/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22320675/1264742852.jpg)
Beneil Dariush is set to return to UFC lightweight title contention after a 16-month layoff. The No. 4-ranked lightweight will face No. 2-ranked Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 on October 22 in Abu Dhabi.
Dariush (22-5-1) is coming off a unanimous decision win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 262 in May 2021. The victory snapped a two-fight losing streak for Dariush, who is now 10-2 in his past 12 fights.
Makhachev (22-1) is one of the most dominant fighters in the lightweight division. The 29-year-old has won 10 consecutive fights, including a first-round submission win over Thiago Moisés at UFC 274 in May.
The winner of the Dariush-Makhachev fight will be in line for a title shot against the winner of the Charles Oliveira-Islam Makhachev fight at UFC 279 on December 10.