“I was pretty pi**ed” – Beneil Dariush reveals how he felt after Alexander Volkanovski was announced as the official backup fighter for UFC 280 main event
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Alexander Volkanovski and Beneil Dariush
Beneil Dariush has publicly voiced his disapproval of Alexander Volkanovski being chosen as the official backup opponent for the UFC 280 main event rather than him.
Prior to the lightweight title match between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev at UFC 280, Beneil Dariush acknowledged in a recent interview on Submission Radio that he was dissatisfied with not being chosen for the backup position.
Despite his frustration, the American said that he comprehends the UFC’s decision to select Volkanovski over him. Speaking to Submission Radio Beneil said, “Well, at first, I was genuinely confused, and then I was pretty pi**ed, and then I started just kind of thinking about it and… I’m annoyed about it, I’m kind of butthurt, but it makes sense if you think about it.”
He added, “So, it was never like a written agreement that I was gonna be the backup… A guy like Volkanovski, who’s currently, I believe, number one pound-for-pound, wants to volunteer and jump on that, it makes sense on their part… So I get it, bro… It makes sense business-wise. Obviously, it sucks for me, but I get why they did what they did.”
In a recent post on social media, the current featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski identified himself as the confirmed backup fighter for the UFC 280 main event.
After weeks of uncertainty and rumors circulating daily, the backup fighter saga is now officially over. Volkanovski might see his dream come true earlier than he expected to challenge for the light-weight championship.
Read More: BREAKING: Beneil Dariush and Mateusz Gamrot are the latest addition to a thrilling UFC 280 card.
Beneil Dariush wants Conor McGregor to be left out of the lightweight title discussion
Conor McGregor’s name should no longer be brought up while discussing the lightweight championship, says Beneil Dariush. Dariush gave his preview of the upcoming card when appearing on Submission Radio while out and about in Abu Dhabi during fight week.
When Dariush was asked how he would feel if Conor McGregor was picked to compete for the title instead of him next, he responded, “Let’s get this guy out of the conversation man. He’s not even in title contention. I know these guys all want to fight him but if they were to make a fight right now with Conor as a contender, it’s like spitting in the face of everybody in the top 5 or top 10. It’s a joke.”
He continued, “The guy hasn’t won a fight at 155lbs in years… Eddie Alvarez? Six years ago…Nah. This guy. That would be the epitome of a clown show. I don’t know how else to put it than that.”
Beneil Dariush will travel to UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi to take on Mateusz Gamrot. Prior to Islam Makhachev’s confirmation, Beneil was rumored to face Charles Oliveira in the main event; if he defeats Gamrot, he may earn a title shot for the light-weight championship.
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Soumya Ranjan
(2167 Articles Published)