“I Don’t Know if I’m Ever Going to Fight for That Belt” – Beneil Dariush Sounds Off on His Grim UFC Future

Beneil Dariush is undoubtedly one of the most noted names in the UFC Lightweight division currently. The 33-year-old Iranian-American had a tremendous last couple of years amassing an 8-fight win streak over his opponents. His outstanding octagon skills catapulted him to become one of the most recognized faces of the UFC. Dariush‘s last loss came against Alexander Hernandez way back in 2018. But, ‘Benny’ showcased awesome improvement in his next fights and eventually claimed the #4 rank in the UFC Lightweight division.

Recently, in an interview with UFC.com, Dariush revealed how his career was standing at a crucial juncture currently. He also stated that he was quite unsure whether he would have a title shot in his career or not.

Beneil Dariush preferred to continue fighting because of the haze regarding his title shot

Dariush believed that he had done enough to be granted a title shot. But, he wasn’t clear about what the UFC has in mind for him. ‘Benny’ stated, “I don’t know what UFC’s gameplan is for me. I don’t know if I’m ever going to fight for that belt”.

The Lightweight title has now been put up for a bout against Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski; where the winner would walk out as a two-weight division champion.

Dariush also put light on one of his concerns. He stated, “I have the option of waiting and fighting the winner, but if Volkanovski wins and decides to defend his featherweight belt, I might end up waiting a whole year and maybe I end up fighting in 2024”. A lot would agree for Dariush‘s concern to be legit.

‘Benny’ also stated that he was unwilling to wait for a title shot on the sidelines. Instead, he preferred to keep himself fighting and preparing for his opponents.

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The Iranian-American laid stress on how he gets bored when he doesn’t have any fight to prepare for. He said, “I like fighting, I get bored not fighting. I get bored not preparing for an opponent. This is my job and I want to do it. That’s it.”

Beneil Dariush eyed a fight with Dustin Poirier or Charles Oliveira

Dariush talked further about his instinct to be within fighting. He stated, “It’s not about money or guaranteeing the title shot, it’s that I want to fight the best guys in the world”. Talking about his previously mentioned “best guys”, ‘Benny’ iterated, “I think Dustin Poirier or Charles Oliveira are those guys.”

A lot of UFC fans might actually appreciate Dariush’s choices in this regard. Being the #4 ranked Lightweight in the UFC, it’s quite natural that Dariush would be looking to move up higher through the ranks. Previously, Poirier has also appreciated Dariush‘s stupendous current run and stated that he deserved to fight better-ranked guys to move higher in the division.

Charles ‘Do Bronx’ Oliveira currently sits as the #1 contender for the Lightweight title; with Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier reigning at the #2 spot. Hence, it would be understandable to most fans that Dariush was looking to move up the ranks and achieve a shot at the Lightweight title.

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But, ‘Benny’ had himself iterated that he has no special affinity towards a title shot. So, some others might also argue that it is purely a legacy that ‘Benny’ is rooting for.

Do you think Dariush actually deserves a title shot?