Charles Oliveira reminded the world of what he is all about at UFC 289 last weekend. Oliveira shattered Beneil Dariush‘s title hopes with an incredible first round TKO victory.
With his latest win, ‘Do Bronx’ has potentially set himself up for another shot at the title against Islam Makhachev.
Here is how he did it:
How Charles Oliveira Shattered Beneil Dariush’s Title Hopes: Oliveira’s Tunnel Vision
It was evident during fight week that Oliveira had one thing on his mind: win convincingly and set up the next title fight.
He certainly did the former, and has very likely earned himself a rematch with Islam Makhachev for the lightweight belt.
Oliveira made weight without any issues, and seemed locked in and focused in the build up to the UFC 289 co-main event.
His walkout was a powerful spectacle as he was filled with emotion when making his way to the octagon.
Oliveira would not be denied on this night.
Oliveira Shatters Dariush’s Title Hopes
‘Do Bronx’ went into this fight as the underdog against a top contender on an eight fight winning streak.
Beneil Dariush had begun to look unstoppable and was seemingly on his way to his first title fight – Oliveira had other ideas.
Time and time again Oliveira has been written off, but he proved that he is still a serious title contender.
He made sure he was next in line with a stunning first round TKO win and shut down any talk of his demise.
Analysis Of A First Round Stoppage
The former lightweight champion stalked Dariush from the start and threw a heavy rear head kick which his opponent blocked.
Dariush responded with a quick combination with his hands before the pair tied up in a clinch against the cage.
Oliveira then tried to wrestle and trip Dariush, but he ended up on his back with Dariush on top.
In Oliveira’s guard, Dariush was able to land some ground-and-pound, but Oliveira worked well from his back landing hammer fists and elbows, and even threatened a heel-hook at one point.
After some good defensive work from Oliveira, he was able to make his way back to his feet. This was the beginning of the end.
Oliveira threw a right straight and immediately followed it up with another head kick.
Dariush managed to partially block the kick, but he was still rattled due to the power of the shot.
The Brazilian chased Dariush with a flurry of punches, landing a left hook before a right hand.
Just after switching stances to southpaw, Oliveira hit Dariush with a nasty right hook then a right overhand which dropped his opponent.
Some More Slick Grappling
At this point, Dariush was desperately trying to stay in the fight.
He locked on to Oliveira’s right leg, but Oliveira switched up his position and attempted to transition to Dariush’s back.
Dariush tried to roll over out of trouble, but found himself on his back and was finished off by Oliveira’s vicious ground-and-pound.
What Comes Next?
The TKO victory for Charles Oliveira meant that Dariush’s title hopes were shattered.
He responded well in the media and will most definitely return. He has the ability to compete at the top of this division.
The former champion will be hungry for a rematch with Islam Makhachev which will give him the opportunity to regain the title.
After a performance like that, how can he be denied?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
