Despite suffering his first loss in five years at the hands of Charles Oliveira in the co-main event of UFC 289, top lightweight contender Beneil Dariush remains positive. With his defeat dashing his dreams of a title shot anytime soon, Dariush admits he is disappointed but fans of the fighter will be happy to know that he reassured them that he is alright in a brief statement.

Dariush’s incredible run in the deep lightweight division saw him on an eight-fight win streak and bagged multiple $50,000 bonuses, but a guaranteed championship opportunity remained elusive.

The Californian fighter’s winning streak included decisions over Mateusz Gamrot, Tony Ferguson and Diego Ferreira as well as finishes of Scott Holtzman and Drew Dober, among others. However, Saturday’s knockout loss marks the second in a row for Dariush, following his 2018 defeat at the hands of debuting Alexander Hernandez.

But Dariush is not one to be easily disheartened and with characteristic resolve, is determined to bounce back. “I’ll heal up and be back,” he shared on Instagram, providing great comfort to his throngs of fans who held their breath during the fight.

It is such strength of character even in the face of adversity that has endeared Dariush to fighting fans the world over. A truly candid and humble sportsman, he has endeared himself to fighting purists with his technical grappling and striking skills, as well as his formidable ground game.

With many speculating on what his next move might be following the loss, it is yet to be seen if Dariush will indeed take some time off to rest and recover before returning to the octagon, or try to redeem himself by getting back into MMA action sooner.