UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush knows that the current crop of elite fighters is nearing retirement age. With the likes of Mateusz Gamrot on the way up, and Beneil Dariush set to face Gamrot at UFC 280 this weekend, he had nothing but praise for his opponent on Just Scrap Radio.
““He’s a stud, mixes it up really well, and is really tough. He was a 145 and 155lbs champ in KSW and has a lot of potential. I feel there is the old guard and there is the new guard and he’s one of the first generations of the new guard. I think he’s top-five level… I think this guy is better, he’s either the same level or better than these guys. Fighting someone better is important.
Dariush on “Fun Fight” Against Gamrot’s “New Guard”
Obviously, I’m not going to get as much visibility because Poirier is a superstar, and Chandler is either a superstar or a superstar in the making.” Dariush claimed that Gamrot’s fight against Arman Tsarukyan was what made him want to face the Polish fighter.
“Once I watched that fight I was like I really want to fight him right away. This looks like such a fun fight.
Waiting for a top guy would’ve been the smart choice but as an athlete and a competitor, watching that fight against Arman I was just shadowboxing, telling my wife I have to go run. The fight was inspiring and I want to fight those guys who inspire me and make me want to rise up to the occasion.
He’s that first generation of the new guard and I think these guys are going to be better than the old generation and will be more well-rounded and I have to be able to beat these guys.”
Dariush’s plan for this weekend? To finish his opponent, and move on to a long-awaited shot at the UFC lightweight title. UFC 280 is headlined by a lightweight title clash between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira, either of whom Beneil Dariush would be happy to face.
“I’m going to finish him, that is how I see it playing out. I’m going to finish him… Whatever comes that day, but pretty sure I’m going to finish him.
I want to fight them both so whichever scenario allows me to do that. I do think I will end up fighting Islam for the belt, but if it’s Oliveira that will be great too.
Hopefully, Islam will win a fight or two and I’ll fight him. I would like to fight both.” What’s your prediction for Gamrot vs Dariush? Let us know in the comments.
