Morning Report: Islam Makhachev’s coach hoped for Beneil Dariush win at UFC 289, believes Charles Oliveira deserves rematch

Charles Oliveira is still one of the best fighters on the planet.

UFC 289 was a return to form for the man known as “do Bronx.” Tasked with the surging top contender Beneil Dariush, Oliveira needed only one round to snap his opponent’s eight-fight win streak. After a methodical, grappling-heavy couple of minutes in the middle of the round, a head kick spelled the end for Dariush as the former UFC lightweight champion poured it on with punches, dropping and pounding out Dariush for the TKO.

The win acted as Oliveira’s rebound performance after his lone setback to Islam Makhachev in his past 13 appearances. Consistently counted out throughout his incredible career, Oliveira was once again the underdog against Dariush. Despite the fairly one-sided Makhachev loss, Oliveira looked just as good as he was on his run to the title and shut up many a doubter, including Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez.

“I didn’t know who was gonna win, but I was crossing my fingers it was gonna be Beneil,” Mendez told Submission Radio. “I for sure did not think Charles was gonna be that impressive in victory. I didn’t think he was gonna be able to do it like he did. I thought a great performance was gonna put him in the talks [for a title shot] but I bypassed that. Maybe it’s because I wanted Beneil to win, I don’t know. But I should not have underestimated how great he is as a champion.

“I feel that in my opinion, Charles has earned the right to be No. 1 in line for it. What the UFC feels is different, but from what I see, I don’t see how [it isn’t Oliveira]. Do I think he’s done enough? Yeah, I think he has.”

UFC President Dana White didn’t confirm that Oliveira was next to challenge Makhachev for the 155-pound strap after UFC 289, but he admitted that it “makes sense” to run back. Russia’s finest is a wanted man at lightweight, however, with featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski still wanting to take the throne as well as Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje looking to stake their claim for another title shot next month at UFC 291. Regardless, Makhachev’s return appearance is expected to take place at UFC 294 in October.

The Poirier vs. Gaethje 2 winner would make for a fresh matchup for Makhachev no matter the outcome. Ultimately, Mendez doesn’t see the champion having a specific preference despite tweeting at Oliveira that there are “levels” to the game after the UFC 289 triumph.

“I seriously doubt Islam’s gonna refuse whoever they offer so whoever they offer, they’re gonna offer,” Mendez said. “Who’s gonna be the challenger? Honestly, I know I did want Beneil because I felt he was being disrespected. Just like Belal Muhammad, I think the same thing about him, I think he needs to take his shot but it is what it is. I’m not the one running the UFC.

“They’re all such tough competitors, but maybe Gaethje [is the easiest of the three lightweight challenger possibilities]. Maybe Gaethje becomes easier for him than all the others but I’m thinking Gaethje might be stylistically. He’s a great kicker and he can take a good punch. But I could be wrong on that for sure. Dustin is an ironman type guy. He holds until the last minute, we’ve seen that before. So, I’m thinking Gaethje but I could be wrong.”

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Action. Floyd Mayweather vs. John Gotti III full fight video highlights

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Finally. Dana White: Women’s featherweight division “probably” ends with Amanda Nunes’ retirement

GOAT. Amanda Nunes calls any future UFC belts in her divisions “fake forever,” scoffs at Julianna Peña

Lightweight. Charles Oliveira calls for Islam Makhachev rematch after quick UFC 289 win: “It was like a movie”

Okay. Jon Jones willing to box Tyson Fury, wants Dana White to make it happen

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UFC 289 Post-fight show.

UFC 290 Trailer.

30 UFC Years.

Free fight.

“Brother-tor”

Full fights.

A crazy PFL 4, 2023.

KO Anatomy.

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Belt collector.

Return.

Departure.

Unlucky.

Final Destination 6 teaser.

Cold.

Champ.

Rivals.

Respect.

Learning lesson.

Scary.

Beneil.

Congrats to atomweight’s finest!

Fun town.

Goodnight.

Bold strategy, Cotton.

Spectator.

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Josh Fremd (10-4) vs. Jamie Pickett (13-9); UFC Vegas 78, Aug. 12

Carlos Ulberg (9-1) vs. Da Un Jung (15-4-1); UFC 293, Sept. 9

Loopy Godinez (10-3) vs. Sam Hughes (8-5); UFC Fight Night, Sept. 16

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I like the idea of a Makhachev vs. Oliveira rematch, but I’d like for it to breathe a little. Giving the shot to the Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje 2 winner would be fine and a fresh matchup. Unfortunately, that would leave Oliveira in a weird spot and have to wait or fight too far down the rankings… at least in theory. Can’t really go wrong with any pairing in this case. I just always like to keep things fresh and new when possible.

Thanks for reading!

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Last Week’s Results:

Friday: 82% of 363 total votes answered “Alexa Grasso’s fourth-round rear-naked choke over Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285” when asked, “What would be a bigger upset?”

Thursday: 59% of 435 total votes answered “Beneil Dariush” when asked, “Who wins this weekend?” Charles Oliveira defeated Dariush via first-round TKO (punches) in UFC 289’s co-main event.

Wednesday: 62% of 633 total votes answered “Khamzat Chimaev” when asked, “Which matchup interests you most for Israel Adesanya?”

Tuesday: 45% of 492 total votes answered “No but I would still watch…” when asked, “Would you buy a Jon Jones vs. Tyson Fury PPV?”

Monday: 64% of 431 total votes answered “Amanda Nunes” when asked, “Who wins this weekend?” Nunes defeated Irene Aldana via unanimous decision in UFC 289’s main event.

Today’s exit poll:

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This article first appeared at MMA Fighting – All Posts

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