“I’m the only guy with an actual streak in that division,” Beneil Dariush believes he deserves the title shot before Dustin Poirier or Conor McGregor


“I’m the only guy with an actual streak in that division,” Beneil Dariush believes he deserves the title shot before Dustin Poirier or Conor McGregor

Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira

The UFC Lightweight fighter, Beneil Dariush entered the top five rankings with his latest win against the former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson at UFC 262.

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Dariush dominated Ferguson in the co-main event of UFC 262 and with this win, he extended his winning streak to seven fights. On the same night, Charles Oliveira was crowned as the new champion of the UFC Lightweight division and Beneil Dariush believes he is ready to face Oliveira for his first title defense.

Although the UFC president Dana White doesn’t commit to any specific scenario it is believed the winner of the trilogy between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier will be the clear front runner for the title shot.

Beneil Dariush claims now he is also in the conversation and if negotiation didn’t go right after UFC 264, he’ll be ready to slide in for Oliveira’s first title defense. In his latest interview with MMA Junkie, Dariush says,

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“I think I have a real case for the title, in business numbers, that’s the fight that’s going to get the title shot. But here’s the thing: I’m the only guy with an actual streak in that division. That’s one thing. I have the longest streak in the top three right now.”

“The other thing is these guys don’t get their contracts figured out that quickly. These guys, they’ll fight – I’ve seen contracts fall apart with Dustin and Conor. Things have not worked out for them. So, I’m sitting here and I’m ready to go.”

Beneil Dariush looks forward to competing again at the end of 2021

Tony Ferguson and Beneil Dariush
Tony Ferguson and Beneil Dariush

Beneil Dariush is enjoying his latest win right now and waiting for the birth of his first child in the upcoming weeks. He didn’t intend to compete before the end of 2021 but he believes the timing for Oliveira to face him will also work in his favor.

Dariush added, “All you’ve got to do is give me a fight at the end of November or December, That’s all I’m saying. It’s not that far off. I’m sure Charles is going to want a break to celebrate in Brazil and do his thing. So, I’m here.”

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He concluded, “I’ve already thought about it before, I don’t know if you remember, but I was already matched up with this guy a few times. I’ve thought about how I would fight him, I’ve thought about how I would get after him, and I think it’ll be pretty exciting. I think people would really like it.” {H/T MMA Junkie}

Also Read: “Tony Ferguson is not a human” Beneil Dariush was scared by Tony’s incredible toughness as he refused to tap in a brutal heel hook.