Tag: Beneil Dariush

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…

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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.

Dariush On Makhachev Withdrawal: “I Haven’t Heard A Crack Like That”

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has looked back on the incident that led to his withdrawal from UFC Vegas 49. On the February 26 card, Dariush was set to headline against Islam Makhachev in what was widely expected to serve as a title eliminator. But with just over a week to go before the contest,…

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UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has looked back on the incident that led to his withdrawal from UFC Vegas 49.

On the February 26 card, Dariush was set to headline against Islam Makhachev in what was widely expected to serve as a title eliminator.

But with just over a week to go before the contest, it was announced that the Iranian-American had pulled out after suffering an injury in training, later confirmed to be a broken fibula.

Dariush Knew The Injury Was Serious

Now almost a week beyond the event and some time after the injury, Dariush has detailed the moment his hopes of securing a title shot last month crumbled.

During an interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, the 32-year-old revealed that a botched takedown caused his fibula to snap, admitting that the mistake that led to the painful moment was down to his own misjudgment.

“Woke up, feeling super good, weight was the best it had ever been. I was 171 in the morning, and I was like, ‘Man, this is incredible,’” Dariush recalled. “I went into practice. I’ve been feeling so good, I’ve been having people alternate. I’ve been making sure I have fresh guys on me all the time. That was basically what I was doing. I had a striker first, then I put a collegiate wrestler on me, only wrestling situations, and then I had one more guy after that. On my third guy, it was me who actually made the mistake.

“I grabbed my partner, I lifted him up, and as I was about to bring him down, my toe got stuck in the mat like never before,” Dariush continued. “When I brought him down, I brought him down over my knee and over my ankle, and the way my ankle twisted, I don’t even know, but it ended up snapping fibula.”

At that moment, Dariush knew this wasn’t an injury he’d be able to quickly overcome. While this was not the lightweight’s first dance when it comes to broken bones, he says the sound of the crack was worse than any he’d experienced before.

“I got a nice little crack in there… It’s just like, ‘Oh God, no, no, no, please no.’ I kinda had a feeling man, as soon as it happened,” said Dariush. “Because I haven’t heard a crack like that in my leg ever before. I’ve broken my chest before, and I remember the crack. And I’ve broken my foot and toes in my other legs, and I heard a crack. This one sounded worse than the previous. I knew something was up.”

Fortunately for Dariush, after seeing multiple physicians, it’s now been confirmed he will be able to avoid surgery and even return to training in as early as eight weeks. That will likely see him begin preparation for a re-booked title eliminator with Makhachev.

Is it the right decision to re-book Beneil Dariush’s fight with Islam Makhachev later in 2022?

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Dariush Avoids Surgery, Targets June/July Return Against Makhachev

UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush has provided an update on his injury and given a potential timeline for his return to the Octagon. Dariush, a mainstay on MMA’s biggest stage since 2014, was finally set for his first chance to secure a title shot in the UFC last month. Having amassed a seven-fight win streak that…

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UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush has provided an update on his injury and given a potential timeline for his return to the Octagon.

Dariush, a mainstay on MMA’s biggest stage since 2014, was finally set for his first chance to secure a title shot in the UFC last month. Having amassed a seven-fight win streak that includes victories over Diego Ferreira and Tony Ferguson, the Iranian-born American secured his place in a likely title eliminator opposite fellow top-five contender Islam Makhachev.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck 11 days before the February 26 card. While grappling in training, Dariush suffered a broken fibula after getting his toe caught in the mat during a takedown.

Soon after, the serious nature of the injury came out, and Dariush appeared to be facing the possibility of surgery. However, the #4-ranked lightweight has now provided a positive update on his condition.

During a recent interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, the 32-year-old confirmed the injury is not as bad as initially feared, and will not require an operation. With that in mind, a feared four-month layoff from training has been reduced to just six to eight weeks.

“At first, they were talking four months just to start training again,” Dariush said. “So, when I heard six to eight weeks, I almost started crying.”

Now that a timeframe for his return to the gym is in place, Dariush is well-placed to provide an early guess on when fans will be able to see him enter the Octagon again. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt further told Okamoto that he’s targeting a return to action in the summer.

And after a recent revelation from UFC President Dana White, it appears Dariush’s next camp will see him preparing for a re-arranged clash with the #3-ranked Makhachev.

“Thank God, we’re going to reschedule. I feel bad for Islam. I’m sure he’s not happy about the situation, but it’s the ideal situation for me to get this fight rebooked. I’d like to have another 10 weeks for this camp, but if it’s shorter, it’s shorter. June, July, those are dates.” (h/t ESPN)

Dariush Was Looking At Gillespie/Tsarukyan Before Makhachev Revelation

Immediately after Makhachev’s comfortable triumph at UFC Vegas 49, which came against short-notice opponent Bobby Green, it appeared the Dagestani was in line for a title shot, a sentiment Khabib Nurmagomedov suggested White had shared to him.

But after the 30-year-old turned down a short-notice bout with Rafael dos Anjos for this weekend’s UFC 272 pay-per-view, the UFC President revealed the promotion would be looking to re-book Makhachev vs. Dariush later in the year, rather than grant the AKA product the next championship opportunity.

That certainly came as a surprise to Dariush, who told ESPN he was already scanning the lower-ranked names for a potential next foe.

“I was so bummed. At first, I thought it was gonna be, he’s gonna get the title shot,’” said Dariush. “I heard them saying, ‘Oh, Dana said he’s got the title shot,’ and things like that. Again, I went crashing into sadness, or whatever you want to call it. I was like, ‘Okay, I guess this isn’t in.’ And then I started looking at the top 10, I’m like, ‘Who am I gonna fight next? Who’s gonna be my next matchup?’

“I was looking at (Gregor) Gillespie, that was somebody I was looking at,” continued Dariush. “Who else was there… [Rafael Fiziev or Arman Tsarukyan?] I mean, Fiziev was supposed to fight Raf (dos Anjos) at the time. But yeah, Fiziev would’ve been another one. And then, man, Arman looked awesome (at UFC Vegas 49). I was really impressed with him. So, yeah, that would be another guy.”

Dariush’s recovery timeline has certainly made White’s plans more feasible. While you’d expect that to be a disappointment for Makhachev, who seemingly expected to be fighting next with gold on the line, the Dagestani responded by promising to “smash” the entire division if that’s what it takes.

If this fight does get re-arranged, who do you think will have their hand raised, Beneil Dariush or Islam Makhachev?

Continue Reading Dariush Avoids Surgery, Targets June/July Return Against Makhachev at MMA News.