Beneil Dariush’s recent remarks may have stirred controversy, but they also reaffirm a truth about who he is—a fighter to the core
Not just someone who competes, but someone who believes, against all odds, that greatness is still within reach.
In a sport driven by narratives, self-belief, and second chances, Dariush remains one of the most intriguing figures in the UFC lightweight division.
Whether he ever gets the chance to test himself against Makhachev remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Beneil Dariush isn’t done dreaming—and he certainly isn’t done fighting
His calm confidence, based on years of high-level competition and elite grappling experience, gives weight to his words. And while it remains to be seen if he’ll ever get his shot at the lightweight king, a dominant performance at UFC 317 would keep that door open.
Islam Makhachev may have submitted Moicano with ease, but Dariush believes the outcome would be very different if they ever shared the cage.
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Beneil Dariush Breaks Silence on UFC 311 Comments
“I Could Have Finished Islam Makhachev”
UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has once again found himself at the center of attention, not for his performances inside the octagon, but for recent comments he made regarding the UFC 311 main event between Islam Makhachev and Renato Moicano.1
In an interview with MMA Junkie, Dariush boldly claimed that he would have finished Makhachev had he been the one in the cage that night.
While the remarks raised eyebrows, Dariush has now spoken in greater detail to clarify what he meant, adding context to a statement that many interpreted as a slight against both Makhachev and Moicano.
The UFC 311 Shake-Up: Dariush Left Without a Fight
Originally scheduled to face Brazil’s Renato Moicano at UFC 311, Dariush’s plans took a dramatic turn when Arman Tsarukyan, who was set to challenge Makhachev for the title, pulled out due to injury.
With time running out, the UFC promoted Moicano to the main event to face the reigning lightweight champion.
This left Dariush without an opponent, but he still fulfilled his contractual obligations—making weight and showing up—earning a significant payday despite not stepping into the cage.
For a fighter known for his work ethic and commitment, being sidelined at such a crucial juncture was undoubtedly frustrating. Yet, Dariush remained professional throughout the ordeal, at least until his recent comments stirred debate.
How to make America great again.
Stop funding all universities.
End government loans for college/universities.
Bring soldiers home from around the world and place them at the border
Stop giving financial aid to other countries.
Make china accountable for every dollar spent… pic.twitter.com/6WIKYh6IT8
— Beneil Dariush (@beneildariush) July 16, 2024
Bold Words: “I Would Have Finished Him”
In a candid chat with MMA Junkie, Dariush didn’t hold back. When asked about the Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano bout, the Iranian-American confidently asserted that he would have done more than just compete—he would have finished the reigning champion.
These are bold words, especially considering Makhachev’s current dominance in the lightweight division.
The Dagestani fighter is known for his suffocating wrestling, relentless pressure, and strategic acumen—traits that make him one of the most difficult matchups in the UFC today.
Naturally, the MMA community had a lot to say. Some applauded Dariush’s confidence, while others felt it was disrespectful or unrealistic.
Beneil Dariush: Clarifying the Controversy on Submission Radio
Following the reaction to his statements, Dariush joined Submission Radio to provide further insight into what he meant and why he said it.2
“People don’t like that, then they don’t understand what a fighter is,” Dariush stated. “I don’t fight just to be a fighter. I fight because I want to be the best in the world. And I believe I can be the best in the world.”
This wasn’t just about calling out Islam Makhachev. It was about expressing a fighter’s mindset—a burning desire to be the best, and the unwavering belief that on the right night, with everything aligned, victory is not just possible but inevitable.
Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Alignment
Dariush elaborated on what makes him feel ready to compete at the highest level. He emphasized not just physical preparation, but also mental and spiritual readiness.
“I believe if I’m in… if I’m physically, mentally, spiritually in the right place, I think I could beat anybody in the world,” he said. “And that day, I remember just feeling great in that weight cut. I remember just thinking to myself, ‘This is the sharpest I’ve ever been.’”
For fans and pundits who reduce fighting to just physical prowess or skills, Dariush’s words are a reminder that elite MMA is as much about internal harmony as it is about external competition.
The Champion’s Aura: Islam Makhachev’s Reign
Islam Makhachev is not just the lightweight champion—he’s one of the most dominant forces in MMA today.
With a fighting style molded in the same system that produced Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has carved out a reputation as an almost insurmountable challenge for anyone in the 155-pound division.
Dariush’s assertion that he could finish Makhachev thus feels like a gauntlet thrown. Whether fans believe it or not, Dariush clearly sees himself as a threat to the throne.
Respect for Renato Moicano
Although much of the attention focused on his comments about Makhachev, Dariush didn’t take aim at Renato Moicano.
On the contrary, he has consistently shown respect for the Brazilian veteran, who stepped up on short notice for the title shot.
Moicano, known for his slick submissions and aggressive style, may have lost to Makhachev at UFC 311, but he earned respect for his willingness to take on the challenge under tough circumstances.
Beneil Dariush’s Road Forward: Still in Title Contention?
At 35, Beneil Dariush knows the clock is ticking. Yet, with a strong résumé and plenty of fans behind him, he remains a compelling contender in the lightweight division.3
His recent losses have hurt his title hopes, but a few key wins could propel him right back into the conversation.
In a division brimming with talent—from Tsarukyan and Poirier to Gaethje and Oliveira—Dariush still holds one of the most versatile and balanced skill sets. Wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and high fight IQ have made him a dangerous opponent for anyone.
A Fighter’s Mentality: Not Just Trash Talk
What separates Dariush’s statements from mere trash talk is the authenticity behind them.
He’s not trying to sell a fight or stir up drama—he’s expressing a core belief that fuels every elite fighter: the unwavering conviction that they are the best in the world.
This mindset isn’t arrogance; it’s essential. Without it, fighters wouldn’t push through brutal training camps, devastating losses, or physical pain. Dariush isn’t disrespecting anyone; he’s simply staking his claim as a man who still believes he can hold UFC gold.
Fighter vs. Critic: Understanding the Disconnect
Some fans may never understand why fighters like Dariush speak with such unwavering confidence. That disconnect often leads to criticism, but it also highlights the gap between the mindset of an elite athlete and that of a casual observer.
Fighters don’t step into the octagon thinking they might lose. They prepare for victory and train to dominate.
Dariush’s comments should be seen through that lens—a competitor who believed, on that night, he was at his peak and could beat anyone.
What’s Next for Beneil Dariush?
As he looks ahead, Dariush will be searching for another opportunity to prove himself. A rebooked fight with Moicano, or perhaps a high-stakes bout against another top-10 opponent, could put him back on track.
Despite the turbulence of UFC 311, Dariush remains a major player in the lightweight title picture.
And perhaps more importantly, he remains a man with unshakeable belief in his potential—a belief that, in MMA, can be the difference between contender and champion.
Also Read: Beneil Dariush’s Wife: Who Is She? Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Family, Personal Life and More
Beneil Dariush Breaks Down Makhachev vs. Moicano
Beneil Dariush is known not just for his grappling expertise and explosive fights, but also for his calm, honest, and calculated approach to analyzing matchups.
As the UFC lightweight division continues to evolve with new contenders rising, Dariush has found himself once again in the mix, and he didn’t hold back when asked about Islam Makhachev’s dominant win over Renato Moicano.
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Dariush made waves with his confident stance on how he would have fared against the lightweight champion.
The Context Behind the Comments
UFC fans watched in awe as Islam Makhachev dispatched Renato Moicano in the first round of their bout.
The Dagestani powerhouse once again showed why he’s one of the most dominant grapplers in MMA history, submitting Moicano in swift, clinical fashion.
The bout reinforced Makhachev’s reputation for suffocating pressure, superior positioning, and next-level submission skills.
When asked if he believed he could have performed better than Moicano, Beneil Dariush didn’t hesitate to give a definitive answer: yes.
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Dariush’s Take: A Fight That Wouldn’t Go the Distance
Beneil Dariush confidently stated:
“I would have won. It would been a finish for sure. It wasn’t gonna go five rounds. The way Makhachev and I fight, it’s not going five rounds…Neither of us has ever lost a decision. He doesn’t lose decisions, I don’t really lose decisions, so, I don’t think I was gonna lose that fight.”
This statement was not only bold but also rooted in an understanding of his and Makhachev’s respective fighting styles.
Both men are known for their aggressive, finish-oriented approach, and Dariush truly believes his pace, unpredictability, and ground game would present a much tougher challenge than Moicano did.
Comparing Styles: Dariush vs. Moicano
Renato Moicano, a talented jiu-jitsu black belt and former featherweight, has had a successful run at lightweight.
However, his striking defense and wrestling have been questioned, especially against opponents who can pressure him early. Against Makhachev, Moicano was caught early and didn’t have a chance to settle into the fight.
Dariush, on the other hand, brings a chaotic yet intelligent fighting style. He can scramble, strike, and wrestle at a high pace, and he’s one of the few lightweights comfortable initiating grappling exchanges with elite-level opponents.
His mix of jiu-jitsu pedigree and unpredictable striking gives him an edge over Moicano when it comes to surviving – and even winning – against a powerhouse like Makhachev.
Beneil Dariush’s Confidence Comes From Experience
Dariush’s claim isn’t just posturing. With 22 wins in his professional MMA career, and victories over top contenders like Tony Ferguson, Mateusz Gamrot, and Drew Dober, the Iranian-American fighter has proven he belongs in the elite tier of the lightweight division.
His confidence stems from having weathered storms, dished out finishes, and grinded out tough wins in one of the UFC’s deepest divisions.
He understands how to deal with high-level grapplers, and his takedown defense combined with a dangerous submission game make him a unique challenge for someone like Makhachev.
“Neither of Us Loses Decisions”
One of the most interesting aspects of Dariush’s comment was his point that neither he nor Makhachev loses decisions.
This is a fact grounded in their fight history. Makhachev’s only loss came via knockout, while Dariush has also rarely gone the distance in defeat.
Their shared tendency to finish fights or lose by finish makes a potential clash between them incredibly intriguing.
It’s not the kind of matchup that gets bogged down by point-fighting. Instead, it promises violence, pressure, and high-stakes exchanges.
What If Dariush Fought Makhachev?
- Hypothetically, a fight between Dariush and Makhachev would be one of the most stylistically fascinating clashes in the lightweight division.
- It’s rare to find a fighter willing to go to the mat with Makhachev voluntarily. Dariush, however, might embrace that.
- He wouldn’t be intimidated by Islam’s top control. His scrambles are chaotic, his guard game is dangerous, and he often creates submission opportunities from awkward positions.
- That kind of unpredictability can disrupt the slow, methodical dominance Makhachev typically imposes.
- In striking, Dariush might also hold the edge in power and aggression.
- While Makhachev’s striking has improved dramatically, particularly under the guidance of coach Javier Mendez, he still tends to use his stand-up as a way to close the distance and force grappling exchanges.
- Dariush, on the other hand, has no problem trading in the pocket and turning fights into brawls.
Also Read: Rafael Fiziev Claps Back at Mateusz Gamrot: He Turned Down the Rematch!
