Tag: Beneil Dariush

Beneil Dariush Brands Charles Oliveira A “Hypocrite” For Not Fighting Him

Beneil Dariush, Charles OliveiraUFC lightweight Beneil Dariush has fired shots at Charles Oliveira for not taking a fight with him. Having been on the sidelines since his last outing against Tony Ferguson last May, Dariush is swift in recovery from an ankle tear. Although he was expected to fight Islam Makhachev, talks of the showdown fizzled out after […]

Beneil Dariush, Charles Oliveira

UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush has fired shots at Charles Oliveira for not taking a fight with him.

Having been on the sidelines since his last outing against Tony Ferguson last May, Dariush is swift in recovery from an ankle tear. Although he was expected to fight Islam Makhachev, talks of the showdown fizzled out after the sixth-ranked contender provided an update on his injury.

With Oliveira having to vacate his title, the matchmaking for UFC lightweight division has been turned on its head. Dana White had stated that Makhachev would need to dispatch Dariush to get a shot at the title but with no champ in place, things may change very quickly. Dariush was scheduled to take on Oliveira in October 2020 but it never happened as ‘do Bronx’ ended up facing Tony Ferguson in December of that year.

In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Beneil Dariush talked about Charles Oliveira missing weight, the state of the lightweight division in the UFC, and Islam Makhachev.

“I haven’t had any conversations with the UFC,” Dariush said. “In my mind, if I’m as good as I think I am, if I’m the best in the world, then everybody’s food. All these guys are just food. The only difference is the rotation, like who’s going to be first for me to eat. That’s basically how I look at it.”

“And so, that’s one of the reasons why I’m not like jumping on it, ‘ah, Charles has to give me this fight.’ I could clearly say, ‘hey buddy, you always talk about how the top five never gave you the fight. We were scheduled to fight, we were supposed to fight in October of 2020. You bailed on me and you said family issues. And then in December, you fought Tony Ferguson.

“What the heck, man? You’re being kind of a hypocrite’. If I really cared, that’s kinda how I would come at this. I’d be like, ‘dude, you’re being a hypocrite. You owe me a fight’.

“Pff, I don’t care. Just tell me who’s next and let’s get to work. That’s really how I feel right now. Just annoyed, mostly annoyed is the way I would put it.”

It seems like Beneil Dariush knows what he needs to do to get in a better position to challenge for the title. Although he’s expressed his disappointment with the Brazilian’s treatment, he is willing to wait for the match.

Would you like to see Beneil Dariush fight Charles Oliveira?

Beneil Dariush Reveals Timeline, Expectations For UFC Return

Beneil Dariush has provided an update on his current recovery progress, and his expectations for his Octagon return. Dariush suffered an ankle injury during the training camp for his initially scheduled bout with Islam Makhachev at UFC Fight Night 202 in February. As a result, he was forced to withdraw from the bout. Now, speaking…

Continue Reading Beneil Dariush Reveals Timeline, Expectations For UFC Return at MMA News.

Beneil Dariush has provided an update on his current recovery progress, and his expectations for his Octagon return.

Dariush suffered an ankle injury during the training camp for his initially scheduled bout with Islam Makhachev at UFC Fight Night 202 in February. As a result, he was forced to withdraw from the bout.

Now, speaking to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Dariush has provided an update on his status. The 33-year-old says he’s feeling really good, but his ankle still has a bit of recovery left before he can fight anytime soon.

He was offered a fight in July, but given the current state of it, he doesn’t think it’s worth the risk.

“The fibula is actually really good,” Dariush said. “The leg is healed; the bone is fine. The issue I had, I have a little bit of now still, is a weakness in my ankle and also in my Achilles. That was something I was not expecting just because I jumped into PT right off the bat. I didn’t think that was going to be an issue.

“But, for example, right now if I do five rounds – whatever kind of training, whether it’s grappling or striking, somewhere around the third round it starts to get weak and chances of me rolling my ankle — or something stupid like that happening increase by a lot.

“It almost happened on Tuesday. So, that’s one of the reasons why I said no to July. Just because, man, I don’t want to go through a whole camp and be constantly stressed about my ankle.

“Is it going to make it through this camp, is it going to be strong enough? So we’re just spending all our time right now still focusing on strengthening moving forward and making sure we’re good to go. I think in a couple of weeks if I just keep focusing on it, it’ll be fine.”

There’s certainly no shortage of opponents for Dariush when he finally makes his return. Names such as Dustin Porier, Justin Gaethje, Islam Makhachev, Charles Oliveira, and more are waiting.

However, Dariush has a list of the men he’d like to step into the Octagon with once he’s fully healed, and Makhachev is at the top of that list.

“Well, here’s the thing – lets talk timing,” Dariush said. “If we’re talking about timing, if I can fight in August, whoever can show up in August.

“Ideally, Islam would be the best because I think he’s the best in the division. For me, fighting him is like fighting for the belt. You’re fighting for the UFC belt, if not him, it would be either Dustin Porier or Chandler. Those are the guys I’m thinking of. That’s how in my mind it goes.

“So, if I had to put an order in — it would go Charles, Islam, and then you could alternate Chandler and Poirier.”

What do you make of Beneil Dariush wanting to fight Islam Makhachev above all others? Who are you picking in the bout? Sound off in the comments!

Continue Reading Beneil Dariush Reveals Timeline, Expectations For UFC Return at MMA News.

Gregor Gillespie Clarifies UFC Release Rumors and Being Removed from UFC Rankings

Gregor Gillespie UFC ReleaseGregor Gillespie woke up to bad news today, as the UFC removed him from the rankings, causing a rampant rumor that he’d been released. Taking to Instagram to make a statement, ‘The Gift’ denied the release rumors and addressed his removal from the UFC rankings: “Guys, I’m STILL in the UFC relax. I’ll explain,” Gregor […]

Gregor Gillespie UFC Release

Gregor Gillespie woke up to bad news today, as the UFC removed him from the rankings, causing a rampant rumor that he’d been released.

Taking to Instagram to make a statement, ‘The Gift’ denied the release rumors and addressed his removal from the UFC rankings:

“Guys, I’m STILL in the UFC relax. I’ll explain,” Gregor Gillespie said.

“1) I’m removed from the RANKINGS. Not from the organization. (Fighters are removed from rankings when inactive for a period of time which I’m gathering is 12 months).”

“2) I’m not fucking going ANYWHERE, rankings or not.” He continued before launching into how much he loves the UFC, and despite their bad reputation for low pay, he’d say they’ve always paid him fairly so far.

Gregor Gillespie’s Statement on UFC Release Rumors, Continued

“I love the UFC, and contrary to what the haters say about them, the UFC has ALWAYS been more than good to me. Pay is great, everything super organized, the follow up after from medical staff is unbelievable, 100% class act top of the food chain.” ‘The Gift’ said.

“It is NOT their fault I have not had a fight. They have offered me plenty of fights in the last year. I have accepted any and all of them against guys who were ranked ahead of me (outside of the VERY short notice ones like 4-8 days), and conversely, I have obviously turned down all of the ones of guys ranked behind me. I am on a mission to fight the top guys w the lowest number next to their name and get towards that belt, and fighting guys who are ranked behind me isn’t the way to do that, but I also understand sitting for a long period of time isn’t either.”

“3) I am and have been patiently waiting for the right fight, one that is going to push me toward the belt,” Gregor Gillespie stated. “Since Ferguson turned it down like 100 fukin times in the last yr, since Mikey Chandler didn’t seem too interested in fighting me when I brought it up, and since RDA just turned down the fight against me (WHICH I ACCEPTED BTW) I guess @beneildariush will have to do. I know you’re banged up and recovering big dawg, so just gimme a 8 week heads up and let’s do the thing.”

“PS … RDA, Chandler, offer always fukin stands … RDA was cool with fighting me on 4 days notice when I was literally on a mountain 7 hours away from home when he needed a last-second replacement, but when just offered fight w me since then where I would have a fight camp, he straight up said no.”

“***Long story short, removed from rankings, not from the UFC,” Gillespie concluded.

What’s Next for Gregor Gillespie?

Gregor Gillespie was one of MMA’s most highly touted prospects before the Kevin Lee knockout in 2019. While still held in high regard, the momentum of Gillespie as an undefeated superstar was officially destroyed by that soul-taking head kick from Lee.

While previously fighting at least twice a year before that, the knockout would cause ‘The Gift’ to take almost a year and a half off before facing Diego Ferreira in what was a close fight, but one that ended favorably for Gillespie as he’d win via ground and pound TKO.

Now, it’s been over a year since that fight. Making Gillespie having fought a single time in an almost two and a half year period.

According to the man himself, an RDA, Beneil Dariush, or Michael Chandler fight seems to be most favorable. But as of now, there’s nothing concrete as to who Gregor Gillespie will face next.

Who do you want to see ‘The Gift’ face next?

Khabib Shuts Down Makhachev/Dariush Fight With Eight Words

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has once again flatlined claims that his protégé Islam Makhachev has more work to do before challenging for gold. This past weekend’s UFC 274 pay-per-view saw the 155-pound title picture thrown in the air. While Charles Oliveira was victorious over Justin Gaethje, he left without the belt having missed…

Continue Reading Khabib Shuts Down Makhachev/Dariush Fight With Eight Words at MMA News.

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has once again flatlined claims that his protégé Islam Makhachev has more work to do before challenging for gold.

This past weekend’s UFC 274 pay-per-view saw the 155-pound title picture thrown in the air. While Charles Oliveira was victorious over Justin Gaethje, he left without the belt having missed weight for the event.

Instead of a second defense, the Brazilian’s first-round submission win in Phoenix secured his status as the number-one contender and filled one spot in the inevitable vacant title fight down the line.

And who should stand opposite “Do Bronx” next? Well, if Oliveira’s predecessor is to be believed, the answer is quite simple.

Despite UFC President Dana White’s previous claim that the originally-scheduled Makhachev vs. Beneil Dariush title eliminator, which fell through in February, would be re-booked, it seems Oliveira’s May 7 triumph has got the ball rolling for a potential change of plans.

As well as White admitting that he wouldn’t mind Makhachev fighting Oliveira next, Khabib, an ever-present in the #4-ranked lightweight’s corner and training camps, suggested that the promotion has “no choice” but to book his man opposite “Do Bronx” for the Abu Dhabi-held UFC 281 event, which is expected to take place in October.

On Twitter, “The Eagle” reiterated that sentiment, this time pleading his case to a fan. When one individual suggested that Makhachev must be made to go through Dariush first, Khabib responded with a simple, yet effective, eight-word rebuttal.

“but then who will fight for the title”

One man who thinks he has the answer to that question is Michael Chandler. The former Bellator champion returned to the win column this past weekend in some style, knocking out UFC vet Tony Ferguson with a brutal front kick.

Despite sitting a place below Makhachev in the rankings and coming off a victory over the now-#10-ranked lightweight, “Iron” Mike staked his claim for a rematch with Oliveira, whom he lost to at UFC 262 last May.

However, to Khabib’s point, the closest fighter to Oliveira in the rankings whom the Brazilian has not yet defeated is, in fact, Makhachev at #4. Meanwhile, Chandler is ranked at #5 and previously fell to Oliveira last year.

While there’s no confirmation of the promotion’s plans yet, Khabib and Makhachev do have the support of color commentator Joe Rogan, who White said stopped him backstage to urge him to place the Dagestani opposite Oliveira next.

Should Islam Makhachev fight Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title?

Continue Reading Khabib Shuts Down Makhachev/Dariush Fight With Eight Words at MMA News.

Oliveira: Beating Dariush Isn’t Enough For A Makhachev Title Shot

UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira believes rising contender Islam Makhachev still has a substantial amount of work to do before earning a title shot. Following the main event of UFC Vegas 49, which saw Makhachev dispatch short-notice replacement Bobby Green via TKO with ease inside one round, it appeared that the Dagestani had booked his…

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UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira believes rising contender Islam Makhachev still has a substantial amount of work to do before earning a title shot.

Following the main event of UFC Vegas 49, which saw Makhachev dispatch short-notice replacement Bobby Green via TKO with ease inside one round, it appeared that the Dagestani had booked his place behind Justin Gaethje in the queue for a championship challenge.

Mere weeks later, it became clear that was far from the case.

After seemingly turning down a fight with longtime rival Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 272 on five days’ notice, UFC President Dana White revealed that the promotion would be re-booking the clash between Makhachev and Beneil Dariush, which was originally scheduled to headline the February 26 UFC Fight Night card.

While in the eyes of many, the bout with Dariush, who is ranked #4 at lightweight, will serve as a title eliminator, the man currently sitting on the lightweight throne begs to differ.

During a recent interview with Brazilian outlet Ag. Fight, Oliveira, who is set to defend the belt against Gaethje this weekend at UFC 274, suggested that the Dagestani’s active 10-fight win streak is hardly worthy of being in the championship conversation.

“He’s been asking a lot for this title fight, but I think that, you know, I think he needs to face a guy who is at the top, a top five, right? To be able to have a title shot. That’s 10 wins in a row, but he’s never fought ranked or top guys. So, for sure, he needs to do one or two more fights so we can make it happen.”

While that isn’t exactly an uncommon sentiment in the MMA community, the idea that a victory over Dariush, whom many believe has earned a title shot himself, wouldn’t be enough to secure a crack at dethroning “Do Bronx” likely is.

“The fights he’s winning are with striking guys… I think the fight against Dariush is a perfect fight for him to do. And with him beating Dariush, he definitely needs to get one more guy from the top to then have a title shot,” insisted Oliveira. (Translation via Brazilian MMA Legends)

Nevertheless, even if Oliveira’s thoughts are reciprocated by the UFC brass, Makhachev’s message has always been simple: everyone will get smashed.

Do you agree with Charles Oliveira? Does Islam Makhachev need more than a victory over Beneil Dariush to secure a title shot?

Continue Reading Oliveira: Beating Dariush Isn’t Enough For A Makhachev Title Shot at MMA News.

Rogan: White Touted Islam/Dariush To Set Up “Crazy” McGregor Title Shot

UFC color commentator Joe Rogan believes that Dana White and his promotion may have decided to re-book Islam Makhachev’s fight with Beneil Dariush in order to lay the groundwork for Conor McGregor to return into a title bout. At UFC Vegas 49, Makhachev added a 10th win to a lengthy win streak. After the withdrawal…

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UFC color commentator Joe Rogan believes that Dana White and his promotion may have decided to re-book Islam Makhachev’s fight with Beneil Dariush in order to lay the groundwork for Conor McGregor to return into a title bout.

At UFC Vegas 49, Makhachev added a 10th win to a lengthy win streak. After the withdrawal of Dariush, who suffered a broken fibula in training earlier in February, the Dagestani faced short-notice opponent Bobby Green, finishing him with ease in the first round.

Despite Green being unranked, many expected the win to secure Makhachev the spot immediately behind Justin Gaethje in the queue for a title shot. Judging by the #3-ranked contender and his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov’s comments, they seemed to share that sentiment.

However, after Makhachev apparently turned down a short-notice clash with Rafael dos Anjos for UFC 272, the UFC president announced that February 26’s original headliner will be re-booked for later this year.

While the revelation came as a surprise to some, not least to fans of Makhachev, renowned UFC personality and podcast host Joe Rogan believes he’s identified the method behind the promotion’s decision.

Talk of Conor McGregor, who’s been out of action since breaking his leg last July, returning to the Octagon straight into a title fight has increased in recent weeks, largely after White appeared to leave the door open to the idea.

According to Rogan, the UFC likely re-booked Makhachev vs. Dariush in order to set up a championship opportunity for the Irishman when he makes his comeback.

“When Dana said that Makhachev now has to fight Beneil Dariush before he can fight for the title, I think that sets up a Conor fight (for the title). I think that’s probably why he really did it,” Rogan said on his podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience, this past week. “It’s kind of crazy.” (h/t MMA Fighting)

White Previously Slammed Those Criticizing A McGregor Title Shot

“Crazy” is perhaps the adjective used by a large portion of the MMA community. While some have suggested McGregor’s past achievements, immense drawing ability, and superstardom mean an immediate title fight, despite his two-fight skid, is justified, others have used it as another example of the rankings being wrongly discarded.

If you fall on the latter side of that debate, you’re an idiot, according to the UFC President.

During an appearance on My Mom’s Basement with Robbie Fox, White responded to those who have criticized his willingness to have the former two-division champion return from injury straight into a title fight. He had some choice words for his detractors.

“The problem is, every time I do a f*cking interview, all anybody wants to ask is, ‘You think Conor McGregor will get a f*cking title shot?’ That’s all they f*cking ask,” said White. “So, I’m gonna say, ‘Well Conor McGregor isn’t anywhere near coming back yet, so I don’t know, let’s see what happens..’ It’s a dumb f*cking question for the media to ask, but the media asks dumb f*cking sh*t all day, every day. That’s what happens.

“And anybody who’s p*ssed off because Conor might f*cking get (a title shot), you’re a f*cking idiot too. If that p*sses you off, Jesus Christ. Calm down, buddy,” concluded White.

What do you make of a potential Conor McGregor title shot when he returns to action later this year?

Continue Reading Rogan: White Touted Islam/Dariush To Set Up “Crazy” McGregor Title Shot at MMA News.