Volkanovski Says He Cost Dariush a UFC Title Shot: 'I Feel Like It’s My Fault'

Key facts

• Alexander Volkanovski stated on his YouTube channel that he feels responsible for Beneil Dariush never receiving a UFC lightweight title shot.
• Dariush was on an eight-fight win streak in 2023, including victories over Tony Ferguson and Mateusz Gamrot.
• Instead of Dariush, Volkanovski stepped in to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title.
• Dariush's streak ended with a loss to Charles Oliveira, who then earned a title shot against Makhachev.
• Dariush is set to face Quillan Salkilld in the co-main event of UFC Perth, following a 16-second loss to Benoit Saint-Denis.
• Salkilld has three consecutive knockout wins since joining the UFC and aims to break into the top 15.
• Volkanovski described Dariush as 'a good dude' and expressed sympathy for his career turbulence.

A Champion’s Confession

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has publicly shouldered the blame for Beneil Dariush’s failure to secure a lightweight title shot, a rare admission of guilt in the often self-serving world of mixed martial arts. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Volkanovski said, “I feel for him. He should have fought for titles, and that was when I obviously deserved my chance at champ-champ. I ended up taking where he probably would have been. He would have been next if it wasn’t for me, and I feel like it’s my fault that he never got that title fight.” Volkanovski’s comments come as Dariush prepares for a pivotal co-main event bout against rising star Quillan Salkilld at UFC Perth, a fight that carries immense stakes for both men. For Dariush, it is a chance to halt a downward spiral; for Salkilld, an opportunity to vault into the lightweight rankings.

The Eight-Fight Streak That Almost Was

In 2023, Dariush was riding an eight-fight win streak, a run that included decisive victories over Tony Ferguson and Mateusz Gamrot. That streak positioned him as the leading contender for a lightweight title fight against champion Islam Makhachev. Many observers believed Dariush was on the verge of receiving the opportunity he had long pursued. But the title shot never materialized. Instead, Volkanovski—the featherweight champion—stepped up to challenge Makhachev for the lightweight belt, a move that Volkanovski now acknowledges derailed Dariush’s path. “He would have been next if it wasn’t for me,” Volkanovski said, reflecting on how the two fighters’ careers became intertwined.

A Crushing Loss and a New Path

Dariush’s momentum was abruptly halted by a loss to Charles Oliveira, who capitalized on the victory to earn his own title shot against Makhachev. The defeat sent Dariush tumbling down the rankings and set the stage for his current predicament. Most recently, he suffered a disheartening 16-second knockout loss to Benoit Saint-Denis, a result that has left him desperate to regain his footing in the division. Now, Dariush must face Salkilld, a fighter who has made an explosive entrance into the UFC with three consecutive knockout victories. Salkilld is hungry to break into the top 15, while Dariush is fighting to prove he still belongs among the elite.

The Stakes at UFC Perth

The co-main event at UFC Perth carries high stakes for both competitors. For Dariush, a win would restore some of the credibility he lost after two consecutive defeats and keep his hopes of a title run alive. For Salkilld, a victory over a former top contender would be the signature win needed to crack the rankings. Volkanovski’s admission adds an emotional layer to the bout, underscoring the unpredictable nature of a sport where timing and opportunity can make or break a career. “He’s a good dude too,” Volkanovski said of Dariush, highlighting the camaraderie that exists even among fierce rivals.

What Comes Next for Dariush

A win over Salkilld would not immediately return Dariush to title contention, but it would halt his slide and provide a foundation for rebuilding. The lightweight division remains deep, with champions and contenders constantly jockeying for position. Whether Dariush can recapture the form that once made him a title threat depends on his performance in Perth. For Volkanovski, the guilt he carries may never fully dissipate, but his public acknowledgment has at least brought clarity to a chapter of UFC history that might have otherwise gone unexamined. The featherweight champion’s words serve as a reminder that behind the bravado of combat sports, there are real human stories of ambition, loss, and regret.

The bottom line

• Alexander Volkanovski publicly stated he feels responsible for Beneil Dariush missing a lightweight title shot, saying Dariush would have been next if not for him.
• Dariush was on an eight-fight win streak in 2023, including wins over Tony Ferguson and Mateusz Gamrot, before his momentum was halted.
• Dariush’s loss to Charles Oliveira opened the door for Oliveira to challenge Islam Makhachev instead.
• Dariush is coming off a 16-second knockout loss to Benoit Saint-Denis and faces Quillan Salkilld at UFC Perth.
• Salkilld has three consecutive knockout wins since joining the UFC and aims to enter the top 15 with a win over Dariush.
• Volkanovski’s admission highlights how timing and opportunity can shape fighters’ careers in the UFC.