Tag: Beneil Dariush

Beneil Dariush: Title Shot Snub Is “Annoying” & “Not Fair”

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has admitted it’s frustrating not to be granted a title shot despite his impressive run in the division.

Since 2018, Dariush has been on fire. After a majority draw against Evan Dunham and defeats to Edson B…

Beneil Dariush

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has admitted it’s frustrating not to be granted a title shot despite his impressive run in the division.

Since 2018, Dariush has been on fire. After a majority draw against Evan Dunham and defeats to Edson Barboza and Alexander Hernandez left him 0-2-1 in three fights, the Iranian-born American found the form of his life, building a seven-fight win streak that started against Thiago Moisés at UFC Fight Night 139.

Further victories over Drew Dober and Frank Camacho, and highlight-reel knockouts of Drakkar Klose and Scott Holtzman, brought Dariush into the top 15, before decision triumphs against Brazilian veteran Diego Ferreira and former interim champ Tony Ferguson cemented his place in the top five and title contention.

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Following his win against “El Cucuy” at UFC 262 earlier this year, many expected Dariush to be top of the queue for a championship opportunity. Instead, the 32-year-old found himself unable to find a high-ranked opponent for December whilst Dustin Poirier challenged for the title, and seemingly leapfrogged by Justin Gaethje after his memorable success against Chandler last month at UFC 268.

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai black belt will now have to get through surging Dagestani contender Islam Makhachev to secure a date with the titleholder. In an interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, Dariush admitted the “businessman” in him was disappointed and frustrated at the snub. However, the Makhachev booking has got him roaring again.

“The thing is, as a business man, for sure it bothers me. Like, it’s annoying. I did everything I needed to do to get this title shot. It’s not fair. But man, I’m not that much of a businessman. That part of me, it was like, a little bit of a scratch, but the dog in me when I hear like, ‘Makhachev, this guy, the guy, this is the best guy,’ when I hear about this, that part of me is like, ‘Let’s go!’ I’ve got fire in me, man. I’m training all the time but when I heard Makhachev, I was like, ‘Let’s go, man’. I’m, stoked on this.”

Dariush Expects Title Shot With Makhachev Win

While Gaethje apparently set for the next shot, Dariush will turn his attention to an equally in-form contender. The 32-year-old will meet fellow top-five lightweight star Makhachev in the main event of a UFC Fight Night on February 26.

Having missed out on a long-awaited title shot to this point, Dariush believes a victory over the highly-touted Dagestani will be enough to book his place opposite the titleholder later in the year.

“I think so, that’s what it seems like, right? I just don’t see who would be, If I win this fight, like, who am I gonna fight next? Am I gonna fight Chandler? Is he gonna get another chance at the title? I don’t understand who else is there. Or like, do I have to fight Poirier? Who is there? Do I have to fight Charles (Oliveira)? We’ll see. I feel like I’m gonna be number one contender, yeah.”

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Do you expect the winner of Beneil Dariush vs. Islam Makhachev to fight for the title later in 2022?

Continue Reading Beneil Dariush: Title Shot Snub Is “Annoying” & “Not Fair” at MMA News.

Dariush Predicts Gaethje Will Be Champion When He Earns A Title Shot

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush believes that when he earns the right to fight for the title, he’ll be needing to dethrone former interim champion Justin Gaethje.

Many believe Dariush has already done enough to secure his place opposite th…

Justin Gaethje, Beneil Dariush

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush believes that when he earns the right to fight for the title, he’ll be needing to dethrone former interim champion Justin Gaethje.

Many believe Dariush has already done enough to secure his place opposite the division’s kingpin. Since a 2018 loss to Alexander Hernandez left him 0-2-1 in three outings, the Iranian-born American has built an impressive seven-fight winning streak. During the run, Dariush had his hand raised after highlight-reel knockouts against Drakkar Klose and Scott Holtzman and decision victories over Diego Ferreira and Tony Ferguson.

Dariush will be looking to ensure he gets his first title shot in the promotion next year. To do so, he’ll have to get past the challenge of surging Dagestani Islam Makhachev. The two top-five lightweights are expected to headline a UFC Fight Night card on February 26.

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Dariush Foresees Championship Glory For “The Highlight”

While both Dariush and Makhachev undoubtedly had a rightful claim to be fighting for gold in their next fights, one man has seemingly cemented his position as number one contender.

After falling short of the title against Khabib Nurmagomedov last October, Justin Gaethje found himself snubbed of the chance to fight for the vacant gold after “The Eagle” retired, and without an opponent until last month.

But when he did return to action, he did so in style. At UFC 268, Gaethje faced Michael Chandler, who’d fought for the belt in May against Charles Oliveira. In a Fight of the Year contender, “The Highlight” emerged victorious on the scorecards, likely securing his place opposite the winner of this weekend’s UFC 269 main event between Oliveira and Dustin Poirier in 2022.

Dariush, who considers Gaethje to be a friend, is tipping the 33-year-old to go all the way. In an interview with ESPN MMA, the 32-year-old predicted that when he fights for the title, it’ll be against the current #2-ranked lightweight contender.

“Once Justin Gaethje pops into the picture, I would lean heavy towards him, as far the championship fight. So, man, it sucks. I don’t wanna fight a friend, and I do consider Justin a friend; he’s an amazing guy. But I think he’ll be holding the belt when the time comes.”

Before that scenario comes to fruition, a number of fights will have to play out, starting with this Saturday’s headliner. In his first defense, Oliveira will face the challenge of “The Diamond,” who’s coming off back-to-back victories over Conor McGregor in 2021.

Do you agree with Beneil Dariush? Do you think he’ll be challenging Justin Gaethje for the title if he beats Islam Makhachev?

Continue Reading Dariush Predicts Gaethje Will Be Champion When He Earns A Title Shot at MMA News.

Beneil Dariush: Khabib Nurmagomedov Doing ‘Drama Show’ With Islam Makhachev Comments

Beneil DariushBeneil Dariush remains undeterred by Khabib Nurmagomedov’s attempts at making drama. Dariush takes on Islam Makhachev at the UFC’s upcoming February 26 event in a fight many believe the winner will go on to challenge for the lightweight title next. Nurmagomedov is certainly hopeful that’s the case for Makhachev as he has been campaigning for […]

Beneil Dariush

Beneil Dariush remains undeterred by Khabib Nurmagomedov’s attempts at making drama.

Dariush takes on Islam Makhachev at the UFC’s upcoming February 26 event in a fight many believe the winner will go on to challenge for the lightweight title next.

Nurmagomedov is certainly hopeful that’s the case for Makhachev as he has been campaigning for his friend and training partner to get the next shot for a while.

Recently, he revealed the following:

“UFC told Islam, if [he beats] Dariush, he’s going to fight for the title,” Nurmagomedov said. “And UFC told – you know, like what’s interesting, if Islam finishes him, they’re going to give him like double bonus. It’s very interesting.

“This is like just private news. I just want to share with you and fans because it’s very interesting, and UFC really, really wants this fight, and they told him if you’re going to finish him, they’re going to give him double bonus.”

Why did Nurmagomedov feel the need to mention that? Dariush believes he is just creating drama.

“I don’t know if I feel like I’m in competition with [Khabib], but I feel like, maybe, he’s trying to do a little bit of a drama show,” Dariush told ESPN (via MMA Mania). “Like when he talks about contracts and how Islam is getting a bonus to finish me and stuff like that. You know, I feel like he’s throwing a little digs in there, which, in reality, I think is funny.”

Beneil Dariush: I Also Have A Double Bonus

The comments are even funnier for Dariush as the double bonus Nurmagomedov mentioned is in his contract as well. That said, he doesn’t mind the former lightweight king’s comments.

“In reality, I get the same thing,” Dariush said. “I have the same thing in my contract… I have that double bonus in my contract. Yeah, yeah, I have the same assurances… It has nothing to do with the name of the fighter, it’s just in your contract.

“So, you know, drama show, everywhere you go it’s a little bit of a drama show. But at least the way Khabib does it, it’s not like, personal. So I don’t mind it, I actually appreciate it.”

As for the winner getting a title shot? Dariush is not too sure he’ll get one even with the streak that he’s on. But in time, he knows he’ll get it eventually.

“I don’t know about if I’m going to get a title shot,” he added. “Listen, with me, just because the way I am, you never know when I’m gonna get this title shot. And I don’t think it’s because Dana or Sean [Shelby, UFC matchmaker] don’t like me. I think they like me, but like, they’re businessmen. They have to make the right choice for their business; what’s gonna sell more pay-per-view, what’s gonna get more eyes on the fights, and I recognize that.”

“If I continue doing what I’m doing inside that Octagon, I’m eventually gonna get the eyes and the people to open up their pocketbooks and pay for that pay-per-view.”

Do you think Beneil Dariush will get a title shot if he beats Islam Makhachev?

Dariush: Khabib’s Double Bonus Makhachev Claim Is Just A Drama Show

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has responded to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s claim that Islam Makhachev will receive a “double bonus” if he finishes him.

Earlier this week, another blockbuster clash in the 155-pound division was revealed. In Nov…

Beneil Dariush, Khabib Nurmagomedov & Islam Makhachev

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has responded to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s claim that Islam Makhachev will receive a “double bonus” if he finishes him.

Earlier this week, another blockbuster clash in the 155-pound division was revealed. In November we had a barnburner between Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler, this month will see Dustin Poirier challenge for Charles Oliveira’s gold, and February 2022 will now see top-five elites Dariush and Makhachev collide in a UFC Fight Night main event.

Both men will enter the five-rounder riding lengthy winning streaks. For the Iranian-born American, victories over names like Drew Dober, Drakkar Klose, Diego Ferreira, and Tony Ferguson have seen him have his hand raised in seven straight fights. Makhachev, meanwhile, got past Arman Tsarukyan, Thiago Moisés, and Dan Hooker on his way to nine consecutive triumphs.

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In the aftermath of the booking being reported, Makhachev’s compatriot, friend, and teammate Khabib appeared to make a revelation. “The Eagle” claimed the #4-ranked lightweight will receive a special reward from the UFC if he’s able to put Dariush away inside the 25-minute distance on February 26.

Dariush Says The “Double Bonus” Is In His Contract As Well

According to Dariush, Khabib’s comments were simply an attempt to add a little drama to the matchup, as he boasts the same bonus in his own contract. During an interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, the 32-year-old confirmed that Makhachev isn’t receiving anything special or unheard of.

“I don’t know if I feel like I’m in competition with him (Khabib), but I feel like, maybe, he’s trying to do a little bit of a drama show. Like when he talks about contracts and how Islam is getting a bonus to finish me and stuff like that. You know, I feel like he’s throwing a little digs in there, which, in reality, I think is funny… I was gonna joke, I was like, ‘Man, I’m gonna call Ali (Abdelaziz) and tell him, listen Ali, give me Khabib’s number, I wanna make this guy my manager because I don’t understand why he’s getting bonuses.’

“But I’m just kidding. In reality, I get the same thing. I have the same thing in my contract… I have that double bonus in my contract. Yeah, yeah, I have the same assurances… It has nothing to do with the name of the fighter, it’s just in your contract. So, you know, drama show, everywhere you go it’s a little bit of a drama show. But at least the way Khabib does it, it’s not like, personal. So I don’t mind it, I actually appreciate it.”

While he knows he’ll be receiving the same double bonus as Makhachev if he finishes the Dagestani, Dariush isn’t so sure he has the same assurances when it comes to a title shot. Despite a victory over Makhachev, on paper, making him the clear top contender, the 32-year-old recognizes that the promotion will do whatever is best for business.

“I don’t know about if I’m going to get a title shot. Listen, with me, just because the way I am, you never know when I’m gonna get this title shot. And I don’t think it’s because Dana (White) or Sean (Shelby) don’t like me, I think they like me, but like, they’re businessmen. They have to make the right choice for their business; what’s gonna sell more pay-per-view, what’s gonna get more eyes on the fights, and I recognize that… If I continue doing what I’m doing inside that Octagon, I’m eventually gonna get the eyes and the people to open up their pocketbooks and pay for that pay-per-view.”

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Should Beneil Dariush receive a title shot if he halts the charge of Islam Makhachev in February 2022?

Continue Reading Dariush: Khabib’s Double Bonus Makhachev Claim Is Just A Drama Show at MMA News.

Dariush Won’t Be Happy If McGregor Jumps The Queue For A Title Shot

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has admitted he harbors some concern over the possibility of former two-division champion Conor McGregor jumping him in the queue for a title shot.

Given his hard-fought rise up the 155-pound ladder, it’s un…

Beneil Dariush, Conor McGregor

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has admitted he harbors some concern over the possibility of former two-division champion Conor McGregor jumping him in the queue for a title shot.

Given his hard-fought rise up the 155-pound ladder, it’s understandable Dariush wouldn’t be best pleased if the #9-ranked lightweight was granted a championship fight after back-to-back defeats in the division. While McGregor has been through large spells of inactivity, Dariush has been grinding inside the Octagon.

Since 2016, McGregor has had his hand raised once with a victory over Donald Cerrone at welterweight. In the same period, Dariush has built his entire active seven-fight winning streak. Victories over the likes of Thiago Moisés, Drew Dober, Drakkar Klose, Diego Ferreira, and Tony Ferguson have seen the Iranian-born American climb to the #3 spot in the rankings.

Now inches away from a title shot, Dariush will be looking to secure his place opposite the champion in 2022 when he meets surging Dagestani contender Islam Makhachev. The pair are expected to clash in the main event of a UFC Fight Night on February 26.

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Dariush Will Call Dana White Personally If McGregor Gets A Title Shot

Despite his much-superior ranking, better form, and abundance of wins, Dariush isn’t as sure of his advantage over McGregor as he should be. That, perhaps, wasn’t helped by the former double champ’s recent claim that he’ll be fighting whoever sits on the lightweight throne when he returns.

During a recent interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, Dariush admitted he remains concerned about the Irishman skipping the queue in order to face arch-rival Dustin Poirier for the fourth time. That, of course, also depends on “The Diamond” successfully dethroning Charles Oliveira at UFC 269 next weekend.

Dariush said that if he finds himself below McGregor the pecking order, even with a headlining win against Makhachev, he’ll be upset at the promotion for the first time ever, and claimed he’d be having stern words with UFC President Dana White.

“Yes, it’s definitely a concern. Because you know, I always make a joke about this but it’s true; Conor can make a highlight video of him training hard and (people will be) like, ‘Alright guys, title shot. Give the man a title shot. Look what he is doing. Look at the way he is hitting the bag or look at the way he’s, you know, pushing himself in the wheelchair.’ I don’t know man, he can do whatever he wants and he will get a title shot.

“It could happen but if it does happen, it’ll be the first time I’m upset with the UFC. And I’m gonna call Dana [White] personally and be like, ‘Listen buddy, you’re gonna triple my paycheck if we’re gonna do it this way. Because if you’re going to insult me this way, at least you’re gonna show me respect with your pocketbook.'”

Conor McGregor
Joe Rogan, Conor McGregor. Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

McGregor’s quest to regain the lightweight belt, which he won back in 2016 with a memorable victory over Eddie Alvarez inside Madison Square Garden, was firmly derailed this year.

While a knockout loss in January did damage to his pursuit of gold, a defeat at UFC 264 further affected his title aspirations, but also did some significant physical damage. After a gruesome broken leg, the Irishman has been on the sidelines ever since, and is expected to be out until deep into 2022.

How would you react if Conor McGregor was granted an immediate title shot upon his return from injury?

Continue Reading Dariush Won’t Be Happy If McGregor Jumps The Queue For A Title Shot at MMA News.

Khabib Reveals Incentive UFC Have Offered Makhachev For Dariush Fight

If Khabib Nurmagomedov is to be believed, February 26 could prove to be a very lucrative date for surging Dagestani Islam Makhachev.

Since a 2015 defeat to Adriano Martins, Makhachev has looked unstoppable. In nine straight wins, the 30-year-old ha…

Khabib Nurmagomedov & Islam Makhachev, Beneil Dariush

If Khabib Nurmagomedov is to be believed, February 26 could prove to be a very lucrative date for surging Dagestani Islam Makhachev.

Since a 2015 defeat to Adriano Martins, Makhachev has looked unstoppable. In nine straight wins, the 30-year-old has added the likes of Nik Lentz, Gleison Tibau, Arman Tsarukyan, Davi Ramos, and Drew Dober to his résumé. With triumphs number eight and nine, Makhachev turned it up a notch.

In his first UFC main event, the American Kickboxing Academy product submitted Thiago Moisés with a fourth-round rear-naked choke. Having entered the lightweight top five, Makhachev had been set for a grudge match against rival Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 267. After the Brazilian withdrew, he faced perennial contender Dan Hooker. With a brutal first-round kimura, Makhachev secured his third submission win of 2021.

Now inches away from a title shot, Makhachev will look to secure his place opposite the champion in 2022. He looks set to have the chance to do so in a UFC Fight Night main event against #3-ranked contender Beneil Dariush.

It Could Be A Lucrative Night For Makhachev

Like Makhachev, Dariush has also built an impressive winning streak in recent years. Since losses to Edson Barboza and Alexander Hernandez, the 32-year-old has defeated the likes of Dober, Moisés, Drakkar Klose, and Carlos Diego Ferreira. Dariush secured his place in the top five and in title contention with a dominant co-main event display against Tony Ferguson at UFC 262.

Despite facing an in-form opponent with grappling credentials that could perhaps match his own, don’t be surprised if Makhachev pushes for a finish. That’s because, according to the Dagestani’s compatriot, friend, and teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov, the UFC has offered the #4-ranked contender a “double bonus” if he puts Dariush away inside the distance.

“And Beneil and Islam, this is truly and 100% number-one contender fight. Who’s gonna win, they gonna fight for the title. And UFC told Islam (this),” Khabib told ESPN MMA. ” And you know what’s interesting? If Islam finish him, they gonna give him double bonus. And you know, it’s very interesting,” the former UFC champion said with a smirk. “This is just private news. I just want to share it with you and friends because it’s very interesting. And UFC really, really want this fight.”

So a guaranteed title fight and a double bonus? Dana White is certainly playing the role of Santa for the Makhachev camp this Christmas.

While “The Eagle” added that he’s not certain if Dariush has been offered the same, it’s hard to imagine this being a one-sided offer. Although if the promotion is as high on Makhachev as many believe, perhaps these are the lengths they’re willing to go to push a favored fighter..

What do you make of the UFC’s offer of a double bonus to Islam Makhachev if he finishes Beneil Dariush?

Continue Reading Khabib Reveals Incentive UFC Have Offered Makhachev For Dariush Fight at MMA News.