Beneil Dariush kept his win streak alive at UFC Vegas 18, defeating the red hot Carlos Diego Ferreira for the second time in his career.
Opening up the UFC Vegas 18 main card was a fantastic lightweight matchup between Carlos Diego Ferreira and Beneil Dariush. They fought once before in 2014 with Dariush taking home a decision. Both men have been exceptional since then. Ferreira entered the fight on a six-fight win streak with three stoppages while Dariush had won five in a row and stopped his last four opponents.
Dariush started the fight with lengthy punches that were finding the mark. Dariush closed the distance and Ferreira tried to take advantage by pulling Dariush into an omoplata. Dariush stood up and Ferreira switched to an armbar. They separated and began to throw down, with Dariush sitting on his punches and letting them fly. Ferreira fired back and was caught by a knee to the body. The knee stopped Ferreira right in his tracks and Dariush took top position as Ferreira slid to the ground. Ferreira attempted to push him off, but Dariush adjusted and got into full guard, where he began landing heavy shots. Ferreira gave up his back but was eventually able to stand up. Dariush threw a long left hand and was staggered by a counter right from Ferreira. He continued moving forward and ate a front kick to the chin. Both fighters threw recklessly to end the round.
The second round picked up right where they left off, exchanging wildly after Dariush caught a kick. Ferreira landed a combination and Dariush shot for a takedown, eventually getting it after it was initially stuffed. Dariush wasn’t as productive on top as he was in the first round, but was able to get a hold of Ferreira’s back as he attempted to stand up. Ferreira dropped for a kneebar, but it didn’t go anywhere and he nearly gave up his back while standing up. There was an exchange on the feet that was stopped by a gorgeous Dariush double leg. Dariush was able to control Ferreira for the remainder of the round, landing a big punch as he adjusted his position.
Dariush opened the final round with a kick to the body and Ferreira responded with a two punch combination. Ferreira was hunting for the finish, but Dariush was staying busy on the feet. Ferreira stuffed two takedowns then was hit with a low blow. After recovering, Ferreira was hit by a straight shot then avoided a takedown. A big left hand sent Ferreira stumbling. Ferreira fired another combination but was again caught by a big left hand. Ferreira went for a takedown but Dariush countered with a leg lock to bring them back to the feet. Dariush ripped Ferreira to the floor to put a stamp on the fight, taking his back with 30 seconds left. Ferreira spun off and got top position but it was too little too late.
Afterwards, Dariush used his post-fight interview to ask the UFC to sign his training partner Michael Perez.
Beneil Dariush def. Carlos Diego Ferreira by Split Decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
