Volkanovski blames himself for Dariush never getting UFC title shot

Key facts

• Beneil Dariush (23-7-1 MMA) was on an eight-fight winning streak in 2023.
• Alexander Volkanovski received two lightweight title fights against Islam Makhachev during Dariush's run.
• Dariush's streak was snapped by Charles Oliveira; he has lost three of his past four fights.
• Dariush faces Quillan Salkilld (11-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) in the UFC Fight Night 275 co-main event.
• The event takes place Saturday at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.
• Dariush's last fight ended in a 16-second knockout loss to Benoit Saint-Denis.

A champion's regret

Alexander Volkanovski holds himself accountable for Beneil Dariush never receiving a UFC lightweight title shot. The featherweight champion expressed his remorse on his YouTube channel, stating that he effectively took the opportunity Dariush had earned. "I really do like Dariush," Volkanovski said. "I feel for him.... He should have fought for titles, and then that was when I obviously deserved my chance at champ-champ. I ended up taking where he probably would have been." Volkanovski acknowledged that Dariush was next in line for a title fight before he stepped in. "He would have been backup, he would have been next if it wasn't me, and then sh*t, I feel like it's my fault that he never got that title fight."

Dariush's rise and fall

In 2023, Dariush was riding an eight-fight winning streak that put him on the cusp of a lightweight title shot. His victories over Tony Ferguson and Mateusz Gamrot had cemented his status as a top contender. However, the title picture shifted when Islam Makhachev defended his belt against Volkanovski, who had moved up from featherweight. Dariush's momentum was halted by a loss to Charles Oliveira, who then earned a title shot against Makhachev. Since then, Dariush has lost three of his past four fights, including a devastating 16-second knockout defeat to Benoit Saint-Denis in his most recent outing.

A crucial crossroads in Perth

Dariush now faces rising star Quillan Salkilld in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 275 at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia. Salkilld, who holds an 11-1 MMA record and is 4-0 in the UFC, has made a name for himself with three consecutive knockout victories since joining the promotion. The stakes are high for both fighters. Dariush is under pressure to hold onto his spot in the rankings and avoid a fourth loss in five fights. Salkilld is looking to break into the top 15 of the lightweight division. Volkanovski's comments have added an emotional layer to the bout, highlighting the unpredictable nature of a sport where timing and opportunity can make or break a career.

Volkanovski's path and the 'champ-champ' pursuit

Volkanovski, a dominant featherweight champion, sought to chase greatness by moving up to lightweight. He fought Makhachev twice for the lightweight title, losing both bouts, but his decision to pursue double-champ status came at Dariush's expense. "Obviously people say I deserved it, and that's a fight that ended up happening," Volkanovski said. "He was meant to pretty much get it after that, but he ended up losing and sort of went south from there." The featherweight champion's candid admission underscores the fine margins that define careers in mixed martial arts.

What lies ahead for Dariush

A victory over Salkilld could reignite Dariush's career and push him back toward contention. A loss, however, would likely drop him further down the rankings and raise questions about his future in the division. Dariush, known for his resilience and well-rounded skill set, has the opportunity to prove that his recent slide is temporary. The lightweight division remains deep, with contenders like Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier all vying for position. Volkanovski's heartfelt comments serve as a reminder of the camaraderie that can exist amidst fierce competition, but they do not change the harsh reality: Dariush must win to keep his dreams alive.

The bottom line

• Alexander Volkanovski publicly blames himself for Dariush missing a title shot, saying he took the opportunity Dariush had earned.
• Dariush was on an eight-fight winning streak in 2023 but lost to Charles Oliveira, derailing his title hopes.
• Dariush has lost three of his past four fights, including a 16-second knockout loss to Benoit Saint-Denis.
• He faces Quillan Salkilld in the UFC Fight Night 275 co-main event in Perth on Saturday.
• Salkilld is undefeated in the UFC with four wins, three by knockout, and aims to break into the top 15.
• The bout is a critical crossroads for Dariush, who must win to remain relevant in the lightweight division.