Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira will contest in a highly anticipated lightweight contest this Saturday at UFC 289. The pair will meet each other in the co-main event in Vancouver, in a fight with title implications. The bout between Dariush and Oliveira was originally set for UFC 288 in May. However, the Brazilian had to pull out due to an injury and hence the promotion rescheduled the bout for UFC 289. This deal proved a blessing in disguise for Dariush. For agreeing to fight on a rescheduled date, the Iranian got himself the word of the UFC brass to push him into the title picture.

Islam Makhachev won the vacant UFC lightweight title last year in Abu Dhabi. He submitted former champion Charles Oliveira to secure the undisputed gold. Since then, he has defended it once. As Makhachev is looking for his next fight, the UFC 289 co-main could be crucial for all parties concerned.

Beneil Dariush reveals the UFC’s promise before UFC 289

During the media scrum for UFC 289, Beneil Dariush revealed what the UFC has promised him with regard to his UFC future. He said that the UFC is willing to book him against Makhachev if he can get past Charles Oliveira. Responding to a question about his title fight prospects, Dariush said, “I spoke with Hunter [Campbell] when we rebooked this fight and that’s what they said. I would be number one contender.”

Dariush’s claim cannot be refuted that easily. The 34-year-old will be on a 9-fight win streak if he wins at UFC 289. He has already faced and defeated elite talents like Tony Ferguson and Mateusz Gamrot on his way to Vancouver.

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If the Iranian beats former champion and #1 ranked Charles Oliveira, that puts him clear of the rest of the lightweight top 5 fighters in terms of the title fight. Further, it would be a fresh challenge for Makhachev.

What should we expect from the UFC 289 co-main event?

Beneil Dariush cannot expect UFC 289 to be a walk in the park. Former champion Charles Oliveira comes with an impressive resume of his own. The all-time leader in submissions, Oliveira had an eleven-fight win streak prior to facing Makhachev. After the crushing defeat in Abu Dhabi, ‘Do Bronx’ has taken ample time off to recover and recuperate. So Dariush could be facing a well-prepared and fresh Oliveira at UFC 289.

With so much on the line and both competitors raging to go, UFC 289 co-main is shaping up to be a barnburner. What are your predictions for the fight? Who are you backing to win?

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Let us know in the comments below.