Beneil Dariush shared his perspective on why Ilia Topuria decided to fight Justin Gaethje instead of Islam Makhachev. Dariush believes Topuria viewed the Gaethje fight as a money-making opportunity with a more straightforward game plan to prepare. According to Dariush, developing a clear fight strategy against Gaethje is considerably easier than preparing for Makhachev. The comments suggest Topuria made a strategic business and tactical decision in his matchup selection.
Lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has offered his take on why Ilia Topuria opted to face Justin Gaethje rather than pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev, suggesting the Georgian-Spanish star made both a financial and tactical calculation in choosing his next opponent.
Dariush, who holds a 23-8-1 record and sits at number eight in the lightweight rankings, argued that building a game plan against Gaethje is considerably more straightforward than trying to solve the puzzle Makhachev presents. The 37-year-old Kings MMA product, a southpaw who lands 3.78 significant strikes per minute and averages 2.11 takedowns per 15 minutes, framed Topuria's decision as a smart blend of business sense and tactical simplicity.
Topuria, ranked second at lightweight and first in the pound-for-pound standings, enters with a 17-1-0 record and some of the most impressive output numbers in the division. The 29-year-old Spaniard lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and attempts 1.1 submissions per 15 minutes, making him a multi-dimensional threat. According to Dariush, however, the challenge of preparing for Makhachev is in a different category entirely.
Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion carrying a 28-1-0 record and the top pound-for-pound ranking, is widely regarded as one of the most difficult stylistic problems in the sport. The 34-year-old Russian averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes with a striking accuracy of 58 percent, combining elite grappling with sharp, precise output that leaves opponents with very few reliable answers.
Why it matters
- Topuria's matchup selection has direct implications for the lightweight title picture and who challenges Makhachev next
- Dariush's comments frame the Gaethje fight as the tactically manageable route, raising questions about Topuria's long-term ambitions at 155 pounds
- A Topuria win over Gaethje would likely strengthen his case for an eventual Makhachev showdown, the fight Dariush implies he is not yet ready to pursue
