Beneil Dariush is no longer interested in going up against Dustin Poirier in the UFC.
Dariush (22-5-1 MMA, 16-5-1 UFC) says he was twice promised fights with Poirier, but “The Diamond” declined the offers. Like the Justin Gaethje rematch at UFC 291 did, Poirier has stated in previous interviews that he is looking for bouts that excite him.
If Poirier (29-8 MMA, 21-7 UFC) is not interested, Dariush will not beg for the bout.
Beneil Dariush To Make His Return Against Arman Tsarukyan
At the UFC Austin event this Saturday night, Beneil Dariush hopes to get back on the winning side.
In the main event of this weekend, Dariush, 34, is scheduled to make his comeback after suffering a difficult defeat against Arman Tsarukyan. If either wins, they would both be among the best in the division, but Dariush disclosed before the fight that he had another well-known choice for his potential partner.
Dariush (22-5-1 MMA, 16-5-1 UFC) said he was twice promised fights with Poirier, but “The Diamond” declined the offers. Like the Justin Gaethje rematch at UFC 291 did, Poirier has stated in previous interviews that he is looking for bouts that excite him.
Beneil Dariush said that he had first received a call from the organizers asking if he would like to fight Dustin Poirier, Beneil said, he was in good shape and in good health he agreed to fight, but the fight didn’t materialize. Beneil said, “What about Dustin Poirier for December 2?’ I said, ‘Okay.’ Then I just waited and it didn’t materialize.”
“I’ve seen interviews with Dustin, and he’s not really interested in fighting me,” Dariush said during an interview with MMA Junkie.
Arman Tsarukyan, a promising contender (20-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC), was instead drawn by Dariush. The two are the main attraction of the UFC on ESPN 52 event on Saturday at Austin, Texas’ Moody Center. After the preliminary round on ESPN+, the main card airs on ESPN.
Dariush says he would be excited to face Poirier, but he doesn’t mind if the feeling isn’t returned.
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