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Beneil Dariush targets title fight with Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 in October: ‘I think it’ll work out great’

Beneil Dariush targets title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 It'll work out great Laying out plans for his first championship siege under the banner of the UFC later this year, surging lightweight contender, Beneil Dariush plans to “absolutely dominate” former champion, Charles Oliveira at UFC 289 in June – before turning around and fighting Islam Makhachev for gold at UFC 294 in October. Dariush, the current #4 ranked […]

Laying out plans for his first championship siege under the banner of the UFC later this year, surging lightweight contender, Beneil Dariush plans to “absolutely dominate” former champion, Charles Oliveira at UFC 289 in June – before turning around and fighting Islam Makhachev for gold at UFC 294 in October.

Dariush, the current #4 ranked lightweight contender, is slated to co-headline UFC 289 in two weeks’ time – as the promotion returns to Vancouver, British Columbia – taking on Sao Paulo finisher, Oliveira in an expected title-eliminator at the weight class.

In the midst of an impressive seven-fight winning run, Iran-born contender, Beneil Dariush most recently competed at UFC 280 back in October of last year, landing a unanimous decision win over former two-weight KSW champion, Mateusz Gamrot in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The dominant decision win came off the back of other standout performances against the likes of former interim gold holder, Tony Ferguson, Diego Ferreira, Drakkar Klose, Drew Dober, and Thiago Moises.

Beneil Dariush eyes October turnaround against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294

Reacting to backing from Makhachev for a future rescheduled title fight, Dariush, who saw a fractured fibula rule him from a matchup with the Russian in February of last year, now plans to turnaround and fight the gold holder in the Middle East at UFC 294 in October.

“People will send me, you know, short clips of him (Islam Makhachev) saying that he thinks I’m gonna win the fight [against Charles Oliveira], and things like that,” Beneil Dariush told MMA Junkie. “It’s great. It’s building the fight right now, right?”

“So, Lord willing, I beat Charles (Oliveira) and we make the move back to Abu Dhabi and we have that fight [with Islam Makhachev] in Abu Dhabi. I think it’ll work out great if I could make the turnaround [in October], with no injuries or nothing like that.

Predicting a dominant victory over former champion, Oliveira en route to a title offing with Makhachev in the final quarter of this year, Dariush claims the Brazilian is likely “lacking desire” ahead of their UFC 289 battle.

“I think he (Charles Oliveira) didn’t start his camp when he should have,” Beneil Dariush said. “And then tried to catch up and probably overtrained, and that’s how he got injured.”

“I just think comfort is an enemy for athletes like us, and I think he’s (Charles Oliveira) gotten really comfortable. Obviously, he’s a wealthy guy now and he’s living good. I think those are things that can cause you some problems – cause you to lack desire, basically. I think that’s something that could take place in his life.”

UFC accused of ‘Favoritism’ toward Islam Makhachev amid Aljamain Sterling rift: ‘It’s the inconsistency’

Ray Longo has claimed that the UFC are showing what he described as “favoritism” toward lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev – when compared with the quickfire turnaround they are currently targeting for bantamweight counterpart, Aljamain Sterling. Most recently headlining UFC 284 back in February of this year, Islam Makhachev successfully defended his lightweight title from the […]

Most recently headlining UFC 284 back in February of this year, Islam Makhachev successfully defended his lightweight title from the siege of featherweight titleholder, Alexander Volkanovski, landing a unanimous decision victory in their Perth, Australia outing.

Expected to make a return atop a UFC 294 pay-per-view card in Abu Dhabi, UAE in October, Islam Makhachev revealed in the weeks following his win over Volkanovski, how UFC brass had encouraged him to take some time off and prepare to compete toward the end of the year on the October card in the Middle East.

However, as for Sterling, the Uniondale native has once more engaged in a war of words of sorts with UFC leader, Dana White, pointing to the timely comeback they expect from him – with a UFC 292 title fight against Sean O’Malley announced officially, just weeks after he defeated Henry Cejudo this month at UFC 288.

UFC accused of showing “favoritism” toward lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev

As far as Longo is concerned, the long-time head coach would like to see some consistency from the UFC when it comes to them booking certain champions on their schedule, claiming there appears to be some form of “favoritism” at play for Islam Makhachev.

“To me, in business and even down here, you know what people like, consistency,” Ray Longo said on The Anik and Florian Podcast. “Like if I come in here, everybody pays $200 a month, and then they’re walking around the gym, and someone says no, he only charges me $75. That’s not good, you know what I mean? It’s got to be consistent. That’s why I said we’re giving examples where it seems like favoritism almost, you know.”

“I think it’s the inconsistency of well [Islam] Makhachev hasn’t fought in a year (sic), why are you forcing me to fight in two months like that’s where I have a problem,” Longo explained. “I like fairness, and I like the transparency of knowing everybody’s doing the same thing. Like if Dana (White) wanted to turn everybody around every two months, then that’s it, that’s what you signed up for. This is their rules. It’s their company. He built it up. He gets to call the shots, but to do one thing one time and not the other time, I think that’s where it gets a little sticky for me.” (Transcribed by MMA News)

Alexander Volkanovski vows to land year end UFC title rematch with Islam Makhachev: ‘I’ll keep both divisions busy’

Alexander Volkanvoski revealed recently how he openly refused the opportunity to land an immediate title rematch with lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, off the back of his UFC 284 title challenge loss in February, however, the featherweight titleholder plans to rematch the Russian before the close of 2023. Volkanovski, the current featherweight champion, is slated to […]

Volkanovski, the current featherweight champion, is slated to headline UFC 290 during International Fight Week in July, taking on interim division gold holder, Yair Rodríguez in the pair’s title unification bout.

However, the New South Wales favorite suffered his first promotional loss earlier this year on home soil, dropping a close, back-and-forth unanimous decision loss to lightweight champion, Makhachev in the pair’s lightweight title fight.

Alexander Volkanovski confirmed he rejected an title rematch with Islam Makhachev

Revealing how he had been approached with the offer of an immediate rematch with Makhachev at an unspecified date, Alexander Volkanovski confirmed he rejected the clash in a bid to remain active, however, insists he will fight the former again before the end of this annum.

“I wanted to be active, I told you that,” Alexander Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel. “I was asked after the fight [with Islam Makhachev], do I want to wait around for the rematch, do i want to fight at featherweight, what do I wanna do? I don’t want to wait around. They [the UFC] said, ‘Do you want to wait around and the only thing is if you wait for that fight, that might not be until the end of the year.’ We don’t know when that fight is happening but it’s not looking like it’s gonna be anytime soon.”

“I ain’t waiting,” Alexander Volkanovski explained. “I’d rather fight featherweight then do the rematch sometime at the end of the year, whenever it is. Whenever that fight can happen, that fight’s always gonna be there. I want to stay active and I told you I wanted to stay active and I wasn’t lying. This is proof of that.” (Transcribed by MMA Fighting)

Exclusive – Colby Covington calls Islam Makhachev an ‘Easy’ win: ‘I dust him inside of three rounds’

Colby Covington believes he would dispatch Islam Makhachev within three rounds should they ever square off inside the Octagon. The often controversial love-him-or-hate-him welterweight contender is slated for a 170-pound title fight against reigning champion Leon Edwards later this year. When and where that takes place is still yet to be determined, but Colby Covington […]

Colby Covington believes he would dispatch Islam Makhachev within three rounds should they ever square off inside the Octagon.

The often controversial love-him-or-hate-him welterweight contender is slated for a 170-pound title fight against reigning champion Leon Edwards later this year. When and where that takes place is still yet to be determined, but Colby Covington has kept busy in the interim, calling out practically every other fighter on the roster. That includes lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev.

Speaking with James Lynch in a LowKick MMA exclusive interview, Colby Covington was asked how he sees things playing out in a potential superfight between himself and the Dagestani destroyer.

It would play out the same way that the guy that knocked him out last time he got beat in the UFC Octagon played out,” Covington said. “I trained that guy Adriano [Martins] for that fight so I was telling him the whole time, ‘Dude, check right hook right to him. Just hit a right hook. He’s not ready for that. He’s not keeping his left hand high.’ That’s what Adriano did. Went out there and knocked him out.”

Colby Covington Claims Khabib Nurmagomedov Was Afraid to Fight Him

Colby Covington believes as a southpaw, he would present a lot of problems for Islam Makhachev. He also finds it humorous to suggest that the Dagestani champion could legitimately compete in the welterweight division despite barely getting past featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski.

“He’s a southpaw like myself and [Makhachev] doesn’t do good against southpaws,” Covington continued. “Look how much trouble he was having with that little short midget from Australia, Volkanovski. Dude, he’s a 145 featherweight and you want to come to 170 now and talk this big game. He knows what would happen, just like his daddy Khabib [Nurmagomedov] knew. That’s why Khabib never came to 170. Because he knew King Colby was here. He knew he couldn’t outwrestle me and that’s what those guys from Dagestan do.

“They try to outwrestle these guys. I’m a way better wrestler and my accolades speak for themselves. Division I All-American national champion. Could have been a freakin’ Olympic champion if I had went for it, but I rather fight in the UFC because it’s the best organization in the world.”

Of course, Colby Covington will first need to get past Leon Edwards before a potential superfight with Islam Makhachev can be taken seriously. But if he manages to capture his first UFC championship, ‘Chaos’ says Makhachev will make for an easy first defense of the welterweight crown.

“The matchups great. I love the matchup. Makhachev can’t beat me in wrestling. He can’t beat me in striking and he definitely can’t beat me in jiu-jitsu. It’s a pretty easy matchup for me. I think I dust him inside of three rounds and it would be an easy first title defense and a big one. Champion vs. champion. He’s earned his stripes in this company, but there’s a guy that’s just a little bit better than him and that’s the reason why he ain’t came up to 170 yet,” Covington concluded.

Exclusive – Colby Covington calls Islam Makhachev an ‘Easy’ win: ‘I dust him inside of three rounds’

Colby Covington believes he would dispatch Islam Makhachev within three rounds should they ever square off inside the Octagon.

Speaking with James Lynch in a LowKick MMA exclusive interview, Colby Covington was asked how he sees things playing out in a potential superfight between himself and the Dagestani destroyer.

Colby Covington Claims Khabib Nurmagomedov Was Afraid to Fight Him

Beneil Dariush tipped to ‘Run through’ Charles Oliveira on way to title victory ahead of UFC 289 fight

Drew Dober believes Beneil Dariush will make easy work of Charles Oliveira on his way to becoming the UFC lightweight champion. Dober is set to make his return to the Octagon this Saturday night as the UFC returns to New Jersey for UFC 288. Emanating from the Prudential Center, Dober will look to score his […]

Drew Dober believes Beneil Dariush will make easy work of Charles Oliveira on his way to becoming the UFC lightweight champion.

Dober is set to make his return to the Octagon this Saturday night as the UFC returns to New Jersey for UFC 288. Emanating from the Prudential Center, Dober will look to score his fourth-straight win as he squares off against 155-pound standout Matt Frevola. Before heading to the Garden State, Dober spoke with The Schmo to share his thoughts on next month’s high-stakes lightweight clash between No. 4 ranked contender Beneil Dariush and former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.

Drew Dober not only believes that Beneil Dariush will “run through” Charles Oliveira in their UFC 289 showdown, but he also suggested that Dariush would defeat reigning 155-pound king Islam Makhachev in a potential UFC title fight later this year.

“I think Beneil Dariush is No.1 contender in my division and he deserves that title shot against Islam,” Dober said. “I could see him running through Charles and I also see him potentially beating Islam as well” (h/t MMA News).

Drew Dober Believes Alexander Volkanovski Exposed the Blueprint to Beating Islam Makhachev

Drew Dober has shared the Octagon with both Beneil Dariush and Islam Makhachev, falling to both men by way of submission. Based on his own experience inside the cage and the success that Alexander Volkanovski had against Makhachev in their UFC 284 superfight, Dober believes Beneil Dariush has both the skills and the blueprint to upset the Dagestani destroyer.

“I think that Islam had the more complete game and, I mean, he dominated for the full 15, where Beneil, he brings in the extra added oomph, that it-factor, and man, Beneil just gets better with time, and I think Volkanovski showed a lot of holes in Islam’s game, and I know Beneil will take advantage of those.”

In February, featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski attempted to dethrone Islam Makhchev in the land down under. After 25 grueling minutes of action, Makhachev was awarded the victory by way of a unanimous decision. Many fans and fighters condemned the decision, believing ‘The Great’ did more than enough to secure a win. A rematch between the two is undoubtedly on the docket, but first, Volkanovski will look to unify his 145-pound crown with interim titleholder Yair Rodrigues this summer.