Beneil Dariush, a top UFC contender, has an intriguing story to tell about his journey to a title shot. Despite an impressive 8-fight win streak, he never anticipated the opportunity to fight for the championship.
The UFC lightweight division has been a tricky landscape for title hopefuls. Many contenders have found themselves in a similar situation, waiting for a chance at the undisputed title. Tony Ferguson and Arman Tsarukyan, for instance, both had their moments but never got the call.
Tsarukyan and Ferguson were scheduled to challenge for the title but had to withdraw due to injuries. As for Dariush, his path to the top was even more puzzling. With a string of victories in a highly competitive division, including a near-finish of Ferguson and a decision win over Mateusz Gamrot, he seemed destined for a title shot.
But here's where it gets controversial: despite his accomplishments, Dariush never felt the UFC would grant him the opportunity. He told Helen Yee, "It's a weird division... You never know what's gonna happen." Dariush's words highlight the unpredictable nature of the UFC's decision-making process.
And this is the part most people miss: Dariush's win streak was second only to former champ Islam Makhachev. Yet, the lightweight title shot went to Alexander Volkanovski, who replaced Charles Oliveira against Makhachev at UFC 294. This decision left Dariush questioning his chances.
Before his streak ended, Dariush admitted he didn't expect the title shot. He now aims to dominate and leave the UFC with no choice but to give him the fight he deserves. This determination led to his recent victory over Renato Moicano, propelling him to the #9 ranking in the lightweight division.
Dariush's story is not unique. The UFC has a history of contenders missing out on title shots. Former #3-ranked Jimmie Rivera and top contender Cub Swanson also never got their chance at gold. Swanson, in particular, was on the cusp of a title opportunity until an undefeated Brian Ortega snapped his streak.
The question remains: how do fighters like Dariush navigate the complex path to a title shot? Is it purely based on performance, or are there other factors at play? Share your thoughts on the UFC's title shot decisions and whether you think Dariush's journey is an anomaly or a common occurrence in the world of MMA.
