UFC 289: Charles Oliveira Paves His Way to the Top After TKO Win Over Beneil Dariush.

Charles Oliveira TKOs Beneil Dariush, One Step Closer to Rematch with Islam Makhachev

A Recap of the Fight

Charles Oliveira has secured his twelfth win in thirteen fights by TKO against fellow top lightweight Beneil Dariush. The victory marked his first match since losing the title to Islam Makhachev, but Oliveira showed no signs of slowing down. The former UFC lightweight champion quickly took the lead in the fight, as he established an early grappling battle. He challenged Dariush to approach him on his back and ultimately succeeded in laying into the UFC‘s No. 4-ranked lightweight. Oliveira controlled the fight until he had Dariush on the ground, forcing the referee to call the fight. This victory placed Oliveira one step closer to a rematch against Makhachev.

A Rematch Against Islam Makhachev

Oliveira’s loss to Makhachev in October 2022 marked the end of his wild run through nearly every big name in the UFC‘s crowded lightweight division. He defeated Michael Chandler to win a title left vacant by Khabib Nurmagomedov, defended it by submitting Poirier, then lost it by missing weight before submitting Justin Gaethje. Oliveira would have retaken the title by defeating Makhachev and remains determined to claim it back. In his postfight interview, he responded to Makhachev’s congratulatory tweet by insinuating he was already the champion. Oliveira promised a different outcome should he get another shot at Makhachev, stating, “Last time you saw 10% of me, now you saw 120% of me. The champion is going to be Charles Oliveira.”

A Burnished Resume

Beating Dariush places Oliveira closer to earning himself a Hall of Fame résumé. He now has the fourth-most wins in the promotion’s history, with 22 wins, behind only Jim Miller (25), Andre Arlovski (23), and Donald Cerrone (23). Oliveira also has the distinction of possessing the most finishes in UFC history, with 20, three clear of Miller.

Editorial and Advice

Oliveira’s victory against Dariush solidifies his place as one of the UFC‘s top lightweights. There is no doubt that Oliveira is hungry to regain the title lost to Makhachev. His desire and determination are evident. Oliveira’s loss to Makhachev in October may have affected his performance. However, Oliveira’s win against Dariush proves that he still has what it takes to go against the best of the best.

My advice to Oliveira is to take his time before a rematch against Makhachev. He needs to ensure he is at his best and well-prepared for the bout. Oliveira has already mentioned fighting Makhachev in Abu Dhabi, but he still has to take precautions. Fighting in Makhachev’s domain can be difficult. Nevertheless, the fight would make for an excellent showdown between two of the UFC‘s top Lightweights.