In the stacked UFC lightweight division, Beneil Dariush was the only logical challenger for the title before Alexander Volkanovski stepped inside the cage at UFC 284 and challenged Islam Makhachev. The 33-year-old boasts an impressive MMA record of 22 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw and is on a sensational 8-fight win streak at the moment. Despite such a notable record and being a fighter under the UFC banner since 2014, he is yet to get a chance to fight for the lightweight title.

Fans have been waiting to see him compete for the championship and believe he deserves a title shot. However, Dariush recently made a tweet claiming that the UFC will never give him that opportunity.

Beneil Dariush replied to being called a threat to Islam Makhachev

The view about Dariush being a contender for the lightweight championship is shared by combat sports analyst Luke Thomas. He recently tweeted about his assessment of the Volkanovski vs. Makhachev fight and claimed that his primary takeaway from the fight was that Beneil Dariush’s skill set can be a great problem for the current champion. However, the fighter himself had a rather cheeky reply for the analyst.

Dariush tweeted, “I think UFC is hoping I retire from old age before they give me a title shot lol”

Thomas made the claim about Dariush after witnessing the UFC 284 main event. The analyst pointed out Dariush was always a threat to Makhachev and the latest fight only adds to the perception. This is not the first time that ‘Benny’ has expressed such sentiment towards the UFC.

Dariush doesn’t feel the UFC views him as a title contender

A few weeks ago, in an interview with ‘The Schmo’, he mentioned the UFC, never in his nine years with the company, came to him and talked about a title shot while referring to his chances of fighting against Islam Makhachev. He said, “I would love that to be the case. But you know I’ve never heard from the UFC like hey you’re next. Like they’ve never came to me and said you were next. So I don’t feel that they’re looking at me as the number one contender.”

Beneil Dariush, known for his quiet and reserved behavior, believes that the UFC is overlooking him. He feels like he is treated like an afterthought due to him being a rather subdued individual. This can be true, but the #4 ranked UFC lightweight has his fate in his own hands.

READ MORE: “He Should Really Consider Retiring”- Beneil Dariush Offers Advice to Dustin Poirier After Declining a Fight Against Him

Dariush will be facing the former champion, Charles Oliveira, at UFC 288. If Dariush overcomes the Brazilian in May, it will be nearly impossible for the UFC to deny ‘Benny’ the coveted title shot in the near future.

‘Do Bronx‘ will not be an easy opponent, but Dariush is an exceptional fighter. He is efficient in both striking and grappling. ‘Benny’ has created some memorable moments inside the octagon during his time in the UFC. His Jiu-Jitsu background could see him have a great chance of securing his ninth consecutive win and rising to the summit at lightweight.

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What is your take on Beneil Dariush’s current situation? Let us know in the comments below.