UFC 289: Charles Oliveira rebounds with historic finish of Beneil Dariush (Video)

Charles Oliveira makes a statement through his first-round finish of Beneil Dariush at UFC 289

If Charles Oliveira needed a major performance to earn himself a UFC lightweight title rematch with Islam Makhachev, he may have done that in his victory over Beneil Dariush in the co-main event of UFC 289.

This fight was originally booked for UFC 288 last month before a minor injury to Oliveira. This was also his first fight since losing to Makhachev at UFC 280 — a bout that saw Oliveira looking to regain the title after becoming the first UFC fighter to lose his gold on the scales.

Oliveira opened things with a big head kick during the opening exchanges before Dariush clinched Oliveira and pinned him to the cage. Oliveira tried to reverse before choosing to pull Dariush down to guard. Dariush threw some strong ground-and-pound, while Oliveira landed some hammerfists from the bottom. Oliveira looked for a heel hook but couldn't get it.

Charles Oliveira stops Beneil Dariush in first, making case for another shot at lightweight title (Video)

Oliveira worked his way back to his feet with a little more than 90 seconds remaining in the round, getting Dariush briefly against the cage. On the break, Oliveira landed a big head kick that stunned Dariush.

Oliveira then followed things up with several follow-up shots, scrambling on Dariush and throwing ground-and-pound before the ref stopped the fight.

Islam Makhachev immediately tweeted after Oliveira's victory with a reminder.

But Oliveira, through his post-fight interview, made it clear that he's still laying claim to the title.

UFC 289: Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana takes place on Saturday, June 10, 2023, live from Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all your news and highlights.

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