By FCF Staff

Not everyone believes Ilia Topuria should be tapped for a title fight in his first bout at lightweight. But, it’s clear Beneil Dariush won’t be protesting if the former featherweight champ fights Islam Makhachev next.

Recently, it was announced that Topuria has vacated the featherweight belt and will be moving up to lightweight. Due to the 28-year-old’s impressive UFC run to date, and because of his fast-growing fanbase, many believe the UFC will attempt to book Makhachev vs. Topuria next.

Since Topuria (16-0) only defended the featherweight title once, some observers have argued Topuria should fight a top lightweight contender before he secures a title fight. But, while talking to MMA Junkie recently, Dariush said he thinks Topuria fighting for the belt makes sense.

“You can’t really disagree with it,” Dariush said. “Because he became champion, he defended his belt, and he’s just like, ‘Hey, I’m too big. I don’t want to make this weight cut anymore, so I want to fight ’55.’ I wouldn’t be against him fighting for 155, especially since the UFC said they’re not going to allow Arman (Tsarukyan) to have his fight for the title.

“So, if Arman’s not getting the title shot, Charles Oliveira – I understand he’s supposed to be the No. 1 contender, but I would say Ilia’s credentials are better at this moment. He’s riding quite the win streak so, I definitely wouldn’t be like, ‘Oh, this is a mistake. They shouldn’t have this fight.’”

Oliveira (35-10) is coming off a unanimous decision win over Michael Chandler in November and is ranked #2 in the UFC’s lightweight division. Prior to that, in April, 2004, he dropped a split decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan.

Dariush (22-6-1), meanwhile, hasn’t fought since December, 2023, when he was KO’d by Arman Tsarukyan. Currently, the 35-year-old is ranked #9.