'I don't feel like he was focused' - Beneil Darius lashes out at Charles Oliveira for withdrawing from their clash in UFC 288

UFC Lightweight contender Beneil Dariush was set to fight with the former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 288 on May 7, 2023, but Oliveira withdrew from the fight. Meanwhile, Dariush recently said that Oliveira's withdrawal from UFC 288 was reportedly driven by a lack of focus and motivation.

Oliveira's unknown injury forced the cancellation of their highly anticipated UFC 288 co-main event against Beneil Dariush, disappointing fans. According to reports, Oliveira withdrew from the fight after sustaining a minor injury. Speaking to The Schmo, Dariush has now revealed that Oliveira twice backed out of fights with him that were scheduled to take place a few years ago.

"When I was looking at him throughout this whole thing, I'm seeing him in like, Australia. I'm seeing him with big back tattoos. And I don't feel like he was as focused and motivated."

"And then you jump into camp, not focused, not motivated, and you're trying to push really hard to make up for lost time. So, injuries are more likely to happen. So, that's kind of what I was thinking. And just -- motivation is a big thing for fighters. If you're not motivated, man, it's hard to make it to the fight."

I got some kind of insurance just in case he pulls out: Beneil Dariush

The loss of Oliveira vs. Dariush puts a vacuum in what was going to be a great night of bouts, even though the rest of the UFC 288 lineup is still intact, including the eagerly awaited bantamweight title match in the main event. The lightweight contenders' anticipated fight will have to wait until the UFC releases a new date. There will undoubtedly be fireworks whenever it happens.

According to Dariush, the UFC wants to reschedule his bout with Charles Oliveira so that it would be the co-main event of UFC 289 on June 10, 2023. He also made a point of emphasising that he has consented to take on Oliveira at UFC 289

"I said, 'Yeah, let's do it. Let's do June 10th.' So, I agreed to June 10th, and I got some kind of insurance just in case he pulls out."