Charles Oliveira confirms huge fight with Beneil Dariush at UFC 288 in May

Charles Oliveira has confirmed that he will fight Beneil Dariush in a huge lightweight showdown at UFC 288. 

The fight will take place on May 6 at a location yet to be announced.

The Brazilian shared the news on Instagram, writing: ‘Now it’s real, May 6th we’re going with everything! UFC 288, the lightweight lion is hungry and ready to hunt.’

Dariush, ranked No 4 in the division, confirmed that he has received a bout agreement and signed. 

Oliveira is desperate to bounce back from losing his belt to Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 last year in a defeat that abruptly ended an 11-fight winning streak. 

Oliveira was dethroned as lightweight champion by Islam Makhachev last year

The 33-year-old was unhappy with how he performed against the Russian, who secured a second-round submission finish. 

And given his dominance over the past four years, it was a surprise to see him so roundly beaten on the feet and the ground. 

Dariush will sniff an opportunity for a title shot, which should come if he manages to win in May. 

He has been on a remarkable run himself of eight consecutive victories dating back to 2018. 

It is likely that Oliveira and Dariush will fill the co-main event spot on the card. The showpiece event is already taken by Henry Cejudo and Aljamain Sterling. 

Cejudo has come out of retirement and is immediately challenging the bantamweight champion in an attempt to win back one of the belts he relinquished when he decided to walk away.  

Beneil Dariush will feel he has a great chance of a title shot if he beats Oliveira