Beneil Dariush is fully focused on his upcoming fight against Charles Oliveira at UFC 289. However, he keeps a keen eye on the lightweight division, especially with two highly anticipated matchups scheduled before the end of 2023.
One of these bouts is the rematch between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, set to headline UFC 291 in July. The winner will be crowned the second “BMF” champion and could potentially become a future title contender. This fight holds particular significance for Dariush, who anticipates earning a title shot if he defeats Oliveira.
While acknowledging that Poirier is the favorite due to his previous victory over Gaethje, Dariush believes the circumstances have changed. He perceives Gaethje as being more driven and focused, whereas Poirier seems to have grown comfortable. Dariush recognizes that comfort can hinder progress and believes Poirier may have become a bit too complacent. However, he remains open to the possibility of Poirier proving him wrong.
Poirier’s comfort stems from his lucrative back-to-back fights against Conor McGregor, which undoubtedly provided substantial financial rewards. On the other hand, Gaethje is determined to make one final push for the lightweight title after falling short in previous attempts. This motivation makes Gaethje a dangerous opponent for Poirier.
Dariush leans towards Gaethje winning the rematch, noting his significant improvements and impressive performance against Rafael Fiziev. Gaethje’s speed, intelligence, and lack of mistakes make him a formidable contender. However, Dariush also mentions another highly anticipated lightweight fight expected later in the year: McGregor’s return against Michael Chandler. Although the matchup isn’t confirmed, Dariush believes McGregor holds several advantages over Chandler, especially in terms of style and reach. He sees McGregor as the likely winner, unless Chandler secures a first-round knockout.
Despite potential losses, Dariush acknowledges McGregor’s unique status as a combat sports superstar. McGregor possesses the ability to spin any result into promotional gold and bounce back for another significant fight. Dariush predicts that even in defeat, McGregor’s star power will continue to sell pay-per-views, and he will find a way to build towards his next big opportunity.
In summary, Beneil Dariush shares his analysis of the upcoming UFC 291 rematch between Poirier and Gaethje, leaning towards Gaethje as the more hungry and focused fighter. He also discusses the potential McGregor vs. Chandler fight, expressing favor for McGregor due to stylistic advantages. Regardless of the outcomes, Dariush recognizes the enduring appeal and promotional prowess of Conor McGregor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC 291 rematch: Poirier vs. Gaethje
Who is Beneil Dariush and what is he discussing in this text?
Beneil Dariush is a professional fighter in the lightweight division of the UFC. In this text, he is discussing his thoughts on the highly anticipated rematch between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, which is set to headline UFC 291. He shares insights on their hunger, comfort levels, and analyzes their fighting styles.
What does Dariush mean by saying Poirier is “a little too comfortable”?
Dariush suggests that Poirier’s recent financial success and back-to-back fights against Conor McGregor may have made him complacent. He believes that comfort can hinder progress and hunger in a fighter. Dariush thinks that Poirier’s level of comfort might impact his performance in the upcoming rematch.
Why does Dariush lean towards Gaethje winning the rematch?
Dariush acknowledges that Poirier is the favorite due to his previous victory over Gaethje. However, he believes that Gaethje appears more driven and focused this time around. Dariush highlights Gaethje’s improvements, impressive performance in his last fight, and his hunger to make one last title run, which contributes to his lean towards Gaethje winning the rematch.
What is Dariush’s take on McGregor’s potential fight against Chandler?
Dariush suggests that stylistically, Chandler is a favorable opponent for McGregor. He mentions Chandler’s height and tendency to slow down after the first round, which plays into McGregor’s strengths. Dariush leans towards McGregor winning the fight, unless Chandler manages to secure a first-round knockout.
How does Dariush view McGregor’s stardom and ability to bounce back from losses?
Dariush acknowledges that McGregor possesses a unique status as a superstar in combat sports. He believes that even if McGregor were to lose, he has the promotional ability to spin the result into a positive narrative and continue to sell pay-per-views. Dariush emphasizes McGregor’s capability to maintain his popularity and build towards another significant fight.
More about UFC 291 rematch: Poirier vs. Gaethje
- UFC Official Website – The official website of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
- UFC 291 Fight Card – Information about the fight card for UFC 291, featuring Poirier vs. Gaethje as the headline bout.
- Beneil Dariush UFC Profile – Official profile of Beneil Dariush on the UFC website.
- Dustin Poirier UFC Profile – Official profile of Dustin Poirier on the UFC website.
- Justin Gaethje UFC Profile – Official profile of Justin Gaethje on the UFC website.
- Conor McGregor UFC Profile – Official profile of Conor McGregor on the UFC website.
- Michael Chandler UFC Profile – Official profile of Michael Chandler on the UFC website.
