Dariush analyzes fight against Moicano and guarantees he can defeat the Brazilian in any area at UFC 317

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.

Slightly considered an underdog by the bookmakers, the Iranian opened up about his upcoming fight against the Brazilian and spoke exclusively to SUPER LUTAS about how he sees his next performance in the octagon.

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Beneil Dariush faces Renato Moicano at UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

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Ready for Moicano, Dariush explained that negotiations took place to reschedule the fight after UFC 311 , when the Brazilian had to replace Arman Tsarukyan on the eve of the event to fight for 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

When asked if Mateusz Gamrot was his preference over Moicano, Dariush didn't hesitate to answer that his goal is simply to face athletes who will bring him closer to the title quickly.

“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) at 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 at UFC 311. Photo: Reproduction/X

Delicate moment in career

Knocked out by Tsarukyan and Charles do Bronx in succession, Dariush confessed that thoughts of retirement crossed his mind while recovering 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 from the Brazilian, Dariush avoided creating a rivalry atmosphere and assured that he understood that the comments were intended to promote the fight that will take place on the main card of 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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