MMA fans looking ahead to the return of former lightweight champ Charles Oliveira were treated to the disappointing news that the Brazilian had to pull out of his fight against Beneil Dariush at UFC 288 owing to an injury. Following this update, reports also suggested that the UFC was looking to move the fight to a different date, much to the disappointment of a section of fans who wanted Dariush to be given a title shot instead.

Currently ranked number four in the lightweight division, a win here for Dariush would have naturally resulted in a fight against the current champ, Islam Makhachev. As fans and fighters reacted, Dariush too shared an update on his official Instagram regarding the disappointing news.

Beneil Dariush reacts to Charles Oliveira pulling out of the fight

Reacting to the news of Oliveira pulling out, the 33-year-old expressed his disappointment on his official Instagram earlier today. Sharing a post by a popular MMA media outlet, Dariush, without making any statement, shared his dismay with a face-palm emoji on his Instagram story.

Needless to say, the Brazilian’s injury update must have come as a huge blow for Dariush, especially owing to the fact that UFC 288 was just a few weeks away from now. Also, considering that the winner here would have gone on to square up against Makhachev, it must have made the news a bitter pill to swallow for the 33-year-old.

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Looking at the winning streak that he has been on, fans and fellow fighters shared similar sentiments regarding Dariush and his status as a contender as they backed him for a title shot for his next fight.

Dariush should fight Islam Makhachev, suggests former UFC champ

Also reacting to the news of Oliveira pulling out was a former lightweight champ, who claimed that Dariush should be given the title shot due to the Brazilian’s unavailability. Number nine-ranked Rafael Dos Anjos backed the fourth-ranked Dariush to fight Makhachev instead of having to wait for a later date.

The Brazilian, who once held the lightweight gold, shared his opinion on Twitter, which saw many fans agree with his statement as well. He wrote: “With Oliveira out Bene should fight Islam for the title.”

Since there has been no disclosure on the extent of the injury that Oliveira has suffered, speculations on their fight are quite natural. While a majority of the fans share the sentiment that Dariush should face Makhachev instead of waiting for a later date, fans of Oliveira would probably want the two to face each other in order to decide who gets a shot at the title.

Read More: UFC Commentator Joe Rogan Details How Charles Oliveira Became “One of the Greatest Champions Ever”

What do you think? Should Dariush take on Makhachev next or should the UFC re-book his fight with Oliveira for a later date? Let us know in the comment section below.

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