Two lightweights on solid win streaks were featured on the PPV portion of UFC 248 on Saturday night. Both Beneil Dariush and Drakkar Klose had won their last three bouts inside the octagon. With a win, it was likely that one fighter would push towards, if not right into, the top fifteen of what is surely one of the most stacked divisions in the UFC.
While Dariush had the experience edge, the pair were otherwise pretty evenly matched, in terms of age, reach, and height.
A hard kick to the body from Dariush opened up the first round, but Klose responded with a big right hand. Dariush shot in on a takedown and got it rather easily. Klose got up to his feet but Dariush takes the back and gets the body lock as Klose is standing. Klose and Dariush hand fought for what seemed like forever. Dariush was able to lock in the choke a few times, but Klose brilliantly fought out of it as the round ended.
Klose opened up the round with a low kick, and Dariush responded with one of his own. A low blow from Dariush temporarily stopped the action. Klose put together a ton of big shots that rocked Dariush, but Dariush responded with a flurry of his own that downed Klose with a huge overhand, putting him out for the night.
Beneil Dariush def. Drakkar Klose via R2 KO (punch, 1:00)
