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Beneil Dariush is set to return to UFC lightweight title contention after a two-year layoff. The No. 4-ranked contender will face No. 3-ranked Islam Makhachev in the main event of UFC Fight Night on July 22 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Dariush (22-5-1) has won 11 of his past 12 fights, including a unanimous decision victory over Tony Ferguson in his most recent outing in February 2021. Makhachev (22-1) is riding a 10-fight winning streak, including a submission victory over Thiago Moisés in his most recent outing in February 2022.
The winner of Dariush vs. Makhachev will be in line for a title shot against the winner of the Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev fight, which is expected to take place later this year.