Beneil Dariush says Topuria chose Gaethje over Makhachev for easier planning

Beneil Dariush offered his analysis on why Ilia Topuria opted to fight Justin Gaethje instead of Islam Makhachev. According to Dariush, Topuria did not have a clear game plan for facing Makhachev and saw Gaethje as both a money fight and a more straightforward opponent to prepare for. Dariush suggested that developing a strategy against Gaethje is considerably simpler than preparing for Makhachev's skills. The comments indicate Dariush believes tactical considerations, not just financial ones, influenced Topuria's decision.