The UFC 288 co-main event fight between Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush might get postponed after news broke out a few hours ago that Do Bronx got injured. Consequently, he has pulled out from this fight and therefore the number one contender fight for the lightweight belt held by Islam Makhachev is in jeopardy.
There is a high possibility that the promotion will look to find a replacement and go ahead with the co-main event fight as they will suffer a big blow if they completely scrap this fight. Following this news, former title contender Rafael Dos Anjos offered his suggestion on Twitter.
RDA believes that it’s time Beneil Dariush gets an opportunity and challenges Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound belt.
With Oliveira out Bene should fight Islam for the title.
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) April 15, 2023
Fans react to RDA’s idea of booking Islam Makhachev vs Beneil Dariush for the title
Many fight enthusiasts agreed with the Brazilian’s idea of booking a title fight between Makhachev and Beneil as they believe that it’s perfect as the latter wouldn’t have to wait for too long and prepare for the championship fight in October. Here are some of the reactions of fans below Rafael Dos Anjos’ tweet.
If islams fighting in October they should just have beniel fight Islam, he shouldn’t have had to have another fight in the first place anyway
— Jordan (@jlneun) April 15, 2023
I love Charles but I agree Benny deserves it & isn’t getting any younger
— K.Mack JR (@dave_hamilton8) April 15, 2023
I agree. Oliveira should be rescheduled to fight someone else like Arman or Gamrot. @beneildariush deserves the next title shot.
— Asante Wanda 万达 (@AsanteWanda) April 15, 2023
It needs to be said that Beneil Dariush probably deserves a shot at the title against Islam Makhachev. His resume and record speak volumes about the work he has put in the last few years. Apart from Islam Makhachev who is the lightweight champion, the 33-year-old fighter has the longest winning streak of seven consecutive wins.
In this journey, Beneil has run through dangerous opponents like Tony Ferguson, Drew Dober, Mateusz Gamrot, and many others. With Charles Oliveira’s injury, the only other opponents that make sense for Dariush to fight at UFC 288 are Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier. However, it is unlikely that either one of them accepts this fight on short notice.
Moreover, Gaethje and Poirier are interested to face each other in a rematch. Do let us know in the comments section your thoughts on who Beneil Dariush should face next after the unfortunate injury of Charles Do Bronx.
