Renato Moicano had an impressive performance at UFC 300 with a TKO finish over Jalin Turner in a come-from-behind victory. After the win, he expressed his interest in facing potential opponents like Beneil Dariush and Dan Hooker.
Dairush had expressed his willingness to fight either Hooker or Moicano and the Brazilian saw that and responded. Even though the 6th ranked lightweight is on a two-fight losing streak, he has a stylistic edge over his potential opponents.
“Let me tell u something ma bruddah you’re next #ufc @ufc”, Moicano tweeted, responding to Dariush’s interest in fighting him.
Let me tell u something ma bruddah you’re next #ufc @ufc https://t.co/f4P7MbQFOD
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) April 25, 2024
Moicano is not the only one to call out Beneil Dariush as Dan Hooker also did the same but with a specific time and place, on the International Fight Week PPV at the T-Mobile Arena, per MMA Mania. A victory for either of the three fighters would move them closer to a title shot at lightweight.
The title would be on the line at UFC 302 where Dustin Poirier will be looking to upset Islam Makhachev, the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the UFC. Beneil Dariush had already put Poirier as a 7 to 1 underdog in the fight and Michael Chandler has also done the same and even predicted a long title reign for Makhachev.
Nevertheless, the trio of Moicano, Hooker, and Dariush could insert themselves in the title picture with favorable results in upcoming bouts. Dariush is the A-side of the equation in the trio and his willingness to fight any comers makes him most likely to contend for a title.
Beneil Dariush on potential matchups
Beneil Dariush lost his previous two fights to Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira at UFC Austin and UFC 289, respectively. Therefore, the chances of fighting a higher-ranked opponent are out of the cards for the Iranian American fighter.
That does not mean that he is devoid of exciting matchups as has already received callouts from exciting fighters like Dan Hooker and Renato Moicano. Dariush spoke about the callouts and his plans in his recent interview with the Schmo a.k.a. Dave Schmulenson.
“I don’t really care who they give me. I’ve always wanted to fight guys that are the best. That’s kinda been my whole career, chasing the best guys in the world,” said Dariush. He went on to add, “If the UFC says (Renato) Moicano, I’ll be like great. If they say Dan Hooker, great. If they give me someone top 5, great. Whoever they give me, I’ll take it.”
A fight with either Moicano or Hooker would likely put Dariush in the top 5 of the rankings, particularly against Hooker whom many, including Michael Chandler, consider the ‘real one’ in the sport.
Who do you think, will Beneil Dariush fight next? Leave your prediction below!
