Daniel Cormier suggests ideal opponent for Dustin Poirier's next fight
Daniel Cormier recently suggested an ideal opponent for Dustin Poirier's next fight. While discussing the landscape of the 155-pound division, Cormier played matchmaker and explained why a fight against Beneil Dariush makes sense for all parties involved.
In a recent episode of the DC & RC, Cormier named No.4-ranked lightweight contender Dariush as a viable opponent for 'The Diamond'. According to Cormier's assessment, Dariush has proved his mettle and rightfully earned the opportunity to fight the elite names in the lightweight division.:
"For Dustin Poirier, I'd like to see him vs. Beneil Dariush. Beneil Dariush has earned his opportunity to fight the best in the world or atleast the most recognizable. If there's anyone that's earned that chance, it's Beneil."
He further argued in favor of Dariush, claiming that the Iranian-born American lightweight has always served the interest of the UFC:
"Beneil took on Gamrot in Abu Dhabi when he didn't need to. He was the higher ranked guy. They were speaking of him as a guy who may be a replacement for the title fight [Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev at UFC 280]. He fights a guy that's barely ranked in the top-10 and beats him."
Catch Daniel Cormier's comments (33:30) below:
Beneil Dariush is coming off a convincing unanimous decision win over surging contender Mateusz Gamrot. Interestingly, prior to UFC 280, Dariush revealed that he has his sights set on a fight against Dustin Poirier down the line.
Beneil Dariush sets his sights on Dustin Poirier. 👀
Source, MMA Junkie: mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/06/ufc-be… https://t.co/SFqtIe8Ahy
Dustin Poirier claims that a fight against Beneil Dariush "makes sense"
Dustin Poirier reminded the MMA world why he remains one of the most well-rounded fighters on the UFC roster.
'The Diamond' engaged in a grueling three-round battle with Michael Chandler at UFC 281 and emerged victorious via submission in the third round. This was his first submission victory in five years and eighth overall in his storied MMA career.
Dustin Poirier vs Michael Chandler - RD3. Carnage. https://t.co/Ju5FNwVPta
At the post-fight presser, Poirier welcomed the idea of a potential fight with Beneil Dariush in the future. Having already fought three names in the top 5 of the lightweight division, a fight with Dariush makes sense for the Lousiana native:
“That’s one that makes a lot of sense. Beneil’s earned his stripes and put away some tough guys and been looking great doing it. We’ll see, I’m not against it. It’s ultimately up to the UFC and my time frame when I want to return. That’s what it comes down to.”
Watch Dustin Poirier's appearance at the post-fight presser below: