Dan Hooker Wants to Test Beneil Dariush’s Place in UFC Lightweight Landscape

Dariush (22-6) recently suffered a Round 1 knockout loss at the hands of Arman Tsarukyan in December. This loss was preceded by a Round 2 technical knockout defeat for “Benny” at the hands of former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 289. The loss to Oliveira also marked the end of an impressive eight-fight winning streak for the Kings MMA product.

Following back-to-back stoppage losses, Dariush was open about his thought process when it came to his future as a competitor in the elite lightweight division.

“I just want to know if I still got it,” Benny told Submission Radio.

The Iranian-born American declared he will only continue to fight if he can see a clear path to the title, which is his ultimate goal.

Enter Hooker (23-12). Currently on a two-fight winning streak, the Kiwi has almost recovered from a broken arm, an injury suffered 11 days ahead of his scheduled meeting with Bobby Green in December.

Ranked No. 10 in the lightweight division, “The Hangman” is more than happy to answer all of Dariush's questions regarding his standing in the division.

“I’ll fight Beneil in June,” Hooker said in an interview with Engage. “Whether that be [Conor] McGregor’s card International Fight Week, if he’s just pulling everyone’s chain as he usually does. I hear [the UFC is] coming back mid-year sometime in Australia. That as well, it would be cool to fight close to home... So, Benny is ranked above me coming off a couple of losses, but let’s go, baby. He’s come out and said, yeah, he wants to see if he’s still got it. Well, I can check, brother. I’ll check for you.”

‍

Reference: https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Dan-Hooker-Wants-to-Test-Beneil-Dariushs-Place-in-UFC-Lightweight-Landscape-192437