A veteran of the sport and looking to return to the path of victory, Beneil Dariush prepares to fight in UFC 317, against Renato Moicano this Saturday (28). Still eyeing the first opportunity to fight for the belt, the 36-year-old fighter does not seem to be stunned after suffering two knockouts in a row in his last fights.
A slight underdog in the bookmakers, the Iranian opened up about the game when analyzing the duel against the Brazilian and spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about how he sees his next performance in the octagon.
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Ready for Moicano, Dariush explained that negotiations took place for the fight to be rescheduled after UFC 311, when the Brazilian needed to replace Arman Tsarukyan on the eve of the event to dispute the belt against Islam makhachev.
“Initially I was scheduled to fight him and I wanted to fight right after, but I knew Moicano had just fought and wanted more time off. And then I asked for a top 10 and at a certain point Hunter (Campbell) called me asking to fight someone outside the top 10 and I gave preference to the top 10 and he mentioned (Mateusz) Gamrot and I accepted, so I was waiting for that fight, but I got a call and it ended up being Moicano again.”
Opponent preference
Asked if Mateusz gamrot was his preference over Moicano, Dariush did not hesitate in answering that his goal is only to face athletes who quickly bring him closer to the belt.
“What I prefer is what will get me to the title the quickest. Whoever I have to face to get to the title, that’s all I care about. But Moicano is a great fighter, I have a lot of respect for him, he was on a great winning streak, he just fought for the belt, he’s great, I’m not underestimating him, I’m grateful for the opportunity, but right now my goal is to get the belt as soon as possible.”
B. Dariush (right) defeated M. Gamrot (left) in the UFC 280. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Moicano's defeat at UFC 311
Keeping an eye on the fight between Renato and Makhachev, 'Benny', as he is known, admitted to being surprised by the mistake made by the American Top Team representative.
“It hasn’t changed much (opinion on Moicano), to be honest. He was very good on his feet, but he messed up in the grappling. I was surprised at how quickly he got up and that got him caught in the choke. But the fight went the way I expected, I just didn’t think he would rush it.”
I. Makhachev defeated R. Moicano in the UFC 311. Photo: Reproduction/X
Delicate moment in career
Knocked out against Tsarukyan and Charles of the Bronx Afterwards, Dariush confessed that thoughts about retirement crossed his mind as he recovered from his recent setbacks.
“More or less. There were times when I thought about it, but to be honest, I love fighting, the time I had to rest was to think about getting back to training. So I got back to training, I love training, I miss it every day, so I came back and felt the fire to fight. I have no desire to retire now, I feel better than ever. But coming off two losses, a long time without fighting, this has happened to me before, I was on a streak of four, five wins, I lost two, then I had eight more wins in a row and now I lost again. It’s not new to me, it’s difficult, but it’s not new.”
Mohawk Taunts
Victim of provocations by the Brazilian, Dariush avoided creating an atmosphere of rivalry and assured that he understood that the speeches were intended to promote the fight that will take place on the main card of the UFC 317.
“It doesn’t bother me. Moicano and I have a lot in common, in terms of our beliefs. I understand what he’s doing. I know more about it (the provocations) from you than from seeing it. I don’t use social media much, so I didn’t know he had said those things. It just makes me laugh, it’s nothing big. His desire is to make the fight bigger and I understand. We’ll see on June 28 who the old man is.”
R. Moicano (photo) in UFC victory (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @renato_moicano_ufc)
Vision of the fight
Finally, the athlete avoided false modesty and guaranteed that he was ready to overcome his rival in any area in which the fight unfolds.
“I feel like I can beat him wherever I want. If I want to stand, I’ll stand. If I want to take him down, I’ll take him down. I think I’ll finish him either way,” he concluded.
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