“Don’t You Do It”: Beneil Dariush’s Talks of Retirement After UFC Overlooked Him Riles Up MMA Twitter

After the epic showdown at UFC 284 between Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev that saw the Lightweight champ get his hands raised in a close affair, questions of who’s next in line for a shot at the title were naturally brought up. In one such analysis, MMA journalist Luke Thomas brought up a name that many would believe has gone under the radar when it comes to recognition. The 33-year-old Beneil Dariush, who has been on an eight-fight win streak, Thomas felt could create serious challenges for Makhachev. In response to this statement, which was made by the analyst on Twitter, Dariush had a light-hearted reaction wherein he claimed that the UFC was waiting for his retirement before he got his title shot.

MMA fans reacted swiftly to this statement by the lightweight. While most of them backed Dariush to fight for the title next, some suggested he pick up the mic and generate buzz around the matchup.

MMA fans show their support for Beneil Dariush’s claims of a title shot

Responding to the tweet by Luke Thomas, ‘Benny’ displayed his disappointment in getting overlooked by the promotion. The American even went to the extent of stating that the matchmakers were probably waiting for him to retire before giving his deserving shot at the title. Although this statement was made in a light-hearted tone, fans of the 33-year-old came out backing his claim. Considering the amazing run he’s been on, it was quite natural for fans to root for Dariush in this scenario.

While a few fans backed him, former UFC fighter Sam Alvey asked him not to retire.

A few fans asked ‘Benny’ to create hype around the fight, while one even blamed the fighter himself for not calling out the champ specifically.

One fan even asked him to tag the current champ and call him out.

Another fan also felt that Dariush should wait out to fight the current lightweight champ, even claiming a comfortable win for Dariush.

Since there are also talks of Charles Oliveira and Dariush fighting, a fan asked him not to overlook the Brazilian.

Despite his eight-fight win streak and not getting a title shot, one fan pointed out how Islam Makhachev also had to wait till he earned his claim at the belt.

The reactions clearly display the support that Dariush has in the lightweight division and deservedly so. Since his debut at UFC, the 33-year-old has collected important wins against the likes of Tony Ferguson, Michael Johnson, and more recently Mateusz Gamrot in his last fight.

Beneil Dariush is to take on Charles Oliveira as per reports

Despite these discussions of a possible title shot, reports state that Dariush will be facing former lightweight champ Charles Oliveira in what could be a title eliminator fight.

Read More: “That’s Horrible From Analysts”: Newly Updated “Pound for Pound” UFC Rankings Sets off Fans

Although there is no official confirmation yet, Oliveira‘s manager has reportedly said that the fight is scheduled for UFC 288. A win here should definitely be enough for the 33-year-old to move up and face Makhachev for the title.

What do you think of Dariush and his winning streak? Does he deserve an immediate title shot or should he face Oliveira first? Let us know in the comments.

Watch This Story: UFC 284: Fighters react to Volkanovski vs. Makhachev controversial decision