Despite ‘gaining nothing’ Beneil Dariush reveals REAL motive behind Arman Tsarukyan fight
Lightweight contender Beneil Dariush does not see any benefits in fighting Arman Tsarukyan. Nevertheless, he revealed what led him to fight a lower ranked opponent.

Beneil Dariush says facing Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Austin is not a ranking motivation (via Imago)
Beneil Dariush will face Arman Tsarukyan in a five-round fight at UFC Austin. From a career standpoint, the 22-5-1 fighter does not sense any advantage from this pairing. Dariush has considered Tsarukyan as a tough and hungrier opposition.
Although Beneil Dariush has said that this matchup would not benefit him, he revealed why he chose to fight the lower-ranked Tsarukyan.
In terms of status, nothing – I gain nothing from this fight...If I win, I don’t think my ranking will change. If I lose, I’m definitely going to get dropped quite a bit. But I’m an athlete who loves to compete and I like to compete against the best people in the world. That’s what motivates me to compete...Beneil Dariush via UFC Austin Media day

Dariush devastatingly lost to Charles Oliveira at UFC 289 in Canada. Before that, he had an eight-fight win streak and remained just a win from a title shot. His wins include names like Tony Ferguson, Carlos Diego Ferreira, Scott Holtzman, and others. Meanwhile, the 20-3-0 Tsarukyan is on a two-fight win streak.
Dariush has been steadfast in climbing up the ranks steadily. He’s readily taken up bouts he’s been given despite ranking differences before and battled his way through. He aims to get back on winning track against a dangerous opponent in Tsarukyan at UFC Austin.
Arman Tsarukyan sees Beneil Dariush as a pathway to title shot
Arman Tsarukyan faces Beneil Dariush in the UFC Austin headliner. This takes place at Moody Center with a main card on ESPN following prelims on ESPN+. He sees the opposition Dariush as a stepping stone towards a lightweight title shot. The fighter is ranked #8 in the official divisional rankings.

Tsarukyan has secured victory in seven of his past eight matchups. The fighter has worked hard to fight his way to a title shot. This is what Tsarukyan said about fighting Dariush:
Finally, I got a big fight, and I’m so excited. If I finish him, I can talk about a title fight....If they tell me, 'You need three more fights.' I'm going to fight three more times, then get the title fight...Arman Tsarukyan via UFC Austin media day
Additionally, the fighter also wants a shot at Islam Makhachev, who spoiled Tsarukyan’s octagon debut with a unanimous decision in April 2019. But if Tsarukyan must win several fights before getting his shot, he said he won’t complain.
In case you missed it:
- “Can’t force a man to fight…” Beneil Dariush exposes Dustin Poirier for turning down fight opportunity twice
- “People act like he dropped racial slurs” – Fan reminds good heart of pious Beneil Dariush funding orphanage with bonus to counter hate following Charles Oliveira loss
Nidhin Shibu
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