Beneil Dariush feels for Islam Makhachev’s ‘toxic lose-lose situation’ with legacy on line

UFC lightweight veteran Beneil Dariush talks about Islam Makhachev potentially fighting Ilia Topuria in a lightweight title clash.

Beneil Dariush feels for Islam Makhachev’s ‘toxic lose-lose situation’ with legacy on line

Islam Makhachev's title fight against Ilia Topuria is complicated (via Imago/X)

Islam Makhachev‘s next fight could be closer than anyone thinks. The lightweight champion has told multiple times that he wants to become a double champion before retirement. Could it also mean that Makhachev will fight for the second belt next? The MMA community will have a better understanding if somehow Jack Della Maddalena defeats Belal Muhammad at UFC 315.

If JDM cannot win the title, it will force Makhachev to defend his belt in the lightweight division. One of the biggest names is the former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. ‘El Matador’ will likely face Makhachev if JDM loses. Fighting Topuria is a lose-lose situation for Makhachev is what his team has claimed, and lightweight veteran Beneil Dariush recently spoke about it in detail.

There is truth to that for sure and it’s not like Islam is gonna be the underdog in this fight. It’s one of those things where the MMA community can be very toxic, and this is one of those cases… The champion gets to fight whoever he wants.

Beneil Dariush via Inside Fighting

According to Makhachev and his team, beating Topuria would not contribute significantly to his already established fighting legacy. Makhachev has already faced former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski twice, and that history is frequently mentioned in ongoing debates. While many argue Topuria poses a greater threat with his knockout power, Makhachev remains the clear favorite among betting experts.

Apart from his powerful punches, Topuria also possesses strong grappling skills and has vowed to choke out Makhachev in battle. However, according to Dariush, Topuria has been taken down before, suggesting Makhachev would have no problem doing the same. Like many other lightweights observing the matchup, Dariush confidently picked the pound-for-pound king to defeat the undefeated Topuria.

In a recent social media post, ‘El Matador’ revealed he has officially begun training camp for his highly anticipated upcoming fight. At the same time, Makhachev has also entered training camp, strongly suggesting a potential title showdown between the two. However, despite growing hype, no official announcement has been made regarding the expected clash.

UFC veteran doubts future plans of Islam Makhachev 

Islam Makhachev’s ultimate goal is moving up to welterweight and achieving double champion status. This could add a new layer of legacy, much different from his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. With his close friend Belal Muhammad holding the welterweight belt, how the Dagestani’s dream of fighting for the welterweight belt remains unanswered.

Islam Makhachev could be fighting Jack Della Maddalena next
Islam Makhachev could be fighting Jack Della Maddalena next (via X)

Della Maddalena is also ready for this fight and wants to avenge his fellow countryman Alexander Volkanovski by beating Makhachev. The Dagestani is a big lightweight and fighting at 170lbs won’t be an issue. There is a possibility that it could enhance his strength. However, UFC Hall of Famer, Chael Sonnen doesn’t think it’s good idea for the lightweight champion.

I’m just letting you know, if you’re team Islam and you’re sitting around and you’re waiting and you’re delaying action because you believe you’re gonna go to 170 and get a title shot against [Della Maddalena]. Just to let you know, first off, nobody’s asking to see that fight. He lacks the skills to make anybody want to see that fight. Jack lacks the motivation to make anybody want to see the fight.

Chael Sonnen via his YouTube channel 

Other than Della Maddalena, several top welterweights are eager to welcome Makhachev into their division for competitive matchups. According to Ian Garry, the Dagestani possesses the skills to dominate everyone and has even expressed interest in facing him. On top of that, Muhammad has also talked about moving up, which could make things easier for the lightweight champ.

So far, the UFC has kept their plans under wraps. The weight cut for Makhachev at 155-pounds will get harder as he ages. He hopes to retire from the sport with a second title at welterweight. For now, the order in which Makhachev gets to accomplish his dream is something only the UFC brass knows for now.

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