‘I can’t say anything for now’ - Islam Makachev unsure of his next opponent after Beneil Dariush’s loss against Charles Oliveira

Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush fought in the co-main event of UFC 288. "Do Bronx" triumphed through first-round TKO. A victory would have ensured Dariush a shot at the lightweight championship, but the next opponent for Islam Makhachev's belt is currently up in the air. 

The president of the UFC, Dana White, said Oliveira will likely get the chance, but Makhachev claims another matchup at UFC 291 between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, the former interim title, might also be important. However, Makachev didn’t look happy with Darius getting KOed in the very first round and talked about it recently.

“The fight was good, Oliveira won, but I was rooting for Dariush. I thought it would be a new challenge for me. Dariush had eight wins in a row. I don’t know. I can’t say yet if my next fight will be a rematch against Charles. We have to wait. Now Justin (Gaethje) and Dustin (Poirier) will fight, and then the UFC will decide.” Makachev was quoted as saying by MMA Junkie.

“Of course, I want a new name on my resume. It’ll be better for me. If Oliveira will not fight me now, everyone will say that I am avoiding him. I never choose my opponents. I will fight anyone the UFC gives me. I don’t think he can do anything. I’m not afraid of his grappling like the rest of the fighters. I can take him down at any time,” he said

Dariush lost, and everything turned upside down: Islam Makhachev

Alexander Volkanovski is an additional candidate who also wants a fight against Makhachev. Earlier, at UFC 284, the two engaged in a fiercely intense battle, with Makhachev prevailing by unanimous decision to keep his lightweight championship. 

“Volkanovski is exactly the same, if they offer a rematch with Volkanovski, I will gladly accept it. I have said many times that I would be much better prepared if there were no nuances associated with the conduct of this tournament, acclimatization and so on. I don’t know, maybe Poirier, he has a big name in the UFC. Dariush lost, and everything turned upside down. I can’t say anything for now. If he had beaten Oliveira, it would have been a good fight. Dariush’s skills were highly appreciated. It would have been a good fight,” he added.