Beneil Dariush Breaks Down Clash Of Former Opponents Charles Oliveira & Arman Tsarukyan At UFC 300

During a recent interview with The Schmo, Dariush reacted to confirmation that his two most recent opponents will collide in Las Vegas later this year. The Iran-born American is well-placed to give his assessment, having prepared for both men in 2023. 

Dariush is expecting a close and competitive affair, one which he thinks could be determined by how long the fight goes. 

"Man, that's a really good fight," Dariush said. "I think Arman has a strength and speed advantage. But experience is with Charles. So, it's just how far in the fight goes and how the fight goes. There's a lot of components to it. But, yeah, it's gonna be a great fight.

"It's hard to say (who I'd favor). I think early I would go with Arman, but if we go deeper into the fight, I would go with Charles," Dariush continued. "He seems to come alive as the fight goes on. He's got a lot of tricks and he's a great fighter too. Great fighters seem to find holes as a fight gets longer... At the same time, Arman could finish it early on, or he could ride him out. He's got all the skills."

While announcing Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that the winner will go on to challenge for Makhachev's lightweight gold down the line.

Whether that's the next step in the Dagestani's reign remains to be seen, with Makhachev recently outlining his desire to first defend the gold opposite 'BMF' titleholder Justin Gaethje in June.