UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush has somehow managed to fly under the radar of the 155-pound title conversation. He’s ranked #6 in one of the most competitive divisions in the sport, but amid the constant discussion of Oliveira, Makhachev, Chandler, and Dustin Poirier, Dariush’s seven-fight winning streak is going unnoticed. Dariush is set to face Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 280, which will be headlined by a title decider between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev.
Dariush, speaking to Helen Yee, discussed the problems with Chandler’s approach, and why Michael Chandler doesn’t deserve a title shot any time soon.
“I think he could be undefeated [in the UFC] right now if he had a better mindset. He’s so focused on being entertaining and exciting, he’s lost two fights. So, that’s why I’m leaning more towards Dustin.
Honestly, I think he’s just trying to hype himself up [with his title shot claims]. I don’t think that’s true, but if that does happen, man, I will — that’s basically a clown show. The guy just had a title shot lost and then lost again. It doesn’t make sense. After I beat Gamrot, I don’t think there’s anyone who can step in front of me. We’ll see what happens. I think it would be a joke if he gets a title shot.”
Beneil Dariush hasn’t fought since May 2021, when he defeated Tony Ferguson via unanimous decision. With his pedigree, he expects to be the backup at UFC 280 if either of the headliners is unable to fight. In that regard, he discussed whether Charles Oliveira or Islam Makhachev could lay claim to the title of best in the division, and pound-for-pound status beyond that.
“If Charles wins, yeah. If Islam wins, it’s hard because this is his first ranked guy he’s fought. But on the other hand, Charles has fought so many ranked guys and beat so many ranked guys.
I think if Islam wins, he’s definitely top 5 or even top 3 in the pound-for-pound. But I think if Charles wins, he’s No. 1.”
Currently, the no.1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter is featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski moved into the top spot after the previous no.1, Kamaru Usman, lost his welterweight title to a vicious head kick from Leon Edwards. Volkanovski has also teased a move up to lightweight, specifically calling out Charles Oliveira. A potential world number one spot could be on the cards in the near future.
Do you think Beneil Dariush deserves a title shot? Let us know in the comments.
