UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush alleges the promotion told him Islam Makhachev’s next opponent during recent contract talks.
Islam Makhachev hasn’t defended the UFC lightweight title since a win over Alexander Volkanovski earlier this year at UFC 284. He earned a unanimous decision victory despite some feeling Volkanovski deserved the nod on the scorecards.
An immediate rematch with Volkanovski appears to be off the table for Islam Makhachev, at least for the time being. In the meantime, he has a slew of hungry lightweight contenders ready to challenge him for the title.
One such contender is Dariush, who has won eight straight, including over Mateusz Gamrot and Tony Ferguson. Many have called for Dariush to get the next lightweight title shot, but it appears that won’t be the case after Dariush’s recent meeting with UFC President Dana White and the matchmakers.
Beneil Dariush Spills The Beans Regarding Islam Makhachev’s Next Title Defense
During a recent interview with Submission Radio, Dariush alleged that Dustin Poirier is the next title challenger for Makhachev.
“I brought it up, and they mentioned pushing the fight back to [June 10th],” Dariush said. “And I was like, what if he doesn’t show up again? And I said why I don’t I face Makhachev in July or August? Or even earlier if he’s available. And they told me he has to be on the October card…and they said Dustin Poirier is the No. 1 contender, and that he’s ahead of [me].”
If Dariush’s claim proves true, Poirier will get his third lightweight title shot in four years. He most recently defeated Michael Chandler at UFC 281 last November after falling to Oliveira for the title at UFC 269.
Poirier’s next fight assignment has been uncertain since the victory over Chandler. There are a series of fascinating matchups for the Louisiana star, including a rematch with Justin Gaethje.
If the Makhachev vs. Poirier matchup comes to fruition, Poirier will have the chance at revenge against another Dagestani for the belt. Although, nothing has been announced by the promotion and the lightweight title picture remains in a holding pattern.
