for September 19. This decision comes after the tragic death of his close friend and training partner, Allan Nascimento, who died from a heart attack just three days prior.

Oliveira's withdrawal marks a significant change in the event's co-main lineup. Initially, the bout was highly anticipated as a non-title match featuring two top-ranked lightweights. However, following Nascimento's passing, Oliveira has chosen to take time off to grieve, reflecting the deep bond he shared with Nascimento, who was not only a teammate but also a trusted cornerman.

Nascimento, who was 34 years old, was found unresponsive on Monday morning, and despite attempts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead. His loss has prompted an outpouring of condolences from the MMA community. In light of Oliveira's situation, the UFC has secured Mauricio Ruffy as a replacement opponent for Tsarukyan.