Islam Makhachev lived up to the hype and claimed the lightweight championship. However, his recent revelations of wanting to move to a different weight class have raised a few eyebrows. One of them, Beneil Dariush, is in line for the title himself. Maybe for this particular reason, he was not exactly a fan of Makhachev’s comments.
Beneil Dariush is riding high on an eight-win streak in the lightweight division. He has been mighty impressive and has gained a fight against the former champion Charles Oliveira. The fight will take place at the Prudential Center, Newark on May 6. The UFC 288 bout, reportedly, will decide the number one contender for the lightweight title, to face Islam Makhachev.
This is why Dariush is annoyed and perplexed at the same time. Recently, Islam Makhachev stated that he would like to move up to welterweight and challenge Leon Edwards. Islam already defended his belt against Alexander Volkanovski, who moved to a different division to fight. And Islam wants to take the same route and test the waters in a different division.
Dariush thinks that this is just a ploy of putting in less effort. He feels that Islam is struggling to cut weight. This is why, the 170-pound division would be easier for him to compete as the 155-pound division takes a rigorous weight-cut regime. Dariush left scathing criticisms of Islam for this.
The remarks of Islam Makhachev did not sit well with Beneil Dariush
The lightweight division is full of esteemed fighters waiting in line to pounce on Islam for the title. For this reason, Dariush did not like Islam’s intentions as he feels that Islam is trying to run away from them. Title defenses are what make every division more competitive. Which is why Dariush was baffled as he heard Islam trying to run off to a different weight class.
Islam’s interview had Dariush rolling his eyes. For someone who had 15 wins out of his last 19, it is understandable. However, Dariush came to terms with it, albeit in a backhanded manner. He thinks Islam does not want to give up the title as he worked hard to reach the apex. Dariush did not deem Islam to be a risk-taker. Because he feels that the divisions are well alive for this competitive nature.
When you are the king in the forest others will come for your crown. To be the cream of the crop, one has to fend off the trespassers constantly. Dariush feels the same way. And in his eyes, Islam does not see the division the same way. Then again, Dariush will have an opportunity to climb up the ladder and possibly challenge the champion himself if he manages to win against Oliveira.
