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John McCarthy's Brutally Honest Quote On How UFC Views Beneil Dariush

"Big" John keeps it real.

Fernando Quiles Jr.

John McCarthy's Brutally Honest Quote On How UFC Views Beneil Dariush
John McCarthy's Brutally Honest Quote On How UFC Views Beneil Dariush /

Former renowned referee and current Bellator color commentator "Big" John McCarthy has given an honest take on how the UFC brass feels about Beneil Dariush.

This Saturday night, Dariush will be featured in a pivotal lightweight clash. He'll be taking on former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira. The bout will serve as the co-main event of UFC 289 inside Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

READ MORE: INJURY FORCES UFC 289 MATCHUP TO BE RESCHEDULED FOR AUGUST

Dariush has said he's been promised a UFC lightweight title shot if he defeats "do Bronx." Despite the "guarantee," McCarthy isn't convinced that Dariush is looked at as a marketable fighter for the UFC. Taking to the "Weighing In" podcast, McCarthy shared his opinion on where Dariush stands.

(via Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)

"I think there's certain guys that based upon having the 'It' factor and everything as far as personality and the ability to fight that the UFC is gonna give multiple chances to," McCarthy said. "I don't think that Beneil is that guy. That's why we're talking about him the way we are because he is that good and he doesn't have that personality that just explodes, and UFC, it's easy for them to market and everything."

McCarthy went on to say the UFC looks at certain athletes and move to push them more than others because of their exciting fighting styles and popularity. 

The former MMA referee pointed out that Dariush is on an eight-fight winning streak and it's taken him this long to emerge in the public eye because he doesn't have the "It" factor in the eyes of the UFC's decision makers.

READ MORE: UFC ANALYST LAUGHS OFF CONOR MCGREGOR'S RECENT CLAIM: "COME ON NOW"

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Fernando Quiles Jr.
FERNANDO QUILES JR.

Fernando has over a decade of combat sports news writing experience. He currently covers MMA, boxing, and pro wrestling. Fernando joined MMA Knockout as the Lead Writer/Editor when it was founded in 2023.

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