Although he’s never fought for the UFC title, No. 9 ranked lightweight contender Beneil Dariush made headlines this week with a bold statement. He claimed he would have submitted reigning champion Islam Makhachev if they had faced each other at UFC 311. “I would’ve won,” Dariush said. “It would’ve been a finish for sure…The way Makhachev and I fight, it’s not going five rounds.” The American‘s remarks came during an interview with MMA Junkie, reflecting on a night that almost saw him share the Octagon with the champ.

Earlier this year, the UFC booked both him and Makhachev to fight on the UFC 311 card. But when Islam Makhachev’s opponent, Arman Tsarukyan, withdrew due to health concerns, Beneil Dariush’s scheduled bout with Renato Moicano was turned into a surprise title shot for the Brazilian. Unfortunately for ‘Money’ Moicano, the opportunity ended in disappointment, while the Yorba Linda native—who didn’t end up competing—still walked away with his contracted pay check.

However, it was Beneil Dariush’s claim this week that sparked a wave of reactions. Some were quick to dismiss the statement, but others came to his defense—including UFC veteran Chael Sonnen. Speaking on his YouTube podcast Good Guy / Bad Guy to Daniel Cormier, Sonnen said: “Was he a legit number one contender that could walk through life and make a claim like that, and nobody should tease him?” Daniel Cormier, a longtime friend of Islam Makhachev, acknowledged Dariush’s past form, calling him a No.1 contender “at one point.”

Still, Cormier wasn’t convinced by either Sonnen’s or the Iranian-American’s stance, labeling the claim a “BS comment.” He elaborated further:

“He had won nine in a row and he was amazing. Islam’s won fifteen. I mean, think about it—Islam’s won fifteen. That’s a lot of fights, man—in a row. In the UFC, he’s won fifteen. So I’m calling BS, man. You don’t get a guy that’s won fifteen, especially when it’s five title fights, and go, ‘I would’ve finished him on that day,’ even though the guy that I was supposed to fight—who was favored to beat me—got finished by him on the same day him and I were supposed to fight.”

Daniel Cormier’s point isn’t without merit, especially when you consider how Islam Makhachev made quick work of Renato Moicano on short notice. For 36-year-old Beneil Dariush, the opportunity he once missed might finally be circling back. The Iranian-American is now set to square off against Renato Moicano at UFC 317 during International Fight Week—a bout that could determine the trajectory of his final run in the sport.

Hovering near the edge of the lightweight top 10, the Iranian understands the stakes. A victory could reignite his title hopes, giving him one last shot at gold before he considers calling time on his career. Let’s hear what Beneil Dariush has to say this time around.

Beneil Dariush eyes title shot despite Islam Makhachev’s move to 170 lbs

Beneil Dariush comes from a prestigious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background, earning his black belt under Rômulo Barral in just five years. He’s a multiple-time world champion in both Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu competitions, representing the United States through every belt level—blue, purple, brown—before finally earning his black belt. This solid foundation paved the way for his UFC debut back in 2014.

His early UFC career was a mixed bag, but everything changed in mid-2018 when Beneil Dariush went on an impressive nine-fight winning streak, defeating top contenders like Tony Ferguson and Mateusz Gamrot. However, his momentum stalled in his last two fights, where he suffered knockout losses to Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan—raising questions about whether his chin might be vulnerable.

Now, 36 years old and a seasoned UFC veteran with 23 fights under his belt, the Yorba Linda native is determined to make a comeback and once again chase the title. Speaking to MMA Junkie, the Iranian-American shared his optimistic outlook:

“I could be maybe two fights away,” Dariush said. “If I have a good performance now, beat a top-five guy, then beat another top-five guy, I’m in title contention. You never know. Sometimes, one fight might be enough. It might take three. But honestly, it will probably take two more fights.”

What’s your take on Daniel Cormier’s claims? Do you think the Iranian-American has what it takes to challenge Islam Makhachev if they ever face off? Share your thoughts below.