“Joe Rogan Just Grabbed Me in the Hallway and Told Me Not To” – Dana White Advised Against Islam Makhachev-Beneil Dariush Fight

The UFC lightweight title was up for grabs at UFC 274 (with only Justin Gaethje able to win it as Charles Oliveira missed weight). Missing weight did not prove to be a hindrance for ‘Do Bronx’ as he ran through Gaethje, earned the tap, and positioned himself as the number one contender. Also on the card, Michael Chandler secured an insane finish against Tony Ferguson. After soaking all these incredible performances, Dana White shared what Joe Rogan told him.

In the post-fight conference, when White got asked about whether he still wanted to book Islam Makhachev vs. Beneil Dariush for the no.1 contender spot, he said, “I do. But Joe Rogan just grabbed me in the hallway and told me not to.”

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It’s well-known that the UFC President doesn’t like fighters who don’t step up to take the short-notice fights. Since Islam Makhachev declined to fight Rafael dos Anjos, on short notice, White offered he would like to see the Dagestan-fighter face Beneil Dariush.

Joe Rogan offered that Islam Makhachev made the right choice

It did not impress Dana White that Islam Makhachev turned down the Rafael do Anjos bout after initially calling for it on Twitter. However, the veteran UFC commentator, Rogan, had a different take on the same.

“So, he’s punishing him for not doing something stupid? Because that’s not a wise move to fight in the main event; you are right there, about to face for the title,” said Rogan on the JRE MMA show with Michael Bisping.

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Even fellow commentator Daniel Cormier frequently pits Islam Makhachev as the next challenger for the UFC lightweight championship.

The UFC lightweight belt is vacant now. However, the former champion, Charles Oliveira, is still the top guy in the division. Thus, Makhachev eventually has to go through ‘Do Bronx.’ Will he need to share the octagon with Dariush to earn that fight? Or will White listen to Joe Rogan? Share your take on the scenario at lightweight.

Source: | This article originally belongs to Essentially Sports