'There's nothing really he does that I can't do better' - UFC lightweight fighter Beneil Dariush believes he matches up with current champion Islam Makhachev

Beneil Dariush, a lightweight fighter for the UFC, will compete against former champion Charles Oliveira in the co-main event of UFC 289. If he wins, he would face champion Islam Makhachev for the championship. Dariush is focused on Oliveira, but he is convinced that he will defeat the Brazilian and earn a crack at Makhachev for the title in the future.

Even though Makhachev has only lost once in mixed martial arts, Dariush thinks he has what it takes to give the Dagestani native his second career loss since he believes he is superior to the lightweight champion in every way.

"I just think there's nothing really he does that I can't do better. I know people will disagree, but they used to say wrestling, I can't wrestle with the guys. Last fight I showed it. Now, we're talking about jiu-jitsu, next it's going to be striking. I could do it all and that's really what I want to show the world. I could do it all. So, as far as Makhachev goes, I don't see anything that he does that I can't do better," Dariush was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.

I have no problem taking it to the ground against Charles Oliveira: Beneil Dariush

People may undoubtedly disagree with that, but Beneil Dariush is certain that if he faces Makhachev, he will be given the opportunity to raise his hand. Should he defeat Oliveira at UFC 289, he will also have the chance to prove his words.

"Ideally, he'll want to be on top. He'll want to take me down and be on top. I think that's the ideal situation for Charles. Stand up and get me to the ground. That'll be his ideal situation... I have no problem taking it to the ground. If the fight ends up on the ground, great. If the fight stays standing, great. It's going to be my way either way," the no. 4 ranked lightweight fighter added.