Dariush: Topuria chose Gaethje because he had no clear plan for Makhachev

Beneil Dariush stated in an interview that Ilia Topuria did not have a clear game plan for a potential fight with Islam Makhachev, which is why he chose to face Justin Gaethje instead. Dariush suggested that Topuria viewed Gaethje as a money fight and someone much easier to prepare a strategy against compared to Makhachev. This represents Dariush's analysis of Topuria's decision-making regarding opponent selection. The comments reflect strategic considerations in the lightweight and featherweight divisions.