Beneil Dariush vows to finish Charles Olivera at UFC 288 to get a title shot

Beneil Dariush predicted a win inside the distance against Charles Oliveira.

At UFC 284, Islam Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski to retain the lightweight championship. As a result, the 155-pound division needs a new title challenger. Although the UFC has not confirmed the matchup, Charles Oliveira is expected to fight Beneil Dariush on May 6 to determine the number one contender.

During an interview with Submission Radio, Dariush had this to say about his reported bout against Oliveira:

“They already set me up with Charles [Oliveira]. They’re talking about contracts. We’re just trying to work out the contract right now and then go forward from there… You put a tough guy like Charles Oliveira in front of me, I’m stocked. I’m not complaining too much. I look forward to fighting him, I look forward to beating him up, and I look forward to what’s next after that.”

Later in the interview, Dariush provided a prediction for the matchup:

“I think I’m gonna get the finish in either the first or the second round. That’s how I think in my mind. I’m going to just be who I am, and then when he gets excited, I’ll get excited, and then it’ll turn into a crazy fight like everybody is talking about.”

Oliveira is currently the number one-ranked lightweight, with Dariush closely behind at number four. The winner will likely receive a title shot, but nothing is guaranteed in the business of MMA. Regardless of what’s at stake, the lightweight showdown will be must-see action at UFC 288.

Watch Beneil Dariush's interview with Submission Radio below:

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Beneil Dariush is preparing for a war against Charles Oliveira

Beneil Dariush isn’t the type of fighter to underestimate his opponents. The 33-year-old knows how dangerous Charles Oliveira is, and he’s preparing for a war. During the same interview with Submission Radio, ‘Benny’ had this to say about the lightweight matchup targeted for May 6:

“There’s a lot of different ways I see the fight going, but the way I have to prepare for the fight is a three-round war where Charles is able to put me in bad positions, and I have to work my way out.”

There’s a lot at stake between Oliveira and Dariush. ‘Do Bronx’ lost his lightweight championship last time out, and he’s motivated to earn back the crown. Meanwhile, ‘Benny’ has won eight consecutive fights, taking a longer route to a title shot than most other 155-pounders. It’s only a matter of time until one of these elite contenders gets an opportunity to become a world champion.