UFC 289: Charles Oliveira vs. Beneil Dariush Breakdown

Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira

Oliveira (33-9-1 MMA, 21-9-1 UFC) is the former UFC Lightweight Champion. Oliveira was riding an eight-fight win streak coming into his first UFC title opportunity against Michael Chandler for the vacant Lightweight title at UFC 262 in May 2021. Oliveira handled business and defeated Chandler via. TKO in the second round. Oliveira went on to defend the title two times, defeating Dustin Poirier via. third-round submission at UFC 269 and Justin Gaethje via. first-round submission at UFC 274. Oliveira last fought at UFC 280 against Islam Makhachev. Oliveira was riding an 11-fight win streak coming into the contest but that streak was snapped by Makhachev who won via. second-round submission to become the new UFC Lightweight Champion.

"I'm not worried about what Beneil can bring. I'm worrying about what I can take to him."

Charles Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) tells Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) about his thoughts on Dariush and his hunger to regain the lightweight belt. #UFC289

— UFC News (@UFCNews) June 10, 2023

Oliveira currently holds the all-time record for UFC Finishes at 19 which shows how dangerous Oliveira truly is. Oliveira utilizes Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu to steamroll through many of his opponents. Oliveira will have to use a lot of energy to stop takedowns to avoid being controlled via. wrestling from Dariush. Oliveira tends to accept being taken down, rightfully so as his jiu-jitsu game is second to none, even from the bottom. Oliveira should look to stay aggressive on the feet while staying composed and measured to attack Dariush’s body to help zap some of the energy from Dariush, which would certainly help with preventing the takedown attempts that will inevitably come from his opponent.

Beneil Dariush

Dariush (22-4-1 MMA, 16-4-1 UFC) is currently riding an eight-fight win streak, having not lost since over five years ago. Notably, Dariush has defeated Tony Ferguson and Mateusz Gamrot in his two most recent bouts. Dariush last competed at UFC 280 (just like Oliveira), defeating Gamrot via. Unanimous Decision in October 2022, the time away from competition is identical for both competitors coming into 289. Dariush is certainly no stranger to finishing fights, as out of his 22 wins, 13 of them have come by finish (5 KO/TKO, 8 submissions).

"Doesn't matter for me… I want to fight the best guys in the world."

🇺🇸@BeneilDariush is up to the challenge against Charles Oliveira! #UFC289 pic.twitter.com/Zji48hoNQL

— UFC_AUSNZ (@UFC_AUSNZ) June 9, 2023

Dariush is also a top-level jiu-jitsu practitioner, but the difference when compared to Oliveira is Dariush has strong wrestling to complement his skill set. Dariush’s boxing and Muay Thai skills also continue to improve every time he steps into the octagon.

Final Thoughts

Two of the world’s best lightweights meet TOMORROW!@CharlesDoBronxs vs @BeneilDariush in our #UFC289 co-main!

[ 10pmET / 7pmPT | Live on @ESPNPlus PPV ] pic.twitter.com/hw7Q2GggWW

— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2023

Makhachev laid the groundwork for fighters to defeat the ‘new" version of Oliveira by fighting smart, using controlled movements and strong defense to cause Oliveira to chase him which made it simple to time takedown attempts and counters. Dariush doesn"t have as strong wrestling as Makhachev who is arguably the best wrestler in the UFC but he is similar in overall skillset to the Lightweight champion. Dariush is well-equipped to deal with Oliveira wherever the fight may go but should utilize distance management, strong counter shots, and well-timed takedowns to advance to solid top control to grind out a victory here.

Official Prediction: Beneil Dariush via. Decision Victory