Beneil Dariush stated that Ilia Topuria did not have a clear plan for fighting Islam Makhachev, which influenced his decision to face Justin Gaethje instead. Dariush believes Topuria viewed the Gaethje fight as a more lucrative opportunity that would be easier to prepare for strategically. According to Dariush, developing a gameplan for Gaethje is considerably simpler than crafting one for Makhachev. The comments suggest Dariush sees Topuria's matchmaking choice as tactical rather than avoiding a challenge.
Beneil Dariush has offered a pointed assessment of Ilia Topuria's decision to pursue a fight with Justin Gaethje rather than a unification bout with Islam Makhachev, arguing that strategic simplicity and financial upside drove the choice.
Dariush, a 37-year-old lightweight ranked eighth in the division with a career record of 23-8-1, told interviewers that Topuria simply had no clear gameplan for facing Makhachev. The Kings MMA product, who averages 3.78 significant strikes per minute and 2.11 takedowns per 15 minutes, suggested the contrast between the two potential opponents made the Gaethje fight a far more attractive proposition from a preparation standpoint.
Topuria, ranked second at lightweight with a 17-1-0 record, sits at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings at just 29 years old. The Spain-based Georgian fighter lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and attempts 1.1 submissions per 15 minutes, making him one of the most well-rounded offensive threats in the division. Dariush's comments imply that Topuria recognized the Gaethje matchup as both more lucrative and significantly easier to map out tactically.
At the center of the discussion is Makhachev, the welterweight champion who also holds the top pound-for-pound ranking and carries a record of 28-1-0 at 34 years old. The Eagles MMA product is widely regarded as a nightmare stylistic puzzle, landing takedowns at a rate of 3.2 per 15 minutes and connecting on 58 percent of his significant strikes — a combination that Dariush believes left Topuria's camp without answers.
Why it matters
- Dariush's comments frame Topuria's matchmaking as a calculated strategic retreat rather than a bold challenge
- Makhachev's elite grappling volume and striking accuracy make him a uniquely difficult assignment compared to most opponents in the lightweight picture
- Topuria's pursuit of the Gaethje fight could delay a potential lightweight unification scenario if he holds a separate title
