Beneil Dariush believes that the outcome of his UFC 311 match against Renato Moicano will significantly impact his future in mixed martial arts.
Since October 2022, Dariush has not secured a win and is on a two-fight losing streak. He is set to make his comeback in a lightweight bout against Moicano on January 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The fight will be available on ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPNews, and ESPN+.
The 35-year-old has been a part of the UFC for nearly 11 years. After facing knockout losses in the first round against Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira in consecutive battles, Dariush sees his upcoming match with Moicano as a pivotal point in his career.
“I don’t know exactly when I’m going to retire,” Dariush shared on MMA Junkie Radio. He explained that retirement would hinge on two factors: his desire and ability to continue. Currently, he feels motivated and capable, believing that he has improved significantly over the past year.
Dariush is eager to prove his growth inside the octagon. He asserted that if he successfully demonstrates his skills, he will keep fighting. Otherwise, it might be time to contemplate retirement. Although he respects fighters who continue for extended periods, his ultimate goal remains to become a champion. Should he believe that’s unattainable, he would likely leave the sport.
By the time he steps into the octagon at UFC 311, Dariush will have been on hiatus for more than 13 months. He claims to be in the best physical condition of his career and is eager to return to winning form.
While he is currently the betting underdog against Moicano, Dariush acknowledges and accepts this status. It serves as motivation for him, aiming to remind the world why he’s been a top-ranked lightweight for nearly a decade.
“I’m super pumped to get a name like Moicano, he’s been on a streak,” Dariush expressed. He didn’t know who his next opponent would be but has always aimed to fight the best, pursuing his dream of becoming a world champion.
Dariush understands why he’s considered the underdog, given his recent setbacks and Moicano’s momentum. “The real question is, what version of Dariush are you going to get?” he said, emphasizing the unpredictability of his performance.
For more details on the fight card, you can visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 311.
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