Beneil Dariush is all set to step inside the octagon this weekend as he takes on Charles Oliveira in a three-round co-main event bout at UFC 289. This highly anticipated lightweight bout will take place on June 10th at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada.
Canada, WE'RE READY FOR YOU đ¨đŚđ#UFC289 | Saturday | ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/VVlw71Ky18 pic.twitter.com/hHOQn8jk8r
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2023
Initially, this matchup was scheduled to take place as the co-main event of UFC 288 which took place on May 6th in New Jersey. However, Do Bronx had to withdraw from the fight due to an injury. Luckily, Oliveira’s injury was not severe and the promotion has rescheduled this matchup.
With that being said, the stakes will be very high for both lightweights this weekend. Because a win at UFC 289 would probably help either fighter secure a shot at the title against Islam Makhachev next.
Beneil Dariush or Charles Oliveira who is the favourite to get the title shot?
Beneil Dariush is on an outstanding run in the lightweight division. He is on a nine-fight winning streak and has finished four of his opponents during the course of this run. On the other hand, Charles Oliveira was undefeated in his last 11 fights before fighting Islam Makhachev and losing his belt.
Now these two elite lightweight contenders will collide against each other this weekend at UFC 289. Speaking of which, the winner will most likely get a title shot. However, Charles Oliveira will have to do something spectacular to earn the opportunity as he recently suffered a defeat against Makhachev.
With that being said, Beneil Dariush is the favourite to get a title shot if he wins against Do Bronx. In fact he could have received a title shot without fighting Oliveira due to his rankings. But unfortunately, the UFC felt that Dariush should get another big win to earn the opportunity.
Should the UFC give Conor McGregor a title shot if he wins his bout against Michael Chandler?
It is undeniable that Conor McGregor has the biggest star power in the UFC. Consequently, chances are that he will get a title shot if he beats Michael Chandler. While speaking at the UFC 289 media interview, one interviewer asked Beneil Dariush who he would like to face from the winner of Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje or Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler.
Dariush took a dig at The Notorious and claimed that Poirier and Gaethje are more deserving of a title shot. “As far as who I would prefer between the BMF or Conor or Chandler I would definitely say the BMF. I think these guys are more active. I think if Conor wins and he beats Chandler I know the UFC will give him a title shot. But I don’t know if he’s really deserving of it.”
Considering the rankings and the high stakes such as the BMF title for the rematch between Gaethje and Poirier, the UFC wants the winner to fight for the title next. Do let us know in the comments section who you think deserves a title shot and challenge Islam Makhachev next.
