Neil Dariosh can’t get a rest.
UFC 288 on May 6 took a huge hit this past weekend when it was announced during UFC Kansas City that the PPV co-main event between Dariusz and former lightweight champ Charles Oliveira has been halted. The “Do Bronx” suffered an injury, forcing him out of the sure title clinch…for now.
Oliveira’s withdrawal marks the second official time the fight has been brought out. On the overall negotiation, Darius feels it may be the third or fourth thing on second thought, adding to his frustrations more and more. Fortunately for the top heavyweight contender at 155 pounds, Dariush was told he was in good shape no matter what happens next. The plan now is to rebook the bout for UFC 289 on June 10 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
“They said they wanted to delay the fight until June 10,” said Dariush. Shmo (free MMA mania). “I still don’t have a contract, so I’m not sure if it’s confirmed, but that’s what they told me they wanted to do, June 10th. ? But then I said two things: If this guy quits again, I want the title shot. And basically [I asked for] A bump in wages, too. They agreed to both, and that was pretty much it. They agree to both, so if he pulls out I get the title shot. That’s what I was told.
“It’s hard to say no to that because the UFC, on their part, seems like they’re doing everything to make this fight happen. So, I said, yeah, let’s do it, let’s do it on June 10th. I agreed to June 10th and got some kind of insurance in case he pulls out.” .
Dariush, 33, is currently riding the best 27-fight winning streak of his career (22-4-1) with the momentum of eight in a row. Action is crucial for Dariush moving forward, and Iran’s next fight will be his first in 2023 since he secured a unanimous decision over Mathews Jamrot last October.
Lightweight has seen some development among its top competitors in recent months, giving Dariush more options than just Oliveira. While the former champ is certainly still the target – if not a direct shot at champ Islam Makhachev – other names such as Dustin Poirier are piqued by Benny’s interest.
“I wanted to fight Dustin,” Dariush said. “I called for that battle a while ago. Then after him [Michael] Fighting Chandler, he basically said he wasn’t interested in fighting me and I was like anything. I can’t force people to fight me, right? I will not like chasing you and beg you to fight me.
“I think the reason he is considered the number one contender is [because] Charles just lost. He ranked higher, so if I defeat Charles, I will definitely become the number one contender without anyone being able to deny that. But do I want to fight Dustin Poirier? Of course, man. I try to fight everyone. This is my duty; To fight the best players in the world and I actually think Dustin Poirier is one of the best players in the world so yeah, I want to fight him.
He continued, “In a perfect world, May 6, I would fight Oliveira if he wasn’t injured.” “By September I would fight Makhachev and then start going after guys like Dustin Poirier and … [Arman] Tsarukians, and all these men. Justin Gaethje as well. All these guys who want to fight for the title. This is a perfect world but that’s not how it works. I’m currently being pushed back to June 10th, so I got Charles then and then I’ll have to know what’s next after that.”
Excuse me. Dana White ‘furious’ after faking Clay Guida’s retirement to get post-fight interview at UFC Kansas City
Almighty. Arnold Allen releases statement after UFC Kansas City’s loss to Max Holloway
Lesson. Dana White slams Arnold Allen’s coaches for lack of urgency in losing to Max Holloway at UFC Kansas City
goat Shawl Sonnen clears Israel Adesanya as the greatest middleweight of all time: ‘I think he is’
plans. Max Holloway heard ‘very old’ disrespect before UFC Kansas City, eyed Korean zombie after
meat. Jon Jones fires back ‘old-timer’ Stipe Miocic in war of words over scheduling of heavyweight title fight
Community. ‘Dear Lord That Knee’: Alex Pereira, Pros React to Edson Barboza’s Brilliant Kansas City Exit
reflection. Cristian Rodriguez: Raul Rosas Jr. has potential, but “there are still a lot of holes in his game”
UFC Kansas City post fight show.
Post-fight press conference.
Free fight.
Confessions of Rezin 119.
Highlights.
Complete fights.
Merab meets Raoul.
the curse.
Good sport.
science.
hero.
Max shows great fighting intelligence and experience. High level combat… well done guys #UFCKansasCity
– Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) April 16, 2023
controversy.
Bulldozer.
I am so sorry for my coaches, training partners, fans and my country. I let everyone down and I know it. I have one fight left on my UFC contract. If the UFC @employee @employee Choose not to cut me, I would like to fight my last fight in Vancouver, Canada on June 10th.
– Tanner Boser (BulldozerBoser) April 16, 2023
Does not make sense.
MMA.
Oddly enough, it makes perfect sense based on current ratings. It just doesn’t make sense based on their performance at the moment. https://t.co/9pWSENURg9
– Zane Simon (@TheZaneSimon) April 16, 2023
Good job, Jerry.
I actually don’t mind this guy being a professional bullshit talker, and a legit sideline player who never risked anything…but I’d rather know who my enemies are, he still fucks Jerry https://t.co/4P1cCFdqrg
– Billy Quarantello (@BillyQMMA) April 16, 2023
opinions.
to tape.
Then the lake.
Johnny Boxing.
Everyone is on the beach.
action shot. Sorry Billy.
time is passing.
punch in’.
Aaron Beck (10-4) vs. James Gonzalez (13-1); Bellator 295, Apr. 22
Carl Williams (8-1) vs. Chase Sherman (16-11); UFC Charlotte, May 13
Movsar Ivlov (16-0) vs. Brice Mitchell (15-2); UFC 288, May 6th
What’s with the damn lightweight matches? This is definitely starting to feel like one. Fingers crossed, we can see these two finally reach an octagon.
Thanks for reading!
Last week’s results:
Friday: 53% of the 665 total votes answered “Jake Paul” when asked, “Who is your early pick?” Paul welcomes Nate Diaz to the professional boxing ring on Aug. 5.
Thursday: 36% of the 866 total votes answered “Jan Blachowicz” when asked, “Who should welcome Alex Pereira to the light heavyweight division?”
Wednesday: 51% of the total 774 votes answered “Israel Adesanya” when asked, “Who would you prefer in an Adesanya vs. Pereira MMA three-way match?”
Tuesday: 69% of the 619 total votes answered “Max Holloway” when asked, “Who will win this weekend?” Holloway defeated Arnold Allen via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC Kansas City.
Monday: 72% of the 526 total votes answered “Irene Aldana” when asked, “Which Amanda Nunes fight would you like next?” Nunes fights Juliana Pena in a three-way match in the main event of UFC 289 on June 10 in Vancouver, Canada.
Today’s exit poll:
vote
Will Oliveira’s confrontation against Darius happen?
If you find something you’d like to see in the morning report, click here MustafaHosny Oh God, Amen on Twitter and let him know. Also, follow MMAFighting on Instagram Like us on Facebook.