"This Jesus freak, this freaking zealot..."

Beneil is facing Charles Oliveira this weekend, who is the former lightweight champion. There are many who think Beneil should be fighting for the title instead. Questions have been asked if his being an outspoken Christian might have something to do with him being passed over.

I know what they think in the back. "This Jesus freak, this freaking zealot... He's not 'sellable'" is the way they look at me. Which is okay. I didn't come here to be sellable. I came here to use the gifts got gave me. I'll stick with that.

Beneil's most explicit profession of his faith came after a win at UFC 280 where the Iranian-born Dariush told an audience in the United Arab Emirates: "This might be the most important thing you'll ever hear: there is true freedom, a freedom that no one can take from you in the name of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Don't ever forget that. If you remember one thing I say, remember that."

Beneil vs Conor McGregor?

Crowder also asked about a fight against another former lightweight champion, Conor McGregor. Beneil doesn't think it will ever happen.

Ahead of #UFC289, what does Beneil Dariush think of a potential @TheNotoriousMMA fight? pic.twitter.com/GkW7oNCsh0
— Louder with Crowder Dot Com (@LWCnewswire) June 9, 2023

I don't think I'll ever get my hands on him. I just don't think he's in the game anymore. I honestly don't know if he's even going to fight [Michael] Chandler, to be honest with you. I think he's not ... he wants to be on the camera. But the work you have to put in to fight, the weight you have to cut. It's not an easy thing"