Tag: Beneil Dariush

Green: I’m Gonna Be The First Person To Put Makhachev In A Fight

UFC veteran Bobby Green has vowed to take the fight to Islam Makhachev in the main event of UFC Vegas 49. The UFC lightweight is set to take on Makhachev after having stepped up on ten days’ notice. Beneil Dariush was originally scheduled to face the #4 ranked UFC lightweight; however, he was forced to…

Continue Reading Green: I’m Gonna Be The First Person To Put Makhachev In A Fight at MMA News.

UFC veteran Bobby Green has vowed to take the fight to Islam Makhachev in the main event of UFC Vegas 49.

The UFC lightweight is set to take on Makhachev after having stepped up on ten days’ notice. Beneil Dariush was originally scheduled to face the #4 ranked UFC lightweight; however, he was forced to withdraw with an ankle injury.

Green is coming off a dominant victory over Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 271 less than two weeks ago where he secured an impressive unanimous decision win. Despite having now 41 professional fights under his belt, Green continues to age like fine wine inside the octagon.

Green: ‘I’m Ready For Everything Makachev Will Bring’

Bobby Green, Nasrat Haqparast
© Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking on his latest matchup to MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani, Green spoke on how he feels he differs from other fighters.

“It’s G shit. I do G shit. I do shit that motherfuckers don’t want to do. My whole thing is about standing in fires longer than most men could or doing things that most men wouldn’t do. That’s my whole life, and that’s my whole mindset,” said Green.

If the 35-year-old were to pull off the upset he would snap his opponent’s nine-fight win streak while simultaneously hampering Makhachev’s title ambitions. Green affirmed he is ready for the challenge he faces in bringing down one of the UFC’s biggest talents.

“So a lot of these guys have been watching and going to Islam, and going in there and fight with Islam,” Green continued. “They never bought the fight to him. I feel like he hasn’t been in a fight yet. I feel like it’s just been a match. It don’t even feel like a fight. It’s a match. It’s a wrestling match.

“Oh, nah, nah, I’m gonna be the first person that puts him into a fight. He’s about to get into a fight. K? And yeah, he’s gonna try to shoot, and yeah, he’s gonna try to do those things. I’m ready for that. But it’s gonna be a fight. It’s not just no fuckin’ match.”

Green hails the nickname ‘King’ inside the Octagon but has been labeling himself a gangster in the build-up to this bout. Having taken the fight on short notice, it will officially be a catchweight bout of 160lbs.

No matter the outcome on Saturday, the veteran will most certainly deserve the spotlight that will come with the main event slot.

Who do you see leaving victorious at UFC Vegas 49? Does Bobby Green spring an upset, or does Islam Makachev collect yet another win?

Continue Reading Green: I’m Gonna Be The First Person To Put Makhachev In A Fight at MMA News.

Beneil Dariush Updates On Broken Fibula After UFC Vegas 49 Pullout

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush may not require surgery on his broken fibula after all, which could speed up his timetable for a return. Dariush had to pull out of his originally scheduled main event against Islam Makhachev at UFC Vegas 49 just days before the fight. The severity of Dariush’s injury was somewhat unclear…

Continue Reading Beneil Dariush Updates On Broken Fibula After UFC Vegas 49 Pullout at MMA News.

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush may not require surgery on his broken fibula after all, which could speed up his timetable for a return.

Dariush had to pull out of his originally scheduled main event against Islam Makhachev at UFC Vegas 49 just days before the fight. The severity of Dariush’s injury was somewhat unclear after the news broke, but he recently provided an update to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.

While Dariush opting to move towards physical therapy instead of surgery may be a risky move, it could potentially speed up his return to the cage. Dariush has won seven straight, including most recently against Tony Ferguson at UFC 262.

Many saw Dariush’s fight against Makhachev as a potential No. 1 lightweight contender bout. Makhachev has also been on a lengthy winning streak and is viewed as one of the top grapplers in MMA today.

Shortly after news of Dariush’s withdrawal broke, Bobby Green volunteered to step in and fight Makhachev in his first career UFC main event. Green most recently competed at UFC 271 and earned a unanimous decision win against Nasrat Haqparast.

Dariush could still conceivably undergo surgery with a change of heart and if any potential setbacks occur, but for now he appears focused on a swift return to the lightweight title picture.

Who do you want Beneil Dariush to face in his eventual return to the UFC?

Continue Reading Beneil Dariush Updates On Broken Fibula After UFC Vegas 49 Pullout at MMA News.

Sean Strickland Confirms Beneil Dariush Injury: “One Of The Most Honest Guys”

Sean Strickland, Beneil DariushUFC middleweight contender Sean Strickland has spoken out in support of his former King’s MMA teammate Beneil Dariush following his pullout from UFC Vegas 49. Dariush was supposed to face Islam Makhachev in the UFC Vegas 49 before pulling out with an injury. It was later reported that Dariush suffered an ankle tear while in […]

Sean Strickland, Beneil Dariush

UFC middleweight contender Sean Strickland has spoken out in support of his former King’s MMA teammate Beneil Dariush following his pullout from UFC Vegas 49.

Dariush was supposed to face Islam Makhachev in the UFC Vegas 49 before pulling out with an injury. It was later reported that Dariush suffered an ankle tear while in training.

Strickland has not usually been one to give guys credit, even his teammates. He trash-talks his own teammates viciously during sparring sessions at Xtreme Couture.

After getting word of the Dariush injury, Strickland posted a message in support of his former teammate, and to clarify the severity of the injury.

Sean Strickland Sticks Up For Beneil Dariush

“I’ve walked in on closed door Bible studies at kings, made me feel uncomfortable which was followed by him asking me to join,” Strickland said. “Not the party I signed up for. Benny is one the most honest guys I know, he’s legitimately injured. He makes me feel uncomfortable he’s such a good man.”

Dariush is arguably one of the hottest lightweight contenders in the UFC, with seven straight victories. He most recently earned a dominant win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 262 and was set for a potential No. 1 contender fight against Makhachev.

Strickland has also been on fire at middleweight with a lengthy winning streak and a recent win over Jack Hermansson. He could be on the verge of a title shot along with Dariush.

It’s unclear as of right now how long Dariush will be sidelined, but he may be out for the rest of the year at worst. Whenever he returns, the UFC is sure to pair him up against another top contender with a chance to get back in the thick of things in the division.

What are your thoughts on Bobby Green vs. Islam Makhachev?

Drew Dober Explains The “Deciding Factor” In Dariush/Makhachev Fight

UFC lightweight Drew Dober has given a breakdown of the upcoming UFC Fight Night main event between top-five 155lbers Beneil Dariush and Islam Makhachev.

Having shared the Octagon with both men, Dober is in a unique position to provide his thoughts…

UFC Fight Night: Dariush vs. Makhachev, Drew Dober

UFC lightweight Drew Dober has given a breakdown of the upcoming UFC Fight Night main event between top-five 155lbers Beneil Dariush and Islam Makhachev.

Having shared the Octagon with both men, Dober is in a unique position to provide his thoughts on the highly anticipated matchup, which is expected to see the victor advance to challenge the champion later in the year.

Dober faced Dariush back in March 2019. The Iranian-born American broke the Nebraska native’s three-fight win streak with a second-round triangle armbar submission.

Almost two years to the day later, Dober faced surging Dagestani Makhachev at UFC 259. Like against Dariush, Dober was submitted, that time with a third-round arm-triangle choke. Those defeats represent two of only four submission losses in Dober’s 35-fight MMA career.

In an exclusive interview with MMA News, Dober discussed what he expects to happen when the pair collide next month. The 33-year-old also spoke about his own return to action against Ricky Glenn in March, his current contract status, and how long he intends to continue fighting for.

Dober: My Heart Says Dariush, My Head Says Makhachev

Since a 2015 KO setback against Adriano Martins, Makhachev has looked unstoppable. During his active nine-fight win streak, the 30-year-old has defeated Nik Lentz, Arman Tsarukyan, Davi Ramos, and Thiago Moisés. Most recently, Makhachev brushed past the challenge of Dan Hooker with a brutal first-round kimura in Abu Dhabi.

While he boasts more defeats on his record, Dariush’s recent form has been equally strong and his current seven-fight win streak is arguably more impressive than his upcoming opponent’s run of triumphs. Since defeats to Edson Barboza and Alexander Hernandez, Dariush has recorded highlight-reel KOs of Drakkar Klose and Scott Holtzman and shot into contention with decision wins against Diego Ferreira and Tony Ferguson.

With that in mind, Dober believes Dariush will give Makhachev more problems than he’s ever faced in the UFC. The promotional veteran expects the February 26 main event to be decided by how well Dariush can implement his strategy against a patient Makhachev.

“I think Beneil is going to give Islam the most problems,” Dober told MMA News. “It’s a super-tough fight for both guys. I think one of the cool things with Beneil is his strategy. He implements a good strategy and he’s able to adjust his strategy per round, and he’s a finisher. He can put you away with his hands or a submission.

“I think the biggest takeaway is Beneil’s a risk-taker, and Islam is not. Islam will do everything he can to win the long game,” added Dober. “Beneil, he takes risks; sometimes it works out in his favor, and sometimes it doesn’t. I think that’s the deciding factor; Beneil’s strategy and his risk-taking ability… I feel like the determining factor is going to be Beneil’s strategy.”

When asked for a prediction, Dober told MMA News that his heart and head are going different ways. While he would love to see Dariush have his hand raised, he acknowledges that the safer pick would be Makhachev.

“It’s so hard. Like, my heart, here at home, my wife and I, we’re going for Beneil Dariush. We want him to win, man. I’m behind him wholeheartedly. But as far as being a betting man, I mean, you see less mistakes from Islam, and so Islam is the safest bet. But the heart’s pulling for Beneil,” concluded Dober.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXtKADJKVW-/

While Makhachev might be the safer bet, that certainly won’t stop Dober and his wife from cheering Dariush on from home.

Who do you think will have their hand raised on February 26, Beneil Dariush or Islam Makhachev?

Continue Reading Drew Dober Explains The “Deciding Factor” In Dariush/Makhachev Fight at MMA News.

Dariush: Manager Stopped Me Taking Low-Ranked Opponent In December

UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush has revealed he wanted to stay active and fight a low-ranked opponent this month rather than wait for a top contender in 2022.

Dariush is currently sitting at #3 in the 155-pound rankings. Having gone 0-2-1 between 20…

Beneil Dariush

UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush has revealed he wanted to stay active and fight a low-ranked opponent this month rather than wait for a top contender in 2022.

Dariush is currently sitting at #3 in the 155-pound rankings. Having gone 0-2-1 between 2017 and 2018 thanks to losses at the hands of Edson Barboza and Alexander Hernandez, not many would have expected to see the Iranian-born American entering the top five just three years later.

To do so, Dariush had to build an impressive seven-fight winning streak that includes victories over Thiago Moisés, Drew Dober, Diego Ferreira, and Tony Ferguson. After dominating “El Cucuy,” the 32-year-old entered contention and, in the eyes of many, earned a title shot.

With Dustin Poirier set to challenge for Charles Oliveira’s gold this weekend and Justin Gaethje seemingly waiting in the wings for the victor next year, Dariush will need to add another name to his résumé to book an opportunity for the belt. He’ll have the chance to do just that on February 26 when he headlines a UFC Fight Night with surging Dagestani Islam Makhachev.

Dariush Targeted A 3rd Fight In 2021

Dariush’s first walk to the Octagon next year will mark his return after just over nine months away from the cage. After his triumph at UFC 262, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt was left high up in a lightweight landscape that didn’t seem to have a place for him at the time.

Speaking to ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, Dariush described his frustration at struggling to find an opponent for the end of 2021 and said he’d always planned on fitting a third appearance into this calendar year.

“It was actually not ideal for me. I was hoping to fight this December. And man, being top five, I didn’t realize how much drama there is, man, what a drama show, dude. So, I told Ali (Abdelaziz) I wanna fight December.”

Dariush also revealed that he’d originally been offered a fight against Makhachev after the 30-year-old’s main event win in July. The UFC wanted to book the pair for a meeting at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi. With Dariush not ready and the UFC unwilling to keep the matchup together for December, the #3-ranked contender was left without an opponent.

With that in mind, Dariush says he was more than happy to lower his sights to a top-10 or even a top-15 opponent for this month. That request, however, was not approved by his manager Ali Abdelaziz.

“I was still expecting to fight in December. So I’m talking to Ali and Ali’s like, ‘Yeah, we’ll see, we’ll see.’ I mentioned to him like, ‘What if we fight someone top 10 or top 15?’ And he like, freaked out. He’s like, ‘You fire me if you’re gonna do this, like, get outta here.’ And then my wife overhead and she started freaking out and then my coaches (as well)… It’s so much drama. It’s no joke.”

Dariush will finally have the chance to secure a title shot when he faces Makhachev, although he remains slightly concerned about the possibility of Conor McGregor returning straight into a championship fight. But if the UFC is a meritocracy, the winner of February 26’s headliner will have their shot at gold later in 2022.

Do you think Beneil Dariush has what it takes to defeat Islam Makhachev on February 26?

Continue Reading Dariush: Manager Stopped Me Taking Low-Ranked Opponent In December at MMA News.

Makhachev Politely Informs Dariush He Is A Stepping Stone To Title Shot

Islam Makhachev has politely let upcoming opponent Beneil Dariush know that he is being overlooked.

In two months, two of the best lightweights in the world will compete in what is currently expected to serve as a title-eliminator bout. With UFC li…

Beneil Dariush, Khabib Nurmagomedov & Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev has politely let upcoming opponent Beneil Dariush know that he is being overlooked.

In two months, two of the best lightweights in the world will compete in what is currently expected to serve as a title-eliminator bout. With UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira virtually a lock to defend against #1 contender Justin Gaethje next, the fight between Makhachev (#4) and Dariush (#3) seems to be a no-brainer for determining who will be next in line.

Makhachev got his wish when Oliveira submitted Dustin Poirier at UFC 269, as the Dagestani is eager to showcase his sambo skills against Oliveira’s masterful jiu-jitsu. In fact, he is so excited at the prospect of fighting Oliveira that he doesn’t seem to be giving any concern to the possibility of Dariush standing in his way. On the contrary, he believes Dariush is merely lying along the way.

“@beneildariush I’m sorry bro, but you are on my way.,” the polite Dagestani stated.

Dariush did not respond to this tweet, but he has already shared some of his own thoughts about the upcoming bout. And from the sounds of it, the 32-year-old is not short on confidence, either. In fact, the jiu-jitsu black belt is more than happy to give Makhachev the grappling-friendly matchup he’s after.

If Dariush winds up on the losing end of this matchup via finish, then Makhachev will receive a double-bonus if Khabib Nurmagomedov is to be believed. Dariush is unconcerned about such information, however, and has chalked up this claim from Makhachev’s mentor as being just a “drama show.”

The bout between Makhachev and Dariush goes down on February 26 and will serve as the five-round main event.

Do you believe Beneil Dariush is a mere footnote in Makhachev’s journey to the UFC lightweight championship?

Continue Reading Makhachev Politely Informs Dariush He Is A Stepping Stone To Title Shot at MMA News.