Islam Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez plays matchmaker for Beneil Dariush if 'Benny' is reluctant to wait for title shot
Islam Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez has publicly acknowledged Beneil Dariush as the most deserving candidate for the next lightweight title shot. However, with a clash between Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovksi now looking likely, Mendez has suggested an alternate matchup for Dariush.
Former title contenders Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier are set to clash at UFC 281 in December. According to Mendez, the winner of Chandler vs. Poirier will make a great match for Dariush. The AKA head coach recently spoke on The Schmozone:
"He's earned that opportunity. How many fights win streak does he have 11-10-9, [correction: 8]? Beneil's up there. He's the most deserving and his last performance showed that, but if there's gonna be a wait, there's gonna be a logjam, right. Then yeah, the [winner of the] Michael Chandler and Dustin fight would be a great option for Beneil. And that would be a great fight."
Watch Mendez's comments at the 14:19 mark of the video below:
Beneil Dariush, who was once scheduled to meet Islam Makhachev in a No.1- contender matchup, has long been deprived of a shot at the UFC lightweight title. However, despite extending his winning streak to eight with a win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 280, 'Benny' is unwilling to wait around for a title shot and is already hunting for a new opponent.
Beneil Dariush is eyeing two other opponents except the winner of Michael Chandler vs. Dustin Poirier
Beneil Dariush has been promised an eventual title shot by both Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. However, 'Benny' loves fighting and believes he has been put on earth solely for that purpose.
Hence, the 33-year-old is unwilling to wait around for the lightweight title picture to clear up. In signature fashion, Dariush is once again on the lookout for the toughest fights in the division.
While 'Benny' has his eyes on the upcoming clash between Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier, he also has two other potential opponents in mind. Dariush is also plotting a matchup against former champion Charles Oliveira and surging Krygyz prospect Rafael Fiziev. The 33-year-old recently told Morning Kombat's Luke Thomas:
"I guess right now my options are the winner of Dustin Poirier [vs. Michael Chandler], Charles [Oliveira], [Rafael] Fiziev. Those are the three options."
Catch Beneil Dariush's comments (14:59) below:
The 33-year-old also predicted Poirier to beat Chandler at UFC 282.