Despite giving their word, Dana White still has ‘no idea’ if Beneil Dariush or Charles Oliveira will fight Islam Makhachev

UFC President Dana White is not sure whether he wants to give the UFC lightweight title shot to the winner of UFC 289 despite prior statement.

Despite giving their word, Dana White still has ‘no idea’ if Beneil Dariush or Charles Oliveira will fight Islam Makhachev

How Ron DeSantis helped Dana White (Image source: Imago )

Dana White does not wish to give any bold statements regarding the UFC lightweight division title fight. Despite a likely top contender fight set for the co-main event of UFC 289, White remains hesitant to commit. Beneil Dariush recently reacted to the situation.

Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira are going into the octagon believing that the winner will receive a title shot. Islam Makhachev, who dominates the lightweight division, is ready to defend his title yet again. However, the UFC President does not wish to set anything in stone and keeps his options open. Previously he stated that the winner of UFC 289 will face Makhachev, but now he is not so sure. Fans speculate maybe he has something else in mind.

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Dana was asked in the pre-fight press conference if the winner of Oliveira vs Dariush will fight Islam Makhachev in October. “I have no idea, we’ll see how the fight goes on Saturday,” White said. He acknowledged that it makes sense for the winner to fight Makhachev but says he will “see what happens.”

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Dariush revealed that UFC executives had given him their word that he would receive the next title shot if he defeated Oliveira, which would mark his ninth consecutive win. Despite the potential interference of Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje 2 at UFC 291, Dariush remained committed to the promise made to him by the promotion.

Related: “Have to go out there and prove,” Beneil Dariush asserts of beating Charles Oliveira in grappling with a perfect 10 for 10 record

Beneil Dariush reacts to Dana White’s statements regarding the title shot

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Dariush’s take on recent unclarity regarding UFC lightweight title shot ( Image source: L/R – Getty Images )

Beneil Dariush is not fazed. He expressed confidence in his skills and praised Oliveira as a formidable opponent, while still predicting his own victory. Dariush recognizes Oliveira’s greatness but believed in himself and the talents bestowed upon him by God. He expressed his desire to fight the best fighters in the world, regardless of rankings.

Nonetheless, Dana White remains cautious about committing to future title challengers, despite a likely No. 1 contender fight on the horizon. Both Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira believe a win would earn them a title shot, but White refrains from making any definitive statements. 

Dariush remains confident in his skills and trusts the promise made by the UFC while praising Oliveira as a tough opponent. White shares similar reservations regarding the women’s bantamweight division, where Amanda Nunes‘ opponent changed due to an injury. The decision on the next title shot remains uncertain, as White prefers to wait and observe how events unfold.

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