Beneil Dariush: Topuria chose Gaethje over Makhachev due to easier game plan

Beneil Dariush has offered his perspective on why Ilia Topuria opted to face Justin Gaethje instead of Islam Makhachev. The lightweight contender believes Topuria lacked a clear strategic plan for defeating Makhachev, making the matchup less appealing. According to Dariush, Topuria viewed Gaethje as both a lucrative fight and one that's tactically simpler to prepare for compared to the lightweight champion. Dariush suggested it's much easier to develop a game plan against Gaethje's style than Makhachev's wrestling-heavy approach. This analysis provides insight into the strategic thinking behind Topuria's opponent selection as featherweight champion.