Tonight’s UFC Fight Night card showcases an exhilarating lightweight bout between Beneil Dariush and Arman Tsarukyan. This fight, part of the UFC on ESPN: Dariush vs. Tsarukyan event, is set to be a captivating matchup in the lightweight division.
Beneil Dariush
Beneil Dariush, an experienced competitor in the octagon, boasts an impressive record of 22 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw. Standing 5’10” tall and fighting out of a southpaw stance, Dariush is known for his significant striking ability, averaging 3.79 strikes per minute with a 49% striking accuracy. His defensive capabilities are notable as well, with a striking defense of 58% and a takedown defense of 80%. The takedown defense is particularly interesting, considering Tsarukyan’s heavy grappling style. Dariush has a balanced record of victories, with 5 wins by knockout and 8 by submission, evidencing his versatility as a fighter. His most recent fight was against Charles Oliveira on June 10, 2023, which resulted in a TKO loss in the first round. He looks to rebound with a big win in a main event matchup against the highly touted Arman Tsarukyan.
Arman Tsarukyan
Arman Tsarukyan steps into the cage with a formidable record of 20 wins and only 3 losses. His striking ability is impressive, landing 3.82 significant strikes per minute and holding a 48% striking accuracy. Tsarukyan is also extremely skilled in grappling, with a takedown average of 3.43 and a takedown accuracy of 36%. He has proven to be a strong starter, with 7 first-round finishes to his name. Tsarukyan’s recent performances include a victory over Joaquim Silva on June 17, 2023, further solidifying his position as a formidable contender in the lightweight division. His record shows a strong inclination towards knockouts, with 8 of his wins coming by this method. However, he arguably gave Islam Makhachev his toughest fight when the two faced each other back in 2019. Tsarukyan will look to rematch the champion again should he pick up a win over Beneil Dariush.
Fight Analysis
The bout between Dariush and Tsarukyan presents a classic matchup of experience versus rising talent. Dariush’s extensive experience and diverse skill set, with significant proficiency in both striking and grappling, make him a well-rounded and unpredictable opponent. His ability to withstand pressure and deliver both on the ground and standing up could pose a significant challenge to Tsarukyan. However, Tsarukyan’s impressive record and striking accuracy make him a dangerous opponent, especially in the early stages of the fight. His recent victories demonstrate his capability to dominate fights with his striking and wrestling power. The key for Dariush will be to withstand the early onslaught and leverage his experience and all-around skills, while Tsarukyan will aim to capitalize on his striking strength to secure an early victory. This fight promises to be a compelling clash of styles and could potentially be decided by who manages to control the grappling in the fight. Alternatively, the high-level grappling of the two fighters could cancel each other out and we could be in for a 5 round, stand-up war.
Arman Tsarukyan Smashes Through Beneil Dariush
Dariush opened the fight as the aggressor, throwing kicks to the legs and body while pressuring Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan then took the center of the cage and rushed in with a big right hook. Dariush responded by ducking his head, to which Tsarukyan timed a perfect knee up the middle. As they separated, Tasrukyan landed a massive right hand that dropped Dariush and had him visibly stunned. Tsarukyan followed up with three big right hooks that sealed the deal early in round one. The stoppage came at just 1:04 and gave Tsarukyan his first top 5 win in the promotion.
The 27-year-old improves to 8-2 in the promotion while increasing his winning streak to 3. He called out champion Islam Makhachev for a rematch after the win, a fight that’s intrigued fans for years.
What do you think is next for Arman Tsarukyan after this big KO? Does he deserve a title fight against Islam Makhachev? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Image Credit to Embed from Getty Images
