Tag: Beneil Dariush

Dana White Reveals Potential Opponent For Beneil Dariush’s Return

UFC President Dana White has a potential opponent in mind for when lightweight contender Beneil Dariush makes his return. Dariush was flying high last year after extending his win streak to seven and entering the top five with a dominant victory over former interim champion Tony Ferguson in the UFC 262 co-main event. He’d hoped…

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UFC President Dana White has a potential opponent in mind for when lightweight contender Beneil Dariush makes his return.

Dariush was flying high last year after extending his win streak to seven and entering the top five with a dominant victory over former interim champion Tony Ferguson in the UFC 262 co-main event.

He’d hoped to secure his first title shot on MMA’s biggest stage in what was thought to be a title eliminator versus Islam Makhachev in February. But an awkward training exchange just 10 days before the scheduled main event saw Dariush suffer a broken fibula, forcing him to withdraw.

Having avoided surgery and successfully healed the bone through physical therapy, the Iranian-born American is looking ahead to a potential August return that will come over a year on from his most recent appearance.

And although he has his sights set on the upper echelons of the division, including Makhachev, Charles Oliveira, Michael Chandler, and Dustin Poirier, it seems that the promotion has other plans.

During a recent interview with Yahoo Sports’ Kevin Iole, Dana White discussed this past weekend’s headliner, which saw rising contender Mateusz Gamrot emerge victorious over Arman Tsarukyan.

While the Polish 31-year-old called out Justin Gaethje in his post-fight interview, the UFC president believes that a fight between “Gamer” and Dariush would be a good next step for both men.

“Yeah, I think what I love is I love Gamrot-Dariush, when he comes back,” White said.

In this week’s ranking update, Gamrot reaped the rewards of his narrow unanimous decision triumph over Tsarukyan, rising from #12 to #8 on the lightweight ladder. And with that, the Pole finds himself just two spots behind Dariush, whose forced inactivity has seen him slip three places since his statement-making win against “El Cucuy.”

While Dariush and his manager Ali Abdelaziz believe he’s earned a fight with a top name, the 33-year-old has expressed an ‘anyone, any time’ attitude in the past, previously admitting that it took Abdelaziz to stop him taking a lower-ranked opponent last December.

With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Dariush accept White’s proposal, especially given Gamrot’s impressive form and recent main event triumph.

Would you like to see Beneil Dariush return into a fight with Mateusz Gamrot? If not, who should he face instead?

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Dariush Pinpoints Gaethje’s Mistakes Against Oliveira At UFC 274

UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush has assessed what fellow contender Justin Gaethje did wrong against Charles Oliveira at UFC 274. At the May 7 pay-per-view, Gaethje filled one slot in the main event, targeting undisputed championship glory at the second time of trying. But like at UFC 254 against Khabib Nurmagomedov, “The Highlight” found himself unconscious…

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UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush has assessed what fellow contender Justin Gaethje did wrong against Charles Oliveira at UFC 274.

At the May 7 pay-per-view, Gaethje filled one slot in the main event, targeting undisputed championship glory at the second time of trying. But like at UFC 254 against Khabib Nurmagomedov, “The Highlight” found himself unconscious courtesy of a submission.

With the defeat, Gaethje became the latest addition to the incredible resurgence story of Oliveira. Like against Michael Chandler last May and versus Dustin Poirier seven months later, “Do Bronx” managed to overcome early knockdowns to secure the victory last month.

While he’s no longer the champion having missed weight prior to UFC 274, the Brazilian is still widely regarded as the occupier of the throne at 155 pounds.

While Oliveira looks ahead to the vacant title fight that is likely to go down later this year, Gaethje has been left wondering what went wrong and where he goes from here. During an interview with ESPN MMA, Beneil Dariush went someway to answering one of those questions.

Dariush, who predicted that Gaethje would leave Arizona with the gold, said that the Safford native wasn’t a smart as he needed to be, and instead became overzealous after a pair of early knockdowns.

“I picked Gaethje to win, but I said if Gaethje’s smart. I said, ‘If Gaethje hits him and then moves, he’ll be fine.’ And he did that a little bit, and he got two knockdowns. But he got overzealous,” suggested Dariush.

“And man, you gotta understand, Justin really is a dog. When he sees blood, he sees blood. But the thing with Charles is, he’ll go to his back, not because he’s super hurt, but it’s a comfort zone for him,” added Dariush. “Justin couldn’t differentiate between Charles being hurt and Charles just being cautious.”

Dariush: Gaethje’s Hesitance To Follow Oliveira Down Was A Mistake

Oliveira is thought by many to be the UFC’s most talented Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, and holds the promotional record for the most submissions (16). With that in mind, Gaethje chose to remain on the feet following the knockdowns, a strategy that many have questioned in the weeks since.

Dariush, the current #6-ranked lightweight contender, shared that sentiment during his conversation with Brett Okamoto, suggesting that “The Highlight” should have looked to finish the job, rather than allowing “Do Bronx” to recover.

“I think it’s a mistake. I mean, if you’re an MMA fighter and you just knock somebody down, go! I remember rewatching my fight with Diego Ferreira, and I remember Daniel Cormier saying it was a mistake for me to chase him down because he was able to recover after I dropped him… Bro, this is MMA? I’m not trying to tell you I’m the best at striking, I’m trying to let you know that I’m the best at hurting you. That’s my job, on the ground or standing.”

Justin Gaethje & Charles Oliveira
Image Credit: Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire

Do you agree with Beneil Dariush’s assessment of Justin Gaethje’s mistakes at UFC 274?

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Dariush Responds After McGregor’s “Nobody” Insult: “I Feel For The Guy”

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has questioned why he came under fire in a recent tweet posted by former two-division champion Conor McGregor. McGregor has always been controversial figure, both during fight build-ups and on social media. While his habit of posting insults directed at fellow fighters is nothing new, it’s perhaps picked up during…

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UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has questioned why he came under fire in a recent tweet posted by former two-division champion Conor McGregor.

McGregor has always been controversial figure, both during fight build-ups and on social media. While his habit of posting insults directed at fellow fighters is nothing new, it’s perhaps picked up during the Irishman’s ongoing period on the sidelines, which was caused by a broken leg last July.

The latest to come under attack was Dariush, a relatively quiet and respectful UFC fighter who is rarely involved in online feuds or back and forth. It’s safe to say that if he can get it, no one is safe from McGregor’s radar.

While Dariush remained as absent as ever on social media in spite of McGregor’s decision to brand him a “nobody” in a now-deleted tweet late last month, the Iranian-born American’s Kings MMA teammate Marvin Vettori took to Twitter to defend him, labeling McGregor a “b*tch” and a “scumbag.”

During a recent appearance on the UFC Unfiltered podcast, Dariush reacted to McGregor’s tweet and Vettori’s fiery response. The #6-ranked UFC lightweight suggested that everyone needs a friend who is willing to protect them like “The Italian Dream” is.

“I don’t go on social media, I don’t go back and forth, but I was telling all my friends: find yourself somebody who will protect you like Marvin protects me on Twitter [LAUGHS],” said Dariush. “Man, what a guy. Marvin was so fired up. He calls me and he’s like, ‘This F’n guy, blah, blah, blah,’ I’m like, ‘Marvin, relax bro, it’s Twitter.’”

Rather than hitting back in a similar way, Dariush simply questioned “what the heck” he did to attract McGregor’s eye and earn an insulting tweet from MMA’s biggest superstar.

“The weird thing is, what the heck? Where did that come from? What did I do to that guy? I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned his name outside of like, when people ask me about him,” said Dariush. “I’ll just take the fact that he deleted it as a form of apology [LAUGHS].”

Dariush: ‘McGregor’s Gotta Be Feeling Like Crap’

Not one to throw around insults, Dariush went on to admit that he actually feels for the man who branded him a “nobody.”

McGregor has had a torrid run of form lately, losing three of his last four Octagon appearances, including back-to-back defeats to Dustin Poirier in 2021. That, coupled with the Dublin native’s gruesome leg injury last time out, has left Dariush feeling for McGregor and his current situation.

“To be honest with you, I feel for the guy. Because like, man, he’s been fighting the last couple of years and it hasn’t been going so well. If I was in his position, man, it would be horrible,” said Dariush. “Because, one, the thing that makes you who you are is fighting. That’s who he is, you can see it in the way he speaks, the way he talks. It’s gotta be hard for him to not be doing well right now.

“On top of that, to break his leg and be out for so long. Then, also, you have to imagine, he’s surrounded by so many people that are new, who showed up after he got famous. I got the same 5, 7, 10 people that I had before I was even in the UFC,” added Dariush. “If I was to put myself in his shoes, he’s gotta be feeling like crap all the time because he doesn’t know what’s going on.”

While Dariush has perhaps not said anything insulting about McGregor, he did make his feelings towards a potential lightweight title shot for the Irishman known earlier this year.

Last December, having risen to #3 in the rankings and seemingly moved to within one win of a date with the champion, Dariush admitted that he wouldn’t be best pleased if McGregor returned from a two-fight skid straight into a clash with Charles Oliveira. Perhaps that comment, along with Dariush’s association with Ali Abdelaziz, spurred McGregor to take aim at the 155-pound veteran.

With the former champion moving closer to a return, even recently being seen throwing kicks again, perhaps he’ll get the chance to settle his differences with Dariush inside the Octagon down the line.

Do you agree with Beneil Dariush? Do you “feel for” Conor McGregor?

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Dariush Believes His Team Would Be A Convenient Fit For Tony Ferguson

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush thinks his former foe Tony Ferguson may want to consider training with him at Kings MMA. Ferguson is looking for a fresh start following a fourth-straight loss in the UFC. Despite a strong first round against Michael Chandler at UFC 274, he suffered a brutal knockout by getting hit by…

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UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush thinks his former foe Tony Ferguson may want to consider training with him at Kings MMA.

Ferguson is looking for a fresh start following a fourth-straight loss in the UFC. Despite a strong first round against Michael Chandler at UFC 274, he suffered a brutal knockout by getting hit by a front kick to the face in Round 2.

Ferguson is searching for answers following the latest chapter of his ongoing losing skid. He’s recently shared that he’s looking for a new coaching staff and team as he looks to right the ship in his UFC career.

Dariush and Ferguson competed at UFC 262, with Dariush earning a unanimous decision victory.

During a recent interview with The Schmo, Dariush was asked what advice he would give Ferguson going forward.

“I actually think Tony has the right idea right now,” Dariush said. “He’s talking about working with a team, people that can push him. Having a head coach where he isn’t the head coach. Where he doesn’t wake up and be like ‘I feel like doing this’. Man, just because you feel something, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.

UFC 262: Tony Ferguson's UFC future in major doubt following third consecutive loss to Beneil Dariush

“Sometimes your coaches know better. Honestly, 90% of the time when I wake up in the morning, I feel like not training. Because I’m beat up and I’m old. But that’s not how it works. So it’s important to have coaches who expect things from you and you don’t want to feel that expectation. So that being said, I think it would be a great idea for him to join a team.”

Dariush went on to address that because of Ferguson’s familiarity with training in California, Kings MMA may be a convenient fit as opposed to moving across the country for a new start.

“Obviously we’re right by him, and I would never deny a guy. Even though we’re in the same division, even though we have history, I would never deny him if he wants to train here. Obviously, it’s not even about me. It’s about him coming in, putting forth a good presence with the team, with the coach. Most importantly with the coach. If he can make a connection with the coach then everything’s good. It’s not my place to speak. So, that would be my advice for Tony. I think he’s on the right path I just think he needs to find that right team and coach.”

At the moment, Dariush and Ferguson seem to be on two different career trajectories. Dariush is one win away from a potential lightweight title shot and is expected to return later this year.

While Ferguson may consider Dariush’s proposal, he already rejected an offer from Charles Oliveira to train together ahead of their next fights. Another lightweight colleague of his, Arman Tsarukyan, recently told MMA News that Ferguson should consider retirement.

Dariush is planning a return to the cage for later this year and Ferguson could potentially be a training partner of his if he chooses to join Kings MMA.

Do you think Tony Ferguson should consider training with Beneil Dariush at Kings MMA?

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Marvin Vettori Rips ‘Scumbag’ Conor McGregor After Beneil Dariush Dig

UFC middleweight contender Marvin Vettori stood up for his Kings MMA teammate Beneil Dariush after a Twitter attack by Conor McGregor. McGregor aimed at Dariush in a since-deleted tweet following Dariush’s recent comments about Charles Oliveira’s post-UFC 274 callout of McGregor. There has been some speculation regarding McGregor’s planned return, including whether or not he’ll…

Continue Reading Marvin Vettori Rips ‘Scumbag’ Conor McGregor After Beneil Dariush Dig at MMA News.

UFC middleweight contender Marvin Vettori stood up for his Kings MMA teammate Beneil Dariush after a Twitter attack by Conor McGregor.

McGregor aimed at Dariush in a since-deleted tweet following Dariush’s recent comments about Charles Oliveira’s post-UFC 274 callout of McGregor. There has been some speculation regarding McGregor’s planned return, including whether or not he’ll return at lightweight or for a move to welterweight.

Dariush was supposed to face Islam Makhachev earlier this year but withdrew due to an injury. He’s likely to return later this year and could be one win away from a lightweight title shot.

In a recent tweet, Vettori hit back at McGregor for attacking his teammate.

“What a bitch [Conor McGregor],” Vettori tweeted. “You couldn’t last 2 min with Beneil and that’s just a fact. You are scumbag, I hope to see you soon.”

Vettori and Dariush train together at Kings MMA in Huntington Beach, CA.

McGregor has been criticized for his often-personal attacks on his UFC opponents and colleagues. He infamously invoked Dustin Poirier’s family in the lead-up to their trilogy at UFC 264.

While McGregor’s deleted tweet at Dariush arguably isn’t a personal attack, it prompted a heated response from one of the most dangerous middleweights in the UFC. McGregor continues to make enemies in the promotion in which he’s arguably the biggest superstar.

What are your thoughts on Marvin Vettori’s response to Conor McGregor?

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Beneil Dariush Invites Tony Ferguson to Train; ‘I Would Never Deny Him’

Beneil DariushThe No. 6 ranked UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush appeared on ‘The Schmo’ to discuss everything from the current UFC rankings to his next appearance inside the Octagon. During the conversation, the attention turned to fellow lightweight Tony Ferguson who just experienced his fourth straight loss at the hands of Michael Chandler at UFC 274.  When […]

Beneil Dariush

The No. 6 ranked UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush appeared on ‘The Schmo’ to discuss everything from the current UFC rankings to his next appearance inside the Octagon.

During the conversation, the attention turned to fellow lightweight Tony Ferguson who just experienced his fourth straight loss at the hands of Michael Chandler at UFC 274. 

When ‘The Schmo’ asked Dariush what advice he would have for his former foe, Beneil Dariush expressed an interest in having Ferguson join him in training despite competing in the same division.

“I actually think Tony has the right idea right now,” said Dariush. He’s talking about working with the team, having people that can push him. Having a head coach, where he’s not the head coach. Where he doesn’t wake up and be like, I feel like doing this. Man, just because you feel something [it] isn’t always the right thing to do. Sometimes your coaches know better.”

Beneil Dariush’s Last Win Inside the Octagon Was Against Tony Ferguson

Dariush and Ferguson squared off at UFC 262 in May 2021, Dariush earned the victory in a lopsided unanimous decision. Dariush was scheduled to face Islam Makhachev in a title eliminator, but an injury forced him out of the contest at the last minute.

“Honestly 90 percent of the time when I wake up in the morning I feel like not training because I’m beat up and I’m old, but that’s not how it works,” Dariush continued. It’s important to have coaches who expect things from you and you don’t want to fail that expectation. 

“That being said, I think it’d be a great idea for him to join a team. Obviously, we’re right by him and I would never deny a guy. Even though we’re in the same division, even though we have history, I would never deny him if he wants to train here.”

Tony Ferguson was left looking for answers after his latest loss inside the cage. At one point, Ferguson was on a 12-fight win streak and was scheduled to face former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov no less than five times, but the bout never moved forward for a multitude of reasons. 

“He’s on the right path, I think he just needs to find that team and coach,” Dariush concluded