Umar Nurmagomedov gains Beneil Dariush's respect with a 3-word tweet

Beneil Dariush is currently the only fighter in the top five of the UFC lightweight division who has not yet competed for the 155-pound title.

But following Islam Makhachev's retention of the belt against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 last weekend, there is an underlying feeling that Dariush could be next in line.

Surging UFC bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov recently took to Twitter to claim that Makhachev vs. Dariush should take place next. The bantamweight is a teammate of Makhachev and cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov. With that, his suggestion appeared to surprise Dariush, who responded with gratitude.

Nurmagomedov's tweet was in response to Dustin Poirier's question about the lightweight division's immediate future. He wrote:

"What's next in the lightweight division?"

Nurmagomedov responded:

"Beneil vs Islam"

Beneil Dariush replied with the following:

"Wooah! Respect to Umar"

Dustin Poirier concurred with Umar Nurmagomedov's suggestion and believes that Dariush deserves a title shot:

"Respect. You earned that"

Beneil Dariush has flown somewhat under the radar amongst many due to his unassuming personality and lack of social media presence. However, fans who have witnessed Dariush fight in the octagon know just how talented and exciting the lightweight contender truly is.

Dariush currently holds an eight-fight winning streak and has received performance bonuses in four of those bouts. The No.4-ranked lightweight is incredibly well-rounded and holds multiple world titles in Brazilian jiu-jitsu championships across the world, as well as unorthodox but effective striking.

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Beneil Dariush confirms rumors of fight being booked with Charles Oliveira

Rumors emerged last week surrounding a potential bout between former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush.

The top-of-the-table clash that could determine who is awarded the next title shot against Islam Makhachev was seemingly confirmed by Dariush during a recent interview with MMA Junkie.

Dariush jokingly stated that he feels the UFC wants him to retire from old age before awarding him a title shot shortly before revealing that he has been sent a contract to fight 'Do Bronx'.

He said this:

"I made a joke recently saying, 'I think the UFC wants me to retire of old age before they give me the title shot.' ... They sent me a contract for Charles [Oliveira] and right now we're just working out the details of the contract."

Watch the video below: