Dariush 'is biggest threat' to Oliveira at lightweight, claims Felder

Beneil Dariush ‘is the biggest threat to Charles Oliveira’s particular style’ at lightweight ahead of Islam Makhachev’s dominant wrestling, claims Paul Felder

  • Charles Oliveira has been sensational as champion of UFC lightweight division 
  • Brazilian swatted aside Justin Gaethje in his latest title defence but was stripped
  • He is on an 11-fight winning streak and 10 of those have been finishes 
  • Paul Felder believes Beneil Dariush will be the man to challenge Oliveira 

Charles Oliveira looked sensational as the UFC’s lightweight champion but his biggest threat comes in the shape of Beneil Dariush, according to Paul Felder. 

The former 155-pound contender-turned-analyst has gone against the tide of popular opinion, with many claiming Islam Makhachev is the champion in waiting. 

Felder thinks the Dagestani’s approach might suit Oliveira, who is perfectly accepting of being on his back given his wizardry on the ground.

Charles Oliveira submitted Justin Gaethje in the first round of their clash at UFC 274 

Paul Felder thinks Beneil Dariush (right) poses the biggest threat to the Brazilian 

Dariush was set to face Makhachev earlier this year but had to withdraw due to injury. 

Makhachev stepped in to beat Bobby Green instead and has been campaigning to be given the next shot at Oliveira, who was stripped for missing weight at UFC 274, ever since. 

But Felder explained why he thinks Dariush could present more problems to ‘Do Bronx’. ‘I am retired, so it can’t be me, but dare I say someone like Beneil Dariush is more of a threat to [Charles Oliveira’s] particular style,’ Felder explained on The Fighter vs. The Writer.

‘I think a guy like Charles, you’ve got to get somebody [like Dariush],’ Felder said. ‘The way he ran through Tony [Ferguson] was impressive. I think Beneil [is a threat to Oliveira], even more so than [Islam] Makhachev, just because [Makhachev] going to try and wrestle him, and Charles he has a way around those kinds of exchanges.

‘It doesn’t matter if you have great takedown defense against Charles Oliveira. He will find a way to your back. 

‘I’m going to throw a big Hail Mary out there and say my pick [to beat Oliveira] is Beneil Dariush.

‘For sure he can knock [Oliveira] out,’ Felder said. ‘He’s a southpaw, he’s not afraid to stand. 

‘He’s got great kicks and he’s not afraid to bite down on his mouthpiece when the going gets tough. Now neither is Charles. I would love to see that fight.’ 

Felder, a former lightweight contender, believes Oliveira might struggle with Dariush

Oliveira has been outstanding on his 11-fight winning streak and defended the title with first-round finishes of Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. 

A weight-cutting fiasco at UFC 274 means he is not officially the champion anymore but his next fight is guaranteed to be for the belt. 

Dariush has won seven in a row, while in on a 10-fight streak. 





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