Islam Makhachev has already proven to be too much for the lightweight division, having successfully defended his 155 lbs title four times in the ultra-competitive, shark-infested waters of the UFC’s toughest weight class. Believing his reign had run its course, he vacated the belt and set his sights on a new challenge, taking on newly crowned welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena. With his dream of becoming a two-division champion still alive, Makhachev is now preparing to leave the lightweight division behind. However, just as he’s looking ahead, a UFC veteran has made a bold statement.

The Dagestani juggernaut’s past few title defenses have been absolute wars, but his most recent outing at UFC 311 told a different story. After original opponent Arman Tsarukyan pulled out at the last minute due to a back spasm, backup fighter Renato Moicano stepped in on short notice. The result? Exactly what many expected. Makhachev wasted no time, adding another name to his highlight reel with a swift D’Arce choke finish at just 4:05 of the first round.

Interestingly, Moicano was originally scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush on the same UFC 311 card but was moved to the main event at the last minute. That left ‘Benny’ without a fight. Now, with his bout rescheduled for the highly anticipated UFC 317, Dariush has reflected on the situation, expressing confidence that the outcome would’ve been vastly different had he faced Islam Makhachev instead of the Brazilian.

During an MMA Junkie interview, Dariush said: “I would’ve won! It would’ve been a finish for sure! It wasn’t gonna go five rounds. The way Makhaachev and I fight is not going five rounds. So, here’s what I’ll say neither of us has ever lost a decision. He doesn’t lose decisions, I don’t lose decisions, so I think I wasn’t gonna lose that fight.”

Well, that’s an out-of-this-world level of confidence from Dariush. He did have considerable hype behind him, not to mention solid wins over top-tier names like Tony Ferguson and Mateusz Gamrot. However, with his last few appearances ending in knockout losses, fans were quick to question his bold claim about potentially defeating Islam Makhachev.

Fans are not sold on Beneil Dariush’s bold claims against Islam Makhachev

One user didn’t hold back, simply calling Beneil Dariush “delusional” for believing he could have knocked out Islam Makhachev. Another fan took an even sharper jab, referencing his recent knockout losses to Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan: “Dariush is still fighting? Lol, last I saw, his head was bouncing off the canvas.” With another user doubling down on this comment and by writing: “Bro got KO’d by Arman what makes him think he can stand or wrestle with Islam?”

Another user brutally roasted Dariush by writing: “Love you Beneil but no. You wouldn’t. Not on short notice and not on a full camp.” Three full camps? That would’ve been overkill. The callouts continued as another fan wrote: “Beneil probably won’t beat Moicano but he can beat Islam.” Hilariously taking another jab, suggesting his upcoming fight at UFC 317 might not go his way either.

Beneil Dariush is currently on a two-fight losing streak, and with him being 36 years old, another loss could make things a bit tough. One user took note of his age and bluntly commented: “Hang the gloves, grandpa,” essentially calling for his retirement. That was followed by another sharp take: “Suddenly everyone beating Islam cuz he’s moving up.” Maybe Makhachev will receive more call-outs like that. Another user was just sure that: “Islam would’ve chinned him in the 2nd let’s be honest”

The fans clearly didn’t buy Beneil Dariush’s claim that he could defeat, let alone knock out, Islam Makhachev. It’s also uncertain that ‘Benny’ will get a title shot anytime soon before going on a winning streak again. That being said, these were some of the best reactions, so which one did you like the most? Comment down below!