Google News Dan Hooker had words of praise for Dariush
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The UFC lightweight category is one of the best within the entire UFC, when it comes to the quality of fighters within a division. There are a handful of great fighters within the Top 15, and even outside the rankings, the lightweight category abounds with great fighters.
Charles Oliveira is currently the champion of the mentioned category, and behind him are fighters like Dustin Poirier, Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje and Beneil Dariush. On December 11, Oliveira will defend his belt for the first time and his opponent will be Dustin Poirier.
Justin Gaethje is already ready as the next challenger, after Poirier and Oliveira do their match, and Beneil Dariush and Islam Makhachev will fight in the second month, also for challenger status (after Gaethje). Dan Hooker is also one of the high-ranking lightweight fighters.
He currently occupies the eighth place on the list of challengers, but "Hangman" has announced a return to the lightweight category. However, Hooker has extensive experience within the UFC lightweight division and is well aware of the capabilities of most top fighters.
Thus, the New Zealander in Pub Talk with Oscar Willis revealed which fighter he considers to be technically the best in the category.
Grappling and standing
"Beneil Dariush, in my opinion, is the best grappler and technically the most sophisticated fighter in the lightweight category," Hooker said, then further clarified.
"I think it is a close and difficult match between him and Makhachev. Beneil’s grappling is amazing. Constantly asking for submission. I believe Beneil has an advantage in standing." "If they neutralize each other in grappling, I believe Dariush has a big advantage on his feet.
These are the two best grapplers in the category, in my opinion, "Hangman added. Justin Gaethje is already ready as the next challenger, after Poirier and Oliveira do their match, and Beneil Dariush and Islam Makhachev will fight in the second month, also for challenger status (after Gaethje).
On February 27, we will witness a match between the two. Beneil Dariush has announced that he will not run away from grappling, and against Makhachev he will seek his eighth victory in a row. Islam Makhachev on the other hand is in a string of nine wins, and Dariush will be the toughest test of his career.
It was Dan Hooker who was Islam’s last opponent, and the Dagestani celebrated with a submission in the first round. In any case, it won't be easy, given that they are both passionate fighters of great quality, but only one will win in the end, paving the way for much greater things A quality and interesting fight awaits us
