The UFC lightweight division is known for its fierce competition and talented fighters, with names like Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Dustin Poirier dominating the headlines. However, there is one fighter who has been consistently overlooked for top opportunities – Beneil Dariush.
Dariush, a skilled and consistent fighter, has been on a frustrating path in the UFC. Despite being on impressive winning streaks, he has been denied title shots and matches against top-ranked opponents. And now, Dariush is voicing his frustration and accusing UFC matchmakers of protecting a new, rising fighter – Paddy Pimblett.
For those not familiar with Dariush, he is currently ranked #3 in the UFC lightweight division and has a record of 22 wins and 4 losses. He has been a part of the UFC since 2014 and has consistently put on impressive performances in the octagon. His victories include wins over top-ranked fighters like Tony Ferguson, Diego Ferreira, and Dan Hooker. Yet, despite his impressive resume, Dariush has not been given the recognition he deserves.
In a recent interview, Dariush expressed his disappointment with the lack of opportunities given to him. He stated, “I’ve never been offered a fight against the top-ranked guys. It’s pretty much just [Charles] Oliveira and Poirier left, everyone else is booked. They’re doing me dirty.” And he’s not wrong – Oliveira is set to defend his title against Poirier in December, leaving Dariush without a clear path to the title.
But what’s more frustrating for Dariush is the UFC’s apparent protection of rising star Paddy Pimblett. Pimblett, a former Cage Warriors champion, recently made his UFC debut and impressed in his win over Luigi Vendramini. Yet, with only one fight in the UFC, he is already being hyped up and put on the fast track to success. This has not sat well with Dariush, who believes he has put in the time and effort to earn these opportunities.
This is not the first time a rising star has been given preferential treatment over established fighters in the UFC. But in Dariush’s case, it seems like he’s been constantly overlooked. Despite his impressive record and ranking, he has been continuously matched up against lower-ranked opponents, while fighters like Pimblett are being quickly propelled into the spotlight.
Dariush is not the only one who has noticed this trend. Fans have also taken to social media to voice their support for the fighter and criticize the UFC’s matchmaking decisions. Many believe that Dariush deserves a shot at the title or a fight against a top-ranked opponent, and it’s time for the UFC to give him the recognition he deserves.
Of course, it’s not just about Dariush’s frustration and desire for bigger opportunities. It’s also about the fans who want to see the best matchups and the most competitive fights. With the stacked lightweight division, there are plenty of exciting matchups that could be made, but the UFC seems to be intentionally avoiding them.
There is no denying that Dariush is a top contender in the lightweight division, and he has proven time and time again that he is a force to be reckoned with. His skill, consistency, and determination have earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike. And it’s time for the UFC to show him the same respect by giving him the opportunities he deserves.
In the end, Dariush’s accusations raise questions about the integrity of the UFC’s matchmaking and the treatment of its fighters. It’s evident that Dana White and co. have their own plans for the promotion, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of deserving fighters like Dariush. Let’s hope the UFC listens to these concerns and gives Dariush the fair chances that he has earned in the octagon. Because in the end, it’s about giving the fans the best fights and recognizing the hard work and talent of the fighters who make the UFC what it is today.
