It's been four months since UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski took on Islam Makhachev, jumping up a weight division in an attempt to become a double champion that just fell short.
But while many thought the clash was incredibly close and deserving of a rematch, lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has claimed that Volkanovski looked flawed during the fight, and it should be him, not the Australian, to next face Makhachev in the octagon.
Speaking to Fox Sports ahead of his upcoming clash with Charles Oliveira at UFC 289, Dariush said that Volkanovski needs to prove himself in the lightweight division before he gets another shot at the belt.
"I get how Volkanovski, at that time, was pound for pound No.1, so they gave him an opportunity," Dariush said.
“But he fell short, and now, he should have to fight in his division again.
“If anything, he should also have to fight in our division before he gets an immediate rematch at the lightweight title.
“He got a shot, and now he should have to earn a second one.”
MORE: What we know about Volkanovski vs Rodriguez
For Volkanovski, the next time he gets in the ring will be back in the featherweight division, when he takes on Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 in Las Vegas.
But should the 34-year-old claim his fifth title defence against Rodriguez, his attention will most likely return to the lightweight division, and achieving the heralded two-belt status.
Via his YouTube channel, Volkanovski admitted that Darisuh was deserving of a title shot and that he was eager to fight whoever was holding it.
"This is a massive fight, we all know that Beneil deserves a shot at the title," Volkanovski said.
"Probably deserved it before but I had to do my thing and I still plan on doing something so you never know what’s happening there.
"Let’s see what’s next for the winner of that fight, because you know I still want that lightweight title. It’s something that’s definitely there, it’s just the timing… Whatever the best timing is, you know I’m up for [it].”
Dariush has also considered how he would shape up against Volkanovski, and unsurprisingly he thinks he would come out on top.
"I think it would be a really good fight," Dariush said.
“But surprisingly, [against Makhachev] I was expecting to see holes in his grappling."
“But instead I saw more holes in his striking, and I would love to take advantage of that.”
