UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush, who won a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) in the co-main event at UFC 262, has climbed to the 3rd spot in the divisional rankings. Dariush previously held the ninth place in the lightweight category.
Meanwhile, Tony Ferguson has slipped to sixth place as a result of his three-fight losing streak. ‘El Cucuy’ has been replaced by Conor McGregor, a former two-division UFC champion. His defeat to Dariush seems to have benefitted McGregor, as the Irishman has re-entered the Top 5 of the lightweight rankings.
In addition, despite losing to Charles Oliveira via second-round TKO, former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler remains at number four. According to many MMA observers, Chandler will face the winner of the Dustin Poirier vs. McGregor trilogy (UFC 264).
Many MMA observers saw Dariush’s co-main event fight against Ferguson as a potential title eliminator. With the Poirier vs. McGregor clash looming, it’s unclear if Dariush will get a chance before the winner of the upcoming rubber match.
Having said that, Dariush claimed in his post-fight interview at UFC 262 that he would be willing to fight in a title eliminator.
Furthermore, he also confirmed that he will be out until the end of the year. Dariush is expecting the birth of his daughter and hopes to re-enter the competition in December of this year or early in 2022.
“Oh, wow! And the new champ! We have Charles, the new champ. I will be seeing you soon, bud. I thought Charles was going to pull it off. Thought it was going to have to be in the first two rounds. There you have it, he did it…God bless Charles,” Dariush said.
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