Beneil Dariush’s performance in his first bout of 2025 will decide if he continues his career as a top-level mixed martial artist. Making his first Octagon appearance since December 2023, Dariush (22-6-1 MMA, 16-6-1 UFC) will be fighting fan-favorite Brazilian striker Renato Moicano at UFC 311 next month.
Currently in the midst of a two-fight losing streak with back-to-back knockout losses to Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan, the upcoming contest could potentially spell the end of Beneil Dariush’s time in the sport. Having not secured a win in over two years after he beat Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 280, along with being 35 years old, the pressure is now higher than ever for the Californian to get back into the win column in January.
Beneil Dariush Weighing Options for Career Ahead of UFC 311
Speaking with MMA Junkie, Beneil Dariush laid out exactly what the circumstances are that could make him retire from competition, while also stating that he still feels like he has what it takes to be one of the best.
“I don’t know exactly when I’m going to retire. It’s not one of those things where I’m going to be able to pinpoint to, ‘Hey, I’m 36. I’m done. I’m 37. I’m done,’” said Beneil Dariush. “It’s really two things: Do I have the desire? Then the second part, which is just as important: Do I have the ability. So, currently I feel like I have the desire, and I still believe I have the ability. I don’t feel like I’m lacking, and I really do believe I’ve gotten way better over the year. It’s been a really good year for improvement and growth.”
Could Beneil Dariush End His MMA Career on Jan. 18?
For the veteran Beneil Dariush, becoming the lightweight champion has always been his primary goal. However, if getting the belt wrapped around his waist isn’t a possibility anymore, then he knows that is the time to take his leave from MMA, unwilling to stick around like his other similarly-aged contemporaries.
“All that’s left is actually being able to prove it,” Dariush continued. “Getting into that octagon and proving what I’ve been able to do. If I can do that, I’m going to continue to fight. If I can’t do that there’s obviously something missing, and you only get so many chances to fix it. It might be time to consider walking away from this. I have nothing against guys who fight for a long time, I have a lot of respect for these guys, but my desire was always to be champion. If I don’t have the ability to be champion, I would more than likely walk away from the sport.”
While Dariush has always been viewed as a lightweight mainstay, he heads into his Jan. 18 clash with a man who has developed a reputation as a lethal finisher, netting 12 stoppages in his 20 career wins.
Examining Renato Moicano Ahead of UFC 311 Fight vs. Beneil Dariush
Throughout 2024, Moicano (20-5-1 MMA, 12-5 UFC) dazzled fans with three outstanding performances against some of the 155-lb class’s top dogs. Kicking off his year with a unanimous decision win over Drew Dober in February, “Money” quickly became a fan-favorite with a come-from-behind knockout victory against Jalin Turner at UFC 300 after almost being finished by strikes earlier in the bout. He then was booked in the biggest fight of his career when he headlined UFC Fight Night 243 opposite Benoit Saint Denis in France, where he proceeded to maul the hometown hero en route to a second round TKO.
