Career Averages - Beneil Dariush
Career Averages - Drakkar Klose
Beneil Dariush - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 4 of 10 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:32 |
| Quillan Salkilld | 1 | 12 of 19 | 63% | 15 of 24 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 4 of 10 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:32 |
| Quillan Salkilld | 1 | 12 of 19 | 63% | 15 of 24 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Quillan Salkilld | 12 of 19 | 63% | 11 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 3 of 9 | 33% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Quillan Salkilld | 12 of 19 | 63% | 11 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
In the co-main event, perennial contender Dariush (23-7-1; 17-7-1 UFC) will look to slow the rise of the red-hot Aussie Salkilld (11-1; 4-0 UFC), who has racked up quite the highlight reel since graduating from the Contender Series two years ago. Rich Mitchell draws his final referee assignment of the evening. Salkilld is orthodox, Dariush southpaw, and they exchange awkward pawing jabs with their lead hands. Out of nowhere, Dariush blasts Salkilld with a left hand, buckling his knees! Dariush is all over him but Salkilld recovers quickly, nailing Dariush with a left hand on his way in. Dariush shoves Salkilld into the fence, mugs him with a couple of punches and tries to secure a takedown. Salkilld goes to a knee but doesn’t give up the takedown, and he returns to his feet a moment later. Salkilld reverses the position and drives Dariush into the fence, only to be reversed again. Dariush works for a single-leg against the fence, but Salkilld patiently defends. They separate and Salkilld briefly changes levels, then comes back up and blasts him with a right hand.
Dariush is hurt badly, trying to get his hands on the youngster and recover, but Salkilld crushes him with another right hand that drops him. Salkilld follows up with a stream of big lefts until Mitchell interposes himself, awarding the TKO, and the biggest win of his career, to Quillan Salkilld.
The Official Result
Quillan Salkilld def. Beneil Dariush R1 3:29 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Quillan Salkilld, acknowledging that Beneil Dariush is past his prime with a compromised chin and cardio. He believes Salkilld is the better striker and should win, but hopes Dariush doesn't get knocked out badly. He notes that if Salkilld tries to grapple, Dariush might have an advantage.
Big Brady picks Quillan Salkilld to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Beneil Dariush has elite skills but a completely compromised chin, and that Salkilld has power and has knocked out durable opponents. Brady believes Dariush will get touched early and finished, especially given his age and weight cut issues.
Cody picks Salkilld by knockout, citing Dariush's declining durability and history of getting knocked out. He notes Salkilld's power and length, and believes Dariush's chin is no longer reliable.
Daniel Vreeland picks Quillan Salkilld, believing he is catching Beneil Dariush at a good time. He notes Salkilld's well-rounded skills and momentum, while Dariush has shown vulnerability to knockouts and may be past his prime. He expects a competitive fight but sees Salkilld's damage as decisive.
Odds feel very wide; Salkilld is a big favorite but unproven. Dariush is declining but skilled. The fight spread on Dariush (+3.5) and over 1.5 rounds are interesting but not committed. No bet on moneyline; dog or pass.
Lucrative James picks Quillan Salkilld to win via knockout in round one. He cites Beneil Dariush's declining chin and recent knockout losses, and believes the UFC is setting up Salkilld as a prospect. He notes Dariush's weight cut issues and desire to move up to welterweight.
The host picks Salkilld due to his youth, durability, and well-rounded skills. He expects Salkilld to strike first and find a knockout, likely early in round one. The host notes Dariush's chin issues and recent knockout loss, making it hard to trust him despite his grappling prowess.
Paul agrees with Cody, stating Dariush has all the skills but can't take a punch anymore. He highlights Salkilld's power and the fact that Dariush has been knocked out repeatedly, making Salkilld by KO the likely outcome.
The MMA Guru picks Quillan Salkilld, citing his first-round finishing potential and the pattern of younger athletes beating Dariush. He notes Dariush's recent chin issues and believes Salkilld will get a first-round TKO. He acknowledges Salkilld's grappling skills but expects a striking finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 1 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 1 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo picks Benoît Saint Denis, citing his relentless pressure and wrestling. He believes Beneil Dariush is aging and was sloppy in his last fight. Despite Dariush's scrambling skills, Angelo thinks BSD's grit and non-stop pace will overcome technique. He notes he would have picked Dariush a few years ago.
Big Brady picks Benoît Saint Denis, citing Beneil Dariush's compromised chin. He notes Dariush has been knocked out in three of his last four fights, including by Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan, and was dropped by Hakeem Dawodu. Brady believes Saint Denis can take a punch better at this stage and predicts a first-round knockout in a war. He acknowledges Dariush's elite anti-grappling and skills but says the chin is the deciding factor.
Cody picks Dariush despite the risk of a first-round knockout. He notes that Dariush has excellent grappling and cardio, and that Saint Denis tends to fade and take damage in longer fights. Cody believes that if Dariush survives the early onslaught, he can take over with his wrestling and pressure. He suggests a live bet if Dariush gets through the first round.
Connor picks Dariush confidently, citing his superior grappling and scrambling. He notes that Saint Denis relies on aggression and faith in his conditioning, but Dariush is a fluid control grappler who will stay ahead in scrambles. He warns that Dariush could lose if knocked out, but in any grappling exchange, Dariush wins.
Daniel thinks Dariush is the better overall fighter but his chin is suspect, and Saint Denis has the power and pressure to test it. He notes that Saint Denis is riding high on confidence after dismantling Ruffy, while Dariush looks a fight or two away from retirement. He leans toward Saint Denis finding a knockout, but acknowledges Dariush has paths to victory if he can avoid getting hit clean.
Lucrative James picks Benoît Saint Denis to win by knockout, despite acknowledging Dariush's superior scrambling and counter-grappling. He believes Dariush's durability is a major concern, as he has been knocked out multiple times and is getting older. He thinks BSD's relentless pressure and power will eventually catch Dariush on the feet, even if he struggles to secure takedowns. He predicts a KO victory for BSD, possibly via head kick or in a transition.
Dariush is the better fighter. Saint Denis struggles to get grappling going. Dariush scrambles out of bad positions, keeps Saint Denis on the defensive, and finds a finish in the second or third round.
Paul agrees with Cody, preferring to watch the first round before betting due to the knockout risk. He notes that Saint Denis has gassed in past fights and that Dariush's takedown defense is excellent. Paul thinks that if Dariush can avoid early trouble, he can outwork Saint Denis and potentially submit him. He is not fully confident but leans towards Dariush.
The Guru picks Benoît Saint Denis to win by TKO in round two. He believes Saint Denis' pressure, clinch work, and body shots will wear down Dariush, who may struggle with the pace. He notes that both are evenly matched on the ground, but Saint Denis has a higher KO percentage and momentum. The Guru expects Saint Denis to break Dariush against the cage.
Zane agrees with Connor, picking Dariush. He emphasizes that Saint Denis' aggressive, throw-himself-in style will not work against Dariush's relaxed, anticipatory grappling. He notes that Saint Denis lost to Moicano by being overwhelmed, and Dariush is a better grappler than Moicano.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 0 | 56 of 107 | 52% | 77 of 131 | 5 of 5 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 5:53 |
| Renato Moicano | 1 | 31 of 61 | 50% | 38 of 69 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 22 of 46 | 47% | 22 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Renato Moicano | 1 | 22 of 42 | 52% | 25 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:45 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 8 of 14 | 57% | 28 of 37 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:46 |
| Renato Moicano | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 3 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 26 of 47 | 55% | 27 of 48 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:07 |
| Renato Moicano | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 10 of 20 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:35 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 56 of 107 | 52% | 30 of 73 | 10 of 15 | 16 of 19 | 47 of 95 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 7 |
| Renato Moicano | 31 of 61 | 50% | 25 of 52 | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 25 of 54 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 22 of 46 | 47% | 9 of 28 | 3 of 6 | 10 of 12 | 22 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Renato Moicano | 22 of 42 | 52% | 16 of 33 | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 16 of 35 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 8 of 14 | 57% | 8 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 7 |
| Renato Moicano | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 26 of 47 | 55% | 13 of 32 | 7 of 8 | 6 of 7 | 22 of 43 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Renato Moicano | 8 of 17 | 47% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Beneil Dariush because he believes Dariush's grappling and striking are a good matchup against Renato Moicano, who he thinks is too busy with outside commitments to be fully focused. He notes that Dariush is a BJJ world champion and a powerful striker, and he doesn't see Moicano out-grappling him. He also points out that Moicano's takedowns are not clean and he often clinches, while Dariush has shown incredible scrambles against top competition.
Big Brady likes the stylistic matchup for Dariush, who has elite takedown defense and is the better striker with more power. However, he is worried about Dariush coming off back-to-back knockout losses, his age, and potential chin issues. He thinks Moicano doesn't have knockout power but could still hurt Dariush. Brady predicts Dariush will win by knockout, but he is not confident due to the layoff and durability concerns.
Connor picks Dariush but is not confident. He notes that Moicano has never knocked anyone out standing, so Dariush can survive on the feet. He believes Dariush's wrestling and grappling are superior, and that Moicano's confidence can waver when things go wrong. However, he acknowledges that Moicano's lightweight run has been unpredictable and that Dariush has been knocked out brutally before.
The host is surprised Moicano is the favorite, believing Dariush's durability and grappling defense will shut down Moicano's approach. He predicts Dariush will land big shots and finish inside the distance, likely by TKO or submission within two and a half rounds.
The host picks Renato Moicano by decision, citing Dariush's long layoff and recent KO losses. He believes Moicano's grappling and striking have improved, and that he will start fast and set the tone. He expects a competitive fight but sees Moicano winning a 29-28 decision.
Zane also picks Dariush but is hesitant. He agrees that Moicano is not a dangerous striker and that Dariush can likely outgrapple him. He notes that Dariush has fought and beaten good grapplers before. However, he acknowledges that Moicano's run has been strange and that he has a tendency to find ways to win even when losing.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arman Tsarukyan | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Beneil Dariush | 1 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arman Tsarukyan | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Beneil Dariush | 1 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arman Tsarukyan | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Beneil Dariush | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arman Tsarukyan | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Beneil Dariush | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 3 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tsarukyan (-278), Dariush (+225)
Round 1
Lightweights close the show in the five-round headliner, where Dariush (22-5-1, 16-5-1 UFC) sets his sights on Tsarukyan (20-3, 7-2 UFC) at 155 pounds. Tsarukyan has rattled off eight victories across his past nine outings.
For more on the American Top Team standout, see “Rivalries: Arman Tsarukyan” in Features
. Smith administers the law and order once the Octagon door closes. They touch gloves to get us started in the final bout of the night. Dariush fires an inside leg kick, eats a jab and then attacks the leg again.
Tsarukyan steps forward with a knee and follows it with a brutal right hook, dropping Dariush where he stands. He then dives in with punches and pounds Dariush unconscious. A signature victory for the young lightweight contender
.
The Official Result
Arman Tsarukyan def. Beneil Dariush—KO (Punches) 1:04 R1
Big Brady picks Arman Tsarukyan, citing youth, cardio, and durability advantages. He notes Dariush has been finished in all five of his losses, and that Tsarukyan's relentless pace will break him down in the later rounds. He predicts a third-round TKO, as Tsarukyan's ground and pound and big shots will eventually finish Dariush.
Cody picks Tsarukyan but acknowledges Dariush's skills and path to victory. He notes Dariush's cardio, high ring IQ, and BJJ black belt, but thinks Tsarukyan's speed and youth are decisive. He mentions Tsarukyan's five-round experience and that he's only getting better. He doesn't love the money line but expects Tsarukyan to win, possibly by finish.
Lucrative James picks Beneil Dariush, stating that the line is wide and disrespectful at +240. He believes Dariush can defend takedowns and scramble well, and is the better striker. He notes that Tsarukyan's youth and tenacity could be a factor in a five-round fight, but still sees Dariush as the side. He would go heavy on Dariush if it were a three-round fight.
Tsarukyan has high-level wrestling and improving striking, and he is expected to control the fight with his grappling and striking advantage. However, Dariush is a live underdog with great scrambling and BJJ, making the fight closer than the odds suggest. Tsarukyan is predicted to win by decision over 3.5 rounds, but a small underdog shot on Dariush is also recommended due to value.
Paul thinks Tsarukyan is the rightful favorite due to a sizable speed advantage and good enough grappling to avoid submissions. He notes the line is wide but doesn't see much value at -310. He mentions Tsarukyan's speed in striking and entrances/exits as the biggest difference. He is not lining up to bet it but picks Tsarukyan.
The MMA Guru picks Arman Tsarukyan, believing his youth, wrestling, and striking will be too much for Beneil Dariush. He notes Tsarukyan's reach advantage and ability to win the leg kick battle. He predicts Tsarukyan will break Dariush down and win by TKO in the fourth round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Oliveira | 1 | 26 of 36 | 72% | 37 of 47 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:31 |
| Beneil Dariush | 0 | 12 of 28 | 42% | 32 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:44 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Oliveira | 1 | 26 of 36 | 72% | 37 of 47 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:31 |
| Beneil Dariush | 0 | 12 of 28 | 42% | 32 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:44 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Oliveira | 26 of 36 | 72% | 23 of 32 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 7 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 16 of 20 |
| Beneil Dariush | 12 of 28 | 42% | 8 of 24 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 14 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Oliveira | 26 of 36 | 72% | 23 of 32 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 7 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 16 of 20 |
| Beneil Dariush | 12 of 28 | 42% | 8 of 24 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 14 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dariush (-140), Oliveira (+120)
Round 1
Hold onto your hats, because a fight many fans and observers circled on their calendars is about to happen. Former champ Oliveira (33-9, 1 NC; 21-9, 1 NC UFC), fresh off losing his belt to Islam Makhachev, is aiming to bounce back from that submission loss. Across from him is the surging Dariush (22-4-1, 16-4-1 UFC), who has strung eight impressive wins together to earn this potential no. 1 contender matchup. While unfortunately only scheduled for three rounds, the two top lightweights might not need that long. Referee Jason Herzog earns the honor of officiating this co-main attraction, and the combatants respectfully bump fists first. Oliveira reaches out with a front kick, and as he does, Dariush kicks his lead leg. Oliveira walks straight into the fire, throwing a head kick and shaking Dariush up, and the two trade furious strikes. The two wind up clashing together, chest to chest, and Oliveira looks to lift Dariush and dump him to the mat but ends up falling to his back. Dariush sits in the close guard and lands a few punches, and Oliveira actively pushes off the chest and uses upkicks. Oliveira attacks with hammerfists while Dariush is striking him from above, and the blows from Dariush are heavier. Oliveira pursues a leglock, and he hooks Dariush’ leg beneath his armpit. Dariush stands up, and he slips his foot out and meanders back into Oliveira’s guard. Dariush swings hard down at his opponent, and he punches the floor a few times with Oliveira swaying back and forth. Oliveira kicks off with upkicks again, and Dariush settles to return to the closed guard, smacking the Brazilian with hammerfists and punches. Dariush avoids any traps, but Oliveira bursts back to his feet and knees his man in the chest. Oliveira abandons the clinch and boots Dariush in the head. Dariush is stung from that and a subsequent left hand, and he knocks Dariush to his knees with a clubbing right hand behind the ear. Dariush drops to go after a takedown, and when that fails, he rolls with desperation with for some kind of leglock. “Do Bronx” pushes right past it and slams his fists down on Dariush again and again. Dariush tries to turn to his side, but his bell is rung and Oliveira is not about to let him off the hook. The punches continue to mount for the Brazilian, who will not stop until Herzog pulls him off. As he keeps beating down the Kings MMA fighter, Herzog has no choice but to wave the fight off. The former champ peels off to jump atop the cage and soak it in as the deafening crowd showers him with cheers and affection. Oliveira climbs back down to embrace his fallen foe, and then he leaps out of the cage to go hug someone in the crowd. This is a statement performance for Oliveira, who claims his 20th finish as a UFC fighter, which adds to his own record. Lightweights will not likely going to line up wanting to face him next, and he has just one goal in mind: he wants his belt back, calling out Islam Makhachev and offering to the UFC brass that he will fight Makhachev on his home soil.
The Official Result
Charles Oliveira def. Beneil Dariush R1 4:10 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Beneil Dariush, having placed 1.5 units on him at -125. He argues that Dariush is the better wrestler and grappler, and that his no-gi BJJ world championship credentials give him an edge. He believes Dariush can avoid Charles Oliveira's submission threats by staying controlled and not creating scrambles. He thinks Dariush's power and wrestling will be key.
Big Brady picks Beneil Dariush to finish Charles Oliveira in the first round. He notes that Dariush has the wrestling to dictate where the fight goes and has heavy hands. Oliveira is hittable and has been dropped in recent fights. Dariush's power and grappling should overwhelm Oliveira early. He predicts a knockdown followed by a submission or TKO.
Cody picks Beneil Dariush despite being a fan of Oliveira. He argues that Dariush is a thinking man's fighter with high ring IQ, underrated power, and a nasty liver kick. He notes that Oliveira's reckless approach and durability issues (gets knocked down often) play into Dariush's precision. He also believes Dariush's wrestling and BJJ are good enough to grapple with Oliveira, and he can win standing or on the ground. He expects the fight to end inside the distance.
Connor picks Dariush confidently, citing his superior grappling and pressure. He believes Dariush can out-grapple Oliveira and that Oliveira's submission threat is overrated. He notes that Dariush is willing to grapple and has the skills to neutralize Oliveira's guard. However, he acknowledges the risk of Oliveira's power and chaos.
Daniel Levi picks Beneil Dariush in a coin-toss fight, citing momentum and Dariush's time to get a title shot. He notes that Dariush has paid his dues and is on a win streak, while Oliveira has been dropped in his last three fights. He believes Dariush will not be afraid to follow Oliveira to the ground, unlike previous opponents, and that Dariush's calm, pressure-based Jiu-Jitsu can neutralize Oliveira's non-stop attacking style. However, he acknowledges Oliveira's offensive potency and the possibility of Dariush getting hurt.
James picks Beneil Dariush, believing Oliveira's time at the top is done. He thinks Dariush's distance control with his left kick and technical striking can make Oliveira look amateur on the feet, similar to how Islam Makhachev did. He also believes Dariush can get takedowns and has elite jiu-jitsu to avoid submissions. However, he notes Dariush's chin is vulnerable and he could be dragged into a brawl, where Oliveira has an edge. James sees Dariush winning by decision or submission, and considers the moneyline value good.
Dariush has a well-rounded game with improved striking and excellent defensive grappling. Oliveira is dangerous everywhere but has shown vulnerability to pressure and wrestling. Dariush's ability to stuff takedowns and land on the feet should lead to a finish, likely by KO. The under 2.5 rounds is a strong play given both fighters' finishing rates.
Paul leans toward Dariush, citing his technical striking and smart approach. He thinks Oliveira could do crazy things early, but once Dariush susses out the situation, he will take over and find his advantage. Paul is not betting this fight but is interested in a PrizePicks play on under 1.5 takedowns for Dariush, reasoning that Dariush may not want to go to the ground with Oliveira.
The MMA Guru picks Beneil Dariush over Charles Oliveira, despite wanting Oliveira to win. He notes Dariush's consistent recent performances, great takedown defense, and improving hands. He worries about Oliveira's tendency to get dropped and his injury layoff. He believes Dariush can control where the fight goes and may finish or win a decision.
Zane also picks Dariush, emphasizing that if Dariush can scramble with Oliveira on the ground, he can win. He notes that Dariush's defensive wrestling and scrambling were impressive against Gamrot and Ferreira. He acknowledges the danger of Oliveira's striking but believes Dariush's grappling advantage is key.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 1 | 59 of 130 | 45% | 67 of 138 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 0 | 33 of 81 | 40% | 38 of 86 | 4 of 19 | 21% | 0 | 0 | 2:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 9 of 26 | 34% | 13 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 0 | 9 of 13 | 69% | 13 of 17 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:22 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 31 of 67 | 46% | 32 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 0 | 15 of 47 | 31% | 15 of 47 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 1 | 19 of 37 | 51% | 22 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 0 | 9 of 21 | 42% | 10 of 22 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 59 of 130 | 45% | 35 of 100 | 15 of 21 | 9 of 9 | 52 of 121 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 6 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 33 of 81 | 40% | 22 of 67 | 9 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 29 of 76 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 9 of 26 | 34% | 2 of 16 | 4 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 9 of 13 | 69% | 8 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 9 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 31 of 67 | 46% | 19 of 53 | 8 of 10 | 4 of 4 | 27 of 62 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 15 of 47 | 31% | 9 of 40 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 46 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 19 of 37 | 51% | 14 of 31 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 36 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | 9 of 21 | 42% | 5 of 16 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gamrot (-195), Dariush (+165)
Round 1
Like every other main card tilt, this lightweight affair pitting Dariush (21-4-1, 15-4-1 UFC) against Gamrot (21-1, 1 NC; 4-1 UFC) has nearly immediate championship implications, as the victor could very likely be next in line for the winner of the headliner a few fights from now. Before they can look ahead, they have to get past the other, and they will do so under the watchful eye of referee Dan Movahedi. The two bump fists, and after a few seconds to find their feet in the cage, Dariush slings a pair of quick kicks. Dariush rushes forward with a high kick, and Gamrot attacks for a takedown. A furious scramble ensues, and Gamrot lowers Dariush down but finds himself in leglock danger. Dariush attempts to sweep with this, but the two end up back on their feet. Gamrot pushes him to the wall, but he releases his foe and they reset. The right ear of Gamrot is split, and it starts to bleed, but he pays it no mind. Dariush attacks with a few low kicks, and Gamrot catches a body kick that follows and dumps Dariush to the mat. Dariush pursues a leglock as soon as they hit the ground, and he considers a heel hook but is on the wrong side without the right leverage to lock it down. “Gamer” pulls his leg out and stands up, and Dariush follows him. Gamrot stays tightly pressed to his opponent, before releasing him and backing off. An odd takedown entry allows Gamrot to get his hands on Dariush and drag the fight down, but Dariush defends with an awkward position to stop it. Dariush implores the referee to break them up, so Gamrot answers this by taking Dariush’s legs out beneath him. The Polish fighter cannot keep Dariush down, so he backs off and lets Dariush kick him in the side. On the kick, Gamrot grabs it, and he gives a shove but cannot ground Dariush this time. They trade kicks, and Gamrot slips on the way out before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Gamrot
Round 2
Sherdog encountered some technical difficulties at the beginning of this round, and we apologize for the inconvenience. We resume the action at the beginning of Round 2. The lightweights touch ‘em up, and Gamrot leans forward into a punch and has a strange reaction to it, but it could have been from a possible takedown setup. Gamrot resets and crashes forward for an authentic try, and Dariush tosses him aside and lets Gamrot get his footing again. Dariush kicks the body and gets punched in the head for his effort, and Gamrot counters another kick with an overhand right. Dariush pushes a jab out, and he sets up a high kick that glances off the shoulder. The lightweights clash legs at the same time, and Dariush walks forward to engage only to get sniped with a jab. Gamrot dives down to the ankle to take the fight down, and Dariush pulls his leg away and backs away. Dariush intercepts his opponent with a stern knee, and he targets the body with his shin as his legs continue to be his best weapon. A Gamrot takedown is stuffed, and Dariush makes him pay by chopping at his lead leg. The single strikes come back and forth, and Gamrot darts forward to throw a few in a bundle, but Dariush slips and rips with a left hand. The former KSW champ slowly moves forward without pulling the trigger, and he is forced to block a high kick that rolls off his shoulder. Dariush scoops up an uppercut and gets backed off with an overhand right, and Gamrot blitzes him with a knee. Gamrot sprints at his foe for one final takedown, and the scramble that ensues ends the round with both men on their seats.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Round 3
The top lightweights meet in the middle and offer half-hearted gloved touch that is more of a jab, and Gamrot claims the center of the cage. Gamrot punches his way into a takedown entry, but the veteran savvy of Dariush smoothly flows with the attempt and forces Gamrot to release his grip and stand back up. Dariush lets him have it with a flush kick to the body, and he lets go with a subsequent pair of kicks to the upper thigh. As Gamrot replies with a head kick try, Dariush pops him with a right hook. Gamrot comes up short with another high kick, and Dariush sees his strikes coming and is seemingly one step ahead of the offense. Dariush lifts up a knee that bounces off the midsection when Gamrot strides forward, and Gamrot continues to give chase no matter what he absorbs. The crowd appears distracted with the drama outside the cage, and they rain down a shower of boos not targeting the fighters but at that individual or individuals. As they are paying attention to something out of the cage, Gamrot leaps forward to snatch up Dariush’s lead leg and look for a takedown, but the attempt fails and Dariush gains his balance and hops away. Gamrot loops a right hand over the top, but it is one-and-done when Dariush backpedals. Dariush prepares a left-hand counter for when Gamrot walks into his range, and he times a spectacular blow that knocks Gamrot clean off his feet. The recoverability of Gamrot is solid, as he somersaults back and gets right back into action following the flash knockdown. Gamrot punches his way into a takedown attempt, and Dariush smoothly follows him all the way through to get to his knees and back up without spending much time on his back. The fight comes to an end with one final exchange of alternating punches, and the lightweights hug it out after the bell sounds. It remains to be seen if the victor here has done enough to earn a crack at the triumphant man of the main event, a shot which also hinges on the result of that match itself.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (29-28 Dariush)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (29-28 Dariush)
John Brannigan scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (29-28 Dariush)
The Official Result
Beneil Dariush def. Mateusz Gamrot via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Angelo picks Mateusz Gamrot confidently, stating he is better everywhere than Dariush. He highlights Gamrot's wrestling, power, cardio, and pace, and notes that Dariush has been waiting for a title shot while Gamrot has been active. He has 2 units on Gamrot at -185 and expects the line to move.
Big Brady picks Gamrot to win by knockout in the second round. He questions Dariush's chin (three knockout losses) and believes Gamrot's volume and deceptive power will catch him. He expects the fight to play out mostly on the feet, with Gamrot dictating the range. He notes Dariush's striking is underrated but trusts Gamrot to land a finishing shot.
Cody thinks Gamrot is the pick, noting his wrestling pedigree and takedown defense. He believes Gamrot's pressure and pace will be key, and that Dariush may struggle with cardio. Cody acknowledges Dariush is a live underdog but feels Gamrot is getting more comfortable and should put on a clean performance. He is not super high on Gamrot this week because Dariush could spoil.
Connor picks Gamrot, citing his incredible pace and cardio, which he believes will wear down Dariush over three rounds. He notes that Dariush often gasses after going berserk, and Gamrot's ability to keep up high-intensity scrambles will exploit that. However, he acknowledges that Dariush could win early if he lands a big shot or imposes his grappling.
Daniel Levi slightly leans toward Mateusz Gamrot. He praises Gamrot's unorthodox low single leg takedown and relentless pressure, noting he attempted 21 takedowns against Arman Tsarukyan. Levi is concerned about Dariush's recent broken ankle and whether he will be fully recovered. He thinks Dariush has the better striking, especially body kicks, but worries that Gamrot's wrestling and scrambling could overwhelm Dariush over three rounds. Levi does not bet this fight.
Gamrot has shown he can grapple with high-level fighters like Arman Tsarukyan. Dariush's reckless style may leave him open to counters. Gamrot is the cleaner striker and has cardio advantage. The under 2.5 at +160 or Gamrot inside the distance at +250 are intriguing. A one-unit shot on the under is the play.
Paul is torn but leans Gamrot, citing that wrestling may be negated in the big cage and that Gamrot has speed and grappling advantages. He mentions Dariush's chin issues from the past and that Gamrot's power could be a factor. Paul is not sure about betting but picks Gamrot.
The MMA Guru picks Mateusz Gamrot over Beneil Dariush. He questions the quality of Dariush's wins (e.g., Ferguson) and notes Dariush's long layoff due to a broken leg. He believes Gamrot's youth, momentum, and grappling will overwhelm Dariush, predicting a decision win with some dangerous moments.
Zane picks Dariush, arguing that Dariush's well-rounded game and ability to control the fight early will give him an edge. He notes that Dariush is a hell of a grappler and can match Gamrot's wrestling, and that Gamrot's takedowns don't lead to control. He admits it's a close fight and that Dariush's tendency to get hurt is a concern, but he thinks Dariush can win a decision or finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 0 | 15 of 34 | 44% | 37 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Tony Ferguson | 0 | 23 of 55 | 41% | 76 of 142 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 1 | 1 | 12:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 7 of 18 | 38% | 13 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tony Ferguson | 0 | 10 of 28 | 35% | 32 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:40 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Tony Ferguson | 0 | 6 of 14 | 42% | 26 of 41 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 1 | 4:04 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 13 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tony Ferguson | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 18 of 35 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 4:31 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 15 of 34 | 44% | 10 of 29 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 10 |
| Tony Ferguson | 23 of 55 | 41% | 16 of 48 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 44 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 10 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 7 of 18 | 38% | 6 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 |
| Tony Ferguson | 10 of 28 | 35% | 6 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 27 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Tony Ferguson | 6 of 14 | 42% | 5 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 6 of 12 | 50% | 3 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 |
| Tony Ferguson | 7 of 13 | 53% | 5 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Up next is the long-awaited co-main event, which sees Ferguson (25-5, 15-3 UFC) try to snap the first losing streak of his career against the surging Dariush (20-4-1, 14-4-1 UFC). Hold on to your hats, this one is about to get crazy. Referee Mike Beltran clocks them in and they do not touch gloves, preferring to let their hands settle things instead. Ferguson stutter-steps forward into a left hand, but he is no worse for wear from it. Dariush kicks across Ferguson’s leg to his surprise, and he darts in with a left hook that falls short. Dariush charges in to attack, and Ferguson eats a few shots but is slick and moving everywhere to avoid the shots. Dariush scores another unusual leg kick to Ferguson’s rear leg, and Dariush is ready to brawl and throws hands to catch Ferguson off-guard. Dariush presses forward, and he hits a body lock takedown to plant Ferguson on his back. Ferguson kicks him off, scores an upkick, and pulls a high rubber guard when Dariush climbs back down. Dariush ignores it and pushes through to land a few punches to the body, but “El Cucuy” is holding him tight and elbowing him on the side of the head a few times. Ferguson looks to set up a triangle choke, but when that fails, he recovers his guard. Dariush sits up to start nailing Ferguson with punches and elbows, and Ferguson takes them on the chin all while continuing to hack back with elbows. Ferguson rolls over to nearly sweep Dariush, but he is pushed back over and finds himself surrendering half guard. Dariush steps over to set up an arm-triangle choke, and Ferguson looks to roll through and attack with an armbar as he pushes off the fence. Dariush sees it coming and flows with him, where he slides into Ferguson’s butterfly guard. The Kings MMA fighter resecures half guard, and he steps over to the other side to land some ground-and-pound. When Dariush looks to congratulate him for the round, Ferguson pushes him away to go back to his corner.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Round 2
The second round begins with Ferguson taking the center of the cage, and Dariush kicks his lead leg. Ferguson falls down Dariush looks to take him down. Instead of succumbing to a bad position, Ferguson attacks a brabo choke from his back against the wall. Dariush stays patient and unconcerned with the submission until Ferguson bails on it, where he looks to pull Ferguson’s legs out from beneath him. Dariush pulls him off the fence to put Ferguson flat on his back, and Dariush in full guard starts slugging away at Ferguson. Dariush ignores Ferguson’s flailing on his back to smash his fists on Ferguson’s head, and elbows and punches land until Ferguson tries to push him away. Dariush stays committed to keeping Ferguson grounded, and Ferguson attacks with a submission to get Dariush to back off. Ferguson sweeps Dariush in a wild scramble, and Dariush pulls him back down to attack a heel hook. Ferguson is in serious agony, and he grimaces but does not yell out and instead kicks Dariush in the chest to break the grip. As Dariush loosens the grip, he climbs over on top. Dariush steps into half guard, where he threatens with an arm-triangle choke but is more intent on smothering Ferguson’s face with his chest. Ferguson elbows him a few times, but Dariush does not care as he stays pressed heavy to the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Round 3
Ferguson’s leg is severely compromised from the heel hook, and he tries to use his tricky movement but does not have his wheels about him. Dariush walks through any strikes to grab hold of Ferguson, and “El Cucuy” latches on to a guillotine choke. Dariush lifts him up and slams him down, where he breaks the grip and gains an advantageous position. The two end up in a north-south position as Ferguson kicks off the fence, but Dariush expertly traverses the guard to try to get side control. The crowd chants “stand them up,” and these chants echo through the Toyota Center, Beltran asks the fighters to keep moving. Dariush pulls on his adversary to try to get Ferguson’s legs away from the cage, and the two are in a grappling stalemate with no strikes thrown of any kind. Dariush grinds his elbow on Ferguson’s chin, and Ferguson holds on tight but is not doing anything of note either. This odd north-south posture continues as fans grow more restless, and Dariush hops over to side control. Ferguson looks to set up an arm-triangle choke from his back like Maurice Greene pulled off on Gian Villante, but Dariush breaks the grip and hops over on top. Ferguson rolls through and the two get back to their north-south with Ferguson’s feet on the cage, and Dariush spins through to try to land strikes. Ferguson closes his guard and Dariush lands a few short punches to the body. Dariush finishes the fight with a few punches from above, and Ferguson answers with elbows to end this disappointing yet one-sided lightweight clash.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (30-27 Dariush)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (30-27 Dariush)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dariush (30-27 Dariush)
The Official Result
Beneil Dariush def. Tony Ferguson via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Ferguson has taken massive damage and looks diminished. Dariush is a BJJ black belt with good striking and takedowns. He can implement a similar game plan to Oliveira: take Ferguson down and control him. Ferguson is tough to finish, so I expect a decision win for Dariush.
Cody also picks Dariush, emphasizing Ferguson's decline and poor game plans. He notes that Ferguson's wins are aging and he hasn't knocked anyone out in years. Cody believes Dariush is a thinking man's fighter who will use takedowns and top control to win. He points out that Ferguson's takedown defense is weak and his submission game is not a threat from the bottom. Cody expects Dariush to win the first round and then secure a decision.
Daniel Levi picks Beneil Dariush, emphasizing Ferguson's decline since his knee injury and the Gaethje fight. He notes Dariush's six-fight win streak, knockout power, and jiu-jitsu credentials, and believes Dariush can mix takedowns and avoid submissions. Levi is concerned about Dariush's tendency to leave openings and gas, but thinks Ferguson's durability and chin have diminished. He expects Dariush to dominate and win via decision or late stoppage.
The host picks Dariush but is not confident, noting Ferguson's chaotic style could cause problems. He thinks Dariush should have a grappling advantage and grind out a decision, but worries about Ferguson's ability to create volatility. He says he is not running to the betting window on Dariush.
Paul picks Dariush, citing Ferguson's decline. He notes that Ferguson has lost to elite guys and looked abysmal in his last two fights. Paul believes Dariush's wrestling and game planning will be key, as he can take Ferguson down and neutralize him, similar to what Oliveira did. He mentions that Ferguson's takedown defense is poor and his submission game is not a threat from the bottom. Paul expects Dariush to win by decision, using takedowns to control the fight.
The MMA Guru picks Beneil Dariush over Tony Ferguson, citing Ferguson's age and recent decline. He notes that Ferguson's wins are aging poorly and that Dariush thrives under chaos, which is key against Ferguson. He predicts Dariush will control the fight with grappling and win a unanimous decision 29-28.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 0 | 54 of 121 | 44% | 74 of 145 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:58 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 0 | 62 of 116 | 53% | 74 of 132 | 5 of 15 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 7:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 21 of 39 | 53% | 24 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 0 | 29 of 51 | 56% | 32 of 54 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 3:06 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 14 of 24 | 58% | 30 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 18 of 34 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 3:37 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 19 of 58 | 32% | 20 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:36 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 0 | 23 of 43 | 53% | 24 of 44 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 54 of 121 | 44% | 43 of 104 | 10 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 45 of 109 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 7 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 62 of 116 | 53% | 46 of 98 | 10 of 12 | 6 of 6 | 51 of 93 | 3 of 5 | 8 of 18 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 21 of 39 | 53% | 17 of 32 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 19 of 37 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 29 of 51 | 56% | 24 of 46 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 22 of 38 | 0 of 2 | 7 of 11 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 14 of 24 | 58% | 10 of 20 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 19 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 2 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 10 of 22 | 45% | 7 of 17 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 7 | |
| 3 | Beneil Dariush | 19 of 58 | 32% | 16 of 52 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 53 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | 23 of 43 | 53% | 15 of 35 | 6 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 23 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady slightly edges Carlos Diego Ferreira, citing his durability and output advantage. He notes that Dariush has been knocked out three times and Ferreira is not a knockout artist, but Ferreira's volume could be key. He expects a very close decision and admits it's a coin-flip fight.
Daniel Levi picks Beneil Dariush, noting his wrestling and top control advantage. He acknowledges Ferreira's improved boxing and footwork, but believes Dariush's grappling and ability to avoid submissions will be key. He mentions Dariush's past win over Ferreira and his experience against high-level grapplers.
Ferreira has transformed his game since joining Fortis MMA, showing improved striking, pace, and pressure. He averages 283 strikes thrown per fight and has great cardio. His takedown defense has improved, and he gets back to his feet quickly. Dariush has been in firefights recently and may struggle with Ferreira's constant forward pressure. Ferreira's durability and chin are solid. I expect Ferreira to push the pace, outwork Dariush, and win a decision. The line is fair and Ferreira is the better fighter now.
The MMA Guru picks Beneil Dariush in a close fight, noting the odds should be 50-50. He praises Dariush's youth, activity, and improving stand-up, citing his performance against Edson Barboza. He questions Ferreira's wins over aging opponents and thinks Dariush's grappling will keep him safe. He predicts a 29-28 unanimous decision.
Drakkar Klose - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edson Barboza | 0 | 71 of 120 | 59% | 73 of 122 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:50 |
| Drakkar Klose | 0 | 53 of 102 | 51% | 147 of 209 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edson Barboza | 0 | 24 of 36 | 66% | 26 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:26 |
| Drakkar Klose | 0 | 15 of 29 | 51% | 68 of 89 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:33 | |
| 2 | Edson Barboza | 0 | 18 of 38 | 47% | 18 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:02 |
| Drakkar Klose | 0 | 25 of 44 | 56% | 50 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:40 | |
| 3 | Edson Barboza | 0 | 29 of 46 | 63% | 29 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:22 |
| Drakkar Klose | 0 | 13 of 29 | 44% | 29 of 45 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edson Barboza | 71 of 120 | 59% | 26 of 64 | 32 of 38 | 13 of 18 | 57 of 105 | 14 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
| Drakkar Klose | 53 of 102 | 51% | 35 of 78 | 6 of 9 | 12 of 15 | 43 of 89 | 10 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edson Barboza | 24 of 36 | 66% | 4 of 11 | 13 of 17 | 7 of 8 | 18 of 30 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Drakkar Klose | 15 of 29 | 51% | 8 of 18 | 1 of 3 | 6 of 8 | 13 of 27 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Edson Barboza | 18 of 38 | 47% | 7 of 22 | 10 of 12 | 1 of 4 | 14 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Drakkar Klose | 25 of 44 | 56% | 19 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 4 | 19 of 36 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Edson Barboza | 29 of 46 | 63% | 15 of 31 | 9 of 9 | 5 of 6 | 25 of 42 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Drakkar Klose | 13 of 29 | 44% | 8 of 23 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo acknowledges both fighters are older but notes Barboza's striking, speed, and experience against top competition. He thinks Klose could wrestle but hasn't seen enough to suggest Barboza is washed. He leans Barboza but is not confident enough to bet on him.
Big Brady picks Edson Barboza to win by second-round knockout. He notes Barboza is moving back up to lightweight, which should help his durability. He worries about Barboza's chin but thinks Klose doesn't have much power, with only two knockdowns in the UFC. He believes Barboza is the better striker and will knock out Klose, as Klose's path to victory is to sell out for grappling. He also mentions Klose's questionable durability and poor performance against Silva.
The host considers Klose one of the most underrated lightweights. He expects Klose to avoid Barboza's early finishing attempts, clinch him against the cage, wear him down, and grind out a decision win on the mat.
The Guru picks Drakkar Klose to win by decision, 29-28. He cannot trust Edson Barboza at this point in his career, citing Barboza's long layoff, injuries, and move back up to lightweight. The Guru notes that Barboza took a lot of damage in his last fight against Lerone Murphy and that Klose will grapple and use his physicality. He believes Klose can execute a 'tepid version' of the recipe to beat Barboza and win a decision, though Barboza may have moments of hurting Klose.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Alvarez | 0 | 20 of 24 | 83% | 39 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Drakkar Klose | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 16 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:08 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joel Alvarez | 0 | 20 of 24 | 83% | 39 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Drakkar Klose | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 16 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:08 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Alvarez | 20 of 24 | 83% | 15 of 19 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 16 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Drakkar Klose | 7 of 13 | 53% | 1 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 12 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joel Alvarez | 20 of 24 | 83% | 15 of 19 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 16 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Drakkar Klose | 7 of 13 | 53% | 1 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 12 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Alvarez (-395), Klose (+310)
Round 1
The referee for this lightweight contest is Dan Miragliotta. Klose and Alvarez meet in the center of the cage. Klose lands a heavy leg kick and then goes to the body twice. Alvarez using his length to jab on the outside. Alvarez hurts Klose with a straight right hand. Klose powers through with a takedown and goes straight into side control. Alvarez gets back to guard and starts landing elbows. Alvarez uses the cage to get back up. Klose gets hurt by a 1-2.
Alvarez lands a jumping knee, and Klose is knocked immediately out cold. Alvarez is holding up the body of Klose and landing more punches until the referee steps in.
Wow!
The Official Result
Joel Alvarez def. Drakkar Klose via KO (Knee and Punches); R1, 2:48.
Angelo picks Alvarez despite being a vocal hater, because Alvarez's striking looked fantastic in his last fight and his jiu-jitsu is very good. He notes that Klose is a good wrestler with solid boxing, but Alvarez has more ways to win. However, he strongly believes the odds are too wide (3-to-1 favorite) and that this should be a close fight. He warns that Klose can control where the fight goes and if he has success striking, Alvarez is in trouble because he has no offensive wrestling.
Big Brady picks Joel Alvarez to win by second-round submission. He is confident Alvarez is a problem, with 18 submissions and improving striking. He thinks Klose is vulnerable after the Jeremy Stephens push and looked bad against Warlley Alves. He expects Alvarez to hurt Klose on the feet and then snatch a submission when Klose shoots.
Connor also picks Alvarez but is hesitant, noting that Klose is a durable wrestle-boxer who has only lost to Benil Dariush and a split decision to David Teymur. He points out that Alvarez is a dangerous opportunist whose whole game is built to spring traps, but Klose is tough to finish and might be able to control the fight in the clinch. Connor thinks Alvarez's long strikes and submission threats give him the advantage, but it's a risky pick.
Alvarez's aggressiveness should allow him to get a late finish over Klose, specifically in the second or third round. However, Klose's strength of schedule and grinding ability make him worth an underdog consideration given the wide odds.
The MMA Guru picks Joel Alvarez, calling him 'the truth' in the lightweight division. He praises Alvarez's multi-range ability: striking at range, clinch work, and submissions. He notes that Alvarez is entering his prime at 31, has improved his weight cut, and has a highlight-reel finish over Elves Brener. He contrasts this with Drakkar Klose, whom he considers consistently mid and lacking dynamic ability to separate himself. He predicts a TKO in the second round.
Zane picks Alvarez but with hesitation, noting that Klose is a tough, durable fighter who has only lost once clearly in his career. He acknowledges that Alvarez's game is full of holes but is directionally sound, built to draw opponents into traps. He worries that Klose might be able to frustrate Alvarez with clinch work and toughness, but ultimately believes Alvarez's finishing ability and opportunistic style give him the edge.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drakkar Klose | 1 | 59 of 93 | 63% | 143 of 179 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:55 |
| Joaquim Silva | 0 | 70 of 123 | 56% | 96 of 151 | 0 of 7 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 5:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drakkar Klose | 0 | 20 of 30 | 66% | 25 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Joaquim Silva | 0 | 29 of 54 | 53% | 35 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 | |
| 2 | Drakkar Klose | 0 | 15 of 20 | 75% | 79 of 86 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Joaquim Silva | 0 | 17 of 23 | 73% | 35 of 43 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:58 | |
| 3 | Drakkar Klose | 1 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 39 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:41 |
| Joaquim Silva | 0 | 24 of 46 | 52% | 26 of 48 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:15 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drakkar Klose | 59 of 93 | 63% | 25 of 53 | 21 of 27 | 13 of 13 | 33 of 63 | 22 of 26 | 4 of 4 |
| Joaquim Silva | 70 of 123 | 56% | 40 of 82 | 22 of 30 | 8 of 11 | 44 of 91 | 26 of 32 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drakkar Klose | 20 of 30 | 66% | 6 of 14 | 7 of 9 | 7 of 7 | 15 of 23 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Joaquim Silva | 29 of 54 | 53% | 18 of 36 | 8 of 12 | 3 of 6 | 19 of 41 | 10 of 13 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Drakkar Klose | 15 of 20 | 75% | 3 of 6 | 10 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 11 | 9 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Joaquim Silva | 17 of 23 | 73% | 5 of 9 | 11 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 8 | 13 of 15 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Drakkar Klose | 24 of 43 | 55% | 16 of 33 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 29 | 8 of 10 | 4 of 4 |
| Joaquim Silva | 24 of 46 | 52% | 17 of 37 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 21 of 42 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Klose as the more technical and well-rounded fighter with multiple paths to victory. He notes Silva's power makes him live but Klose is durable. He mentions Klose's neck injury from a weigh-in shove but says he hasn't looked different since.
Big Brady likes Klose's well-rounded game, including cardio, volume, takedowns, and BJJ. He questions Silva's durability and notes his knockout loss to Ricky Glenn. He predicts Klose will land a big shot and finish Silva by third-round knockout.
Cody picks Klose, citing his superior wrestling, durability, and fresher fight miles. He notes Silva is a brawler with durability issues and has been knocked out by lesser fighters. Cody expects Klose to break Silva down and finish late.
Daniel Vreeland leans with Silva, citing his one-punch power and the home crowd advantage in Brazil. He acknowledges Klose's physicality and close-fight history but is not confident enough to lay the -175 price. He notes Silva's slow starts but believes he can land a big shot or edge a decision in Brazil.
Klose is the more complete fighter, utilizing striking and takedowns to outwork Silva. Silva is dangerous with early knockout power, but Klose's chin should hold up. Klose wins by decision.
Paul picks Klose, noting his level of competition and ability to avoid big shots. He believes Silva is knockout-or-bust and Klose's volume and takedowns will win rounds. Paul expects Klose by decision or late stoppage.
The MMA Guru picks Drakkar Klose by decision, citing his consistency, composure, and professional decision-making. He notes Klose's wins over Bobby Green and others, and believes he will outpoint Joaquim Silva with crisp kicks, jabs, and body work. He acknowledges Silva's potential in scrambles but trusts Klose's experience.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drakkar Klose | 0 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:40 |
| Joe Solecki | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 9 of 13 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:53 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drakkar Klose | 0 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:40 |
| Joe Solecki | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 9 of 13 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:53 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drakkar Klose | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Joe Solecki | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drakkar Klose | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Joe Solecki | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Cody picks Solecki as an underdog. He thinks Solecki's grappling and back-taking ability will be key. He notes Klose's takedown defense issues and age (35) coming off a knee injury. He believes Solecki can win the positional battle and control the fight. He calls it a shoey bet.
Lucrative James picks Joe Solecki, emphasizing that Drakkar Klose consistently gives up his back in fights, which is a bad stylistic matchup against a grappler like Solecki. He believes Solecki will take Klose's back and either submit him or win rounds through control. While Klose may have an edge on the feet, Solecki's grappling upside makes him the favorite.
Klose has a solid wrestling and pressure game, and stylistically he has advantages over Solecki in striking and grappling. However, he is returning from an ACL injury at 35 years old, which raises concerns about his knee recovery. Solecki is a BJJ black belt but has shown limited offense off his back and unimpressive striking. Klose is expected to dictate the pace and win a decision, but confidence is tempered due to the injury.
Paul already bet Klose at -120. He thinks Klose has significant advantages on the feet and trains with good partners. He is surprised the line is still playable. He notes Klose's only UFC losses are to Beneil Dariush and David Teymur, and he believes Klose should win.
The MMA Guru picks Drakkar Klose, noting Klose's technical striking, takedown defense, and cardio. He dismisses Joe Solecki's level of competition and believes Klose does the basics better. He expects a close decision, 29-28, in Klose's favor.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drakkar Klose | 0 | 61 of 115 | 53% | 111 of 175 | 2 of 10 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
| Rafa García | 0 | 34 of 57 | 59% | 83 of 111 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 0 | 0 | 2:54 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drakkar Klose | 0 | 19 of 30 | 63% | 33 of 53 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 1:49 |
| Rafa García | 0 | 13 of 22 | 59% | 21 of 30 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 2 | Drakkar Klose | 0 | 14 of 29 | 48% | 35 of 51 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Rafa García | 0 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 33 of 45 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:11 | |
| 3 | Drakkar Klose | 0 | 28 of 56 | 50% | 43 of 71 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rafa García | 0 | 16 of 23 | 69% | 29 of 36 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 0:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drakkar Klose | 61 of 115 | 53% | 24 of 75 | 27 of 29 | 10 of 11 | 32 of 83 | 24 of 25 | 5 of 7 |
| Rafa García | 34 of 57 | 59% | 23 of 45 | 8 of 8 | 3 of 4 | 23 of 44 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drakkar Klose | 19 of 30 | 63% | 7 of 17 | 9 of 10 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 18 | 7 of 8 | 3 of 4 |
| Rafa García | 13 of 22 | 59% | 9 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 17 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Drakkar Klose | 14 of 29 | 48% | 5 of 18 | 6 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 7 of 21 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 3 |
| Rafa García | 5 of 12 | 41% | 1 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Drakkar Klose | 28 of 56 | 50% | 12 of 40 | 12 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 16 of 44 | 12 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
| Rafa García | 16 of 23 | 69% | 13 of 19 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 10 of 16 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Klose (-230), Garcia (+195)
Round 1
Opening up the ABC- and ESPN-aired prelims is what should be a fun lightweight matchup, even if Klose (12-2-1, 6-2 UFC) is now battling late replacement Garcia (13-2, 2-2 UFC). Both fighters prevailed on the same event in April, locking down second-round finishes of Brandon Jenkins and Jesse Ronson, respectively, so the “Matches to Make” choice appeared to be an easy one. They touch ‘em up with referee Jacob Rosales watching on, and Klose claims the center of the cage but is nowhere close to his opponent. Garcia stays on the outer edge of the cage as Klose feints with jabs, and the first strike is actually a stomping kick to the knee from Klose. Klose kicks on the inside and outside of the leg, and Garcia swarms him with an overhand right that bowls him over – not from it actually hitting him hard, but from Garcia’s body tackling him down. Klose gets back up and starts working the calf, until Garcia closes the distance and aims punches to the body. The American greets him with knees until they split up, and Klose fakes a body kick and rips one on the other side before tying Garcia up. Klose effectively uses the calf kick to decent effect, as Garcia powers through it to club Klose in the chops with a left. Klose staggers back and tries to give one back, but Garcia is smooth on the outside as he kicks the knee and nearly buckles it. Klose gives chases, and in an ensuing clinch, they throw short punches one after the other. Klose forces a separation, with his legs appearing to be fully back under him again, and he walks Garcia down and measures a jab. When “Gifted” bites on it, Klose changes levels. Klose is unable to get the first takedown try, but Garcia turns around and gives up his back. This allows Klose to trip him out and plant Garcia on his face for a moment. Garcia powers his way back up, and he grabs the fence to keep himself balanced as Klose attempts a mat return. Klose trips Garcia’s left leg out beneath him again to plant him down, and he starts slugging away on Garcia. “Gifted” checks his face to make sure he is not bleeding, and when he does, Klose sucks his leg out and makes it so Garcia cannot simply power his way back up as easily as before. Garcia rolls for a leglock, and Klose breaks it up before anything can come from it. When they both get to their knees, the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Klose
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Klose
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Klose
Round 2
Klose races out of his corner to start the next round, and he plants a wheel kick upside Garcia’s head before shooting for a takedown in the first 10 seconds. Garcia stuffs it but absorbs a few knees to the body when Klose bails on it, and Garcia powers his way out to the center of the Octagon. The lightweights feint and fake their way towards one another, with Klose employing his stomp kick and swinging his shin to the body. Garcia dips back and absorbs a glancing right hand, but he is no worse for wear. Klose lets go with a body kick, and Garcia cannot pin him down or trap him to land with impunity. Garcia begins to chop the legs down a few times, and Klose switches stance after absorbing the blows. Garcia winds up on a right hook, but Klose dips back and answers with a short left. Garcia, using his momentum in his favor, pushes through and knocks Klose off his feet with a double. “Gifted” gives Klose several gifts in the form of his fists, before stepping into half guard. The posture remains tight as Garcia does not want to give up any space or allow a sweep or any bucking movement, but this also results in a stalemate. The crowd is not a fan of this nullifying half guard for Garcia, and Klose moves his head around to dodge punches before Montalvo steps in to stand them up. Garcia shoots the second they get stood up, and Klose staves it off and connects with a solid left hand. As Garcia aims a right hand over the top, Klose ducks down for a possible takedown entry, and Garcia snatches this up to hunt for a standing guillotine choke. There is nothing to it, and Klose shucks it off and absorbs the end of a left hand. Garcia misses with a spinning back kick, and Klose is suddenly energized and he charges in with his head in the air to throw bombs. Garcia retreats, and he weathers the storm before scooping Klose’s legs out and planting him down to the ground. A few punches for the fighter out of Mexico land before the horn resounds in the arena.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Garcia
Round 3
Klose is the initial aggressor to start off the final round, pushing the pace and sticking his hands out to back Garcia off. The Michigan native jabs and makes Garcia dip down right into a head kick, and Garcia tanks it without budging. Garcia hunts for a takedown, and he redoubles his effort with a double that takes Klose off his feet. Klose threatens with a guillotine choke off his back, but with the cage behind him, there is no leverage to secure anything, and Garcia is comfortable without concern. Klose explodes back to his feet, and he throws hands to again force Garcia to back from one side of the cage to another. Klose allows Garcia to come at him so that he can set up a clinch in his favor, where he slams knees and punches into Garcia’s body. Klose senses that Garcia is fatiguing, and he strides forward without a care in the world, targeting the midsection and preparing to stuff takedowns. Klose gets Garcia’s attention with a low kick, and he has a clubbing right slide off the shoulder into the chin. Garcia’s hands largely drop by his waist, waiting for Klose to close the distance, so that he can lift them and sling something heavy. He has a thudding left connect cleanly, but Klose totally ignores it so that he can do more work to the body. Klose ties his man up after a failed takedown entry so that he can batter the body with punches and the occasional knee. Klose changes this up with his own takedown try, and Garcia pushes him off and backpedals. Garcia shoots for a single, and Klose gets shoved back to the wall and knees the ribs a few times to conclude the fight. Both men raise their hands after 15 minutes of combat, and some will almost certainly attempt the joke that the Klose fight was a close fight.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Klose (29-28 Klose)
Mike Sloan scores the round: 10-9 Klose (29-28 Klose)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Klose (29-28 Klose)
The Official Result
Drakkar Klose def. Rafa Garcia via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Big Brady picks Drakkar Klose to win by decision. He notes Garcia is on short notice and has cardio concerns, while Klose has fought much better competition. He expects the first round to be competitive but Klose's striking volume and takedown defense will carry him in later rounds. He mentions Garcia has never been knocked out, so a decision is likely.
Cody picks Klose, noting his technical striking, forward pressure, and solid takedown defense. He thinks Garcia's wrestling won't be a factor because Klose will stop takedowns and win the striking exchanges. He mentions that Klose's cardio is solid and that Garcia is limited and loopy with his strikes. He also notes that Klose's significant strikes over 60.5 is a good prop on PrizePicks.
Daniel picks Klose to win another close decision, noting that most of his fights are 29-28. He thinks Klose finds a way to edge out rounds, whether by calf kicks or a late takedown. He acknowledges Garcia's toughness and Mexican warrior spirit, but thinks Garcia's cardio issues (from the Gritzmacher fight) could be a factor. However, he calls the -205 price too high for a fighter who usually wins close fights, so he passes on betting.
Preet picks Klose by decision, expecting him to push Garcia against the cage, use leg kicks, and control the fight. He notes Klose's efficient style and that Garcia's cardio fades, leading to Klose taking over in the second and third rounds. He passes on the moneyline due to Klose's tendency to fight close decisions.
Paul picks Klose, citing his technical striking and good wrestling. He notes that Klose's losses are to very good fighters and that he looked great in his last fight against Brandon Jenkins. He thinks Garcia's wrestling won't be enough and that Klose will win the striking exchanges. He also mentions that Klose's takedown defense is solid and that Garcia is limited.
The MMA Guru predicts Drakkar Klose wins by 30-27 unanimous decision. He sees Klose as more technical and smart, landing calf kicks and body shots at range. Rafa García is tough but too one-dimensional. Klose will edge each round, possibly earning a 10-8 in the third.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drakkar Klose | 2 | 76 of 108 | 70% | 77 of 109 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:56 |
| Brandon Jenkins | 0 | 18 of 38 | 47% | 28 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drakkar Klose | 1 | 66 of 93 | 70% | 67 of 94 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:55 |
| Brandon Jenkins | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 25 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 | |
| 2 | Drakkar Klose | 1 | 10 of 15 | 66% | 10 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Brandon Jenkins | 0 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drakkar Klose | 76 of 108 | 70% | 55 of 87 | 16 of 16 | 5 of 5 | 27 of 42 | 38 of 46 | 11 of 20 |
| Brandon Jenkins | 18 of 38 | 47% | 4 of 23 | 3 of 4 | 11 of 11 | 14 of 34 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drakkar Klose | 66 of 93 | 70% | 48 of 75 | 14 of 14 | 4 of 4 | 21 of 32 | 34 of 41 | 11 of 20 |
| Brandon Jenkins | 15 of 30 | 50% | 3 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 9 | 11 of 26 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Drakkar Klose | 10 of 15 | 66% | 7 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 10 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Brandon Jenkins | 3 of 8 | 37% | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Drakkar Klose, but is hesitant to bet due to Klose's two-year layoff. He believes Klose's power, wrestling, and cardio should be enough to finish Brandon Jenkins. He notes that Jenkins is a kill-or-be-killed fighter who is always looking for a finish, which makes him dangerous. He thinks the odds are too wide for Klose given the layoff.
Big Brady picks Drakkar Klose to win by decision. He notes Klose is UFC-caliber with much better competition, while Jenkins is very hittable (35% striking defense) and has poor takedown defense (25%). He expects Klose to outstrike and outwrestle Jenkins, but doesn't see a finish since Klose hasn't finished in years. He calls Jenkins' only path a 'flukish knockout.'
Cody picks Klose, citing his advantages in every department. He notes Jenkins relies on flashy techniques but was easily handled by a younger opponent. He thinks Klose's wrestling and experience will be too much.
Daniel Levi picks Drakkar Klose but calls it a 'dog or pass' situation due to the -800 price. He notes Klose has fought much better competition (Bobby Green, Lando Vannata) and is skilled at grinding out decisions. However, he is concerned about Klose's concussion issues from the Jeremy Stephens shove and whether he will be the same fighter. Jenkins is a highlight-reel finisher but tends to break when he can't get the knockout. Levi expects Klose to win but won't bet at those odds.
Paul picks Klose, noting his experience and well-rounded game. He thinks Klose has advantages in wrestling, striking, and durability. He mentions he already bet Klose at -400 as part of a parlay.
The MMA Guru picks Drakkar Klose, stating Brandon Jenkins doesn't belong in the UFC. He notes Klose's competitive fight with Beneil Dariush and wins over Bobby Green and Marc Diakiese. He expects Klose to finish Jenkins by TKO in the second round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 1 | 12 of 20 | 60% | 17 of 28 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 2 | 0 | 4:20 |
| Drakkar Klose | 0 | 15 of 25 | 60% | 27 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 10 of 17 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 2 | 0 | 4:18 |
| Drakkar Klose | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 16 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 1 | 7 of 11 | 63% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Drakkar Klose | 0 | 11 of 19 | 57% | 11 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneil Dariush | 12 of 20 | 60% | 8 of 16 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Drakkar Klose | 15 of 25 | 60% | 12 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 13 of 22 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beneil Dariush | 5 of 9 | 55% | 3 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Drakkar Klose | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Beneil Dariush | 7 of 11 | 63% | 5 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Drakkar Klose | 11 of 19 | 57% | 8 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 17 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
At lightweight, Kings MMA regular Dariush (17-4-1, 11-4-1 UFC) will try to put Klose’s (11-1-1, 5-1 UFC) submission skills to the test. Dariush’s preferred method of victory is by tapout, while Klose has never been submitted--will something give? Keeping this contest on the up-and-up is referee Jason Herzog. The two men touch gloves, and Klose tries to set up his jab but it is Dariush who lands first. A left hand is followed by a thumping body kick from Dariush, but he eats a nasty right coming back at him. Klose loads up with another right hand, and Dariush may be hurt but hiding it well. Dariush closes the distance and hits a takedown, but Klose does not stay ground for long. Klose grabs the fence to stop a takedown, and then grabs it again while Herzog admonishes him. Klose still grabs the cage, but in the process gives up his back. Dariush jumps on like a backpack and secures a body triangle, while hunting for a standing rear-naked choke. Dariush is only able to get one arm around his neck, and Klose is holding tight on the glove to stop the choke -- this is allowed, as long as he does not have his fingers inside the glove. Dariush wrenches his hand away and tugs tightly to get the choke, but Klose again wrests his arms free from danger. The Californian abandons the choke attempt while mounting a few punches together, and keeps his body triangle tightly wrapped around his opponent’s waist. As Klose starts to elbow the thigh to break the grip, Dariush nearly sinks in the choke, but Klose is quick to fight it off. The crowd starts to turn on the two men, as Dariush pulls tight for a choke and is content to squeeze on the chin instead of under the neck. Klose scrambles and flails to get his neck free, and does so while the crowd showers them with boos. Klose starts elbowing the top of the knee of his foe, and the round ends with Dariush as a backpack.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dariush
Round 2
The second frame begins with Klose kicking the lead leg, possibly sensing that Dariush’s legs are gassed. Dariush fires back with a low kick that lands to the groin, and a brief pause sees Klose readjust his cup. Dariush takes another gnarly leg kick, and Klose charges forward and blasts him with a huge right hand. Klose cracks him again and Dariush is in a bad, bad way. Klose swarms him with punches, and while getting tagged Dariush winds up and connects with a vicious right of his own that makes Klose do the stanky leg. The tide may have changed quickly, as Dariush chases after him with ferocious punches that back Klose against the fence. This is crazy! Now Klose is rocked badly, and in this insane exchange, Dariush evades a looping punch and fires a thunderous left hand that stiffens Klose and separates him from his consciousness. The mouthpiece nearly goes flying, and you can see Klose’s eyes staring off at the lights while he topples over against the fence. Herzog dives in to end the fight, and what an incredible turn of events! With this wild win, Dariush becomes the first fighter to ever finish the durable Klose.
The Official Result
Beneil Dariush def. Drakkar Klose R2 1:00 via KO (Punch)
Daniel slightly favors Dariush as the favorite, acknowledging his superior skills in every aspect but concerned about his cardio. He notes that if Dariush paces himself well, he should outclass Klose, but if he slows down in the later rounds, Klose's pressure could break him. He understands the dog shot on Klose for that reason.
Dariush has a massive grappling advantage; every opponent has taken Klose down. Dariush's jiu-jitsu is next level, and Klose gives up his back. Dariush's striking has improved, and he can land knees in the clinch. The host is very confident, planning 4-5 units on Dariush straight, and likes the submission prop at +295.
The MMA Guru picks Beneil Dariush, noting his four-fight win streak including a KO of James Vick. He acknowledges Drakkar Klose is on a mission but feels Klose gets rocked too often and Dariush has the experience to put him away. He predicts a submission win in the second or third round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drakkar Klose | 0 | 87 of 155 | 56% | 113 of 186 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 | 0 | 3:19 |
| Christos Giagos | 0 | 99 of 160 | 61% | 159 of 223 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 3:42 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drakkar Klose | 0 | 24 of 47 | 51% | 39 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
| Christos Giagos | 0 | 21 of 41 | 51% | 53 of 73 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:22 | |
| 2 | Drakkar Klose | 0 | 22 of 32 | 68% | 29 of 42 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:43 |
| Christos Giagos | 0 | 37 of 48 | 77% | 50 of 63 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 | |
| 3 | Drakkar Klose | 0 | 41 of 76 | 53% | 45 of 80 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Christos Giagos | 0 | 41 of 71 | 57% | 56 of 87 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drakkar Klose | 87 of 155 | 56% | 55 of 117 | 29 of 33 | 3 of 5 | 69 of 127 | 16 of 23 | 2 of 5 |
| Christos Giagos | 99 of 160 | 61% | 56 of 114 | 29 of 30 | 14 of 16 | 39 of 93 | 38 of 40 | 22 of 27 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drakkar Klose | 24 of 47 | 51% | 7 of 28 | 15 of 16 | 2 of 3 | 17 of 38 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Christos Giagos | 21 of 41 | 51% | 4 of 23 | 13 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 9 of 28 | 12 of 13 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Drakkar Klose | 22 of 32 | 68% | 18 of 26 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 18 of 23 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 5 |
| Christos Giagos | 37 of 48 | 77% | 27 of 37 | 8 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 12 | 9 of 10 | 21 of 26 | |
| 3 | Drakkar Klose | 41 of 76 | 53% | 30 of 63 | 10 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 34 of 66 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Christos Giagos | 41 of 71 | 57% | 25 of 54 | 8 of 8 | 8 of 9 | 23 of 53 | 17 of 17 | 1 of 1 |
Expert Picks (3)
Daniel slightly favors Dariush as the favorite, acknowledging his superior skills in every aspect but concerned about his cardio. He notes that if Dariush paces himself well, he should outclass Klose, but if he slows down in the later rounds, Klose's pressure could break him. He understands the dog shot on Klose for that reason.
Dariush has a massive grappling advantage; every opponent has taken Klose down. Dariush's jiu-jitsu is next level, and Klose gives up his back. Dariush's striking has improved, and he can land knees in the clinch. The host is very confident, planning 4-5 units on Dariush straight, and likes the submission prop at +295.
The MMA Guru picks Beneil Dariush, noting his four-fight win streak including a KO of James Vick. He acknowledges Drakkar Klose is on a mission but feels Klose gets rocked too often and Dariush has the experience to put him away. He predicts a submission win in the second or third round.
Maybe the KO is value -162