Beneil Dariush names alternative opponent for Alexander Volkanovski's next fight, suggests he should fight Islam Makhachev instead

Beneil Dariush isn't on board with the rumored Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev super fight.

In the aftermath of UFC 280, Makhachev and his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov made it clear that they're eyeing a mega-matchup against Volkanovski in Perth next year. But the way Dariush sees it, it's too early in Makhachev's championship reign to pursue that fight.

Instead, Dariush suggested that he should get first dibs on Makhachev's initial title defense while Volkanovski defends his own belt against Arnold Allen. During an interview with Luke Thomas of Morning Kombat, Dariush laid out a proposition:

"You know, I think Volkanovski should really consider fighting Arnold Allen. I'll fight Makhachev and then we'll unite the belts, but whatever. They don't wanna do that, that's fine too."

However, Dariush is doubtful that all parties would agree to his suggestion. But for what it's worth, he firmly believes it would be better to slowly build up to a champion vs. champion fight rather than doing it straight away.

"I think that's a better idea because I think it builds it up more. Because we just started building this. There's no theme behind it. But if you put me against Makhachev in Perth and you put him against Allen and everything goes the way it's supposed to, I think it's a better fight. But whatever."

Check out Beneil Dariush's interview in the clip below:

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Beneil Dariush explains why Alexander Volkanovski will face trouble against Islam Makhachev

Beneil Dariush is of the opinion that Alexander Volkanovski will struggle like never before against newly-crowned lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

All signs point to a Volkanovski vs. Makhachev showdown taking place at UFC 284 in Australia. However, Dariush believes that fighting Makhachev might not be the best course of action for the reigning featherweight champion.

During an interview with Submission Radio, the Assyrian-American contender said:

"Well, I mean, obviously I don’t want to discredit him, but he might be too small for 155. Like I said, might be. I’m sure people said that to him at 145, too. But I just think we have a big weight advantage on him. But that would be my only thing. And no one really tries to grapple him at 145."

Check out Beneil Dariush's take on the potential Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev bout: