“There’s No Reason Why I Can’t Deal With It”: Beneil Dariush Dismisses Charles Oliveira as a “Threat” Despite the Former Champ Having the Highest Submission Rate in UFC History

In an announcement made via Instagram Live, UFC president Dana White provided an update on the highly anticipated lightweight bout between Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush. Originally slated as the co-main event for UFC 288 on May 6, the clash between the #1 and #4-ranked lightweights was eagerly anticipated by fans. However, Oliveira’s withdrawal from the fight left many disappointed. 

Soon afterward the Oliveira vs. Dariush matchup got rescheduled and is now set to take place as the co-main event at UFC 289 on June 10. This event is scheduled to be held in Vancouver, Canada, with the headliner being the trilogy fight between UFC women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes and former champion Julianna Pena. Many believe that Oliveira’s extraordinary Jiu-Jitsu skills may be a huge obstacle for Dariush to win the fight. Furthermore, Oliveira is someone who has a record for the highest number of submissions in UFC history.

Beneil Dariush shows his confidence

It is highly important for Dariush to win the fight, as it may take him directly to the most anticipated title shot. In a recent interview, the Californian fighter mentioned how ‘Do Bronx’s BJJ skills won’t be an issue for him as he is trying to master himself in the same with the help of his friend and BJJ practitioner Neiman Gracie.

He said, “I just make sure in the training camp, I put myself in in the crappy situations that I could possibly end up with and if I can deal with it in the training, there’s no reason why I can’t deal with it in the fight and I don’t really feel like he’s gonna pose a threat to me in the jiu-jitsu.” 

He further added, “Obviously I could be wrong but I don’t feel like it. I’ve had my friend Neiman Gracie. He’s been kind of helping me a lot for this fight and I pretty much feel  like ‘Okay Neiman I’m in bad situation we’re working here.’ He’s like ‘Oh great it sounds good for me’ and it’s great for me too because I have to work my way out.”

READ MORE: Beneil Dariush Pulls an Islam Makhachev on Charles Oliveira as He Announces “I Train With a Lot of Jiu-Jitsu Guys Who Are Better Than Him”

During the conversation, the 34-year-old mentioned how he is going through a really hard time while training to make sure that he will get to fight Islam Makhachev in Abu Dhabi.

Beneil Dariush currently stands at a great point in his fighting career with an eight-fight winning streak. While Oliveira was someone who had sat on the lightweight throne but lost his belt to Islam Makhachev, At the moment, the two strong fighters are going to lock horns to earn the title shot.

Who do you think will win the fight between Dariush and Oliveira? Do let us know in the comments below.

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