Followers might have already seen the final of Beneil Dariush contained in the Octagon. The veteran light-weight has endured a tough stretch currently, dropping 4 of his final 5 UFC fights, with all 4 defeats coming by knockout.
Most just lately, Dariush was d at UFC Perth in Could 2026. Earlier than that, he suffered three knockout losses, together with a brutal 16-second end in opposition to Benoit Saint Denis in November 2025.
His different defeats got here in opposition to Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira, elevating severe questions on his sturdiness at this stage of his profession. Now 37, Dariush seems to be in no rush to return to competitors until the UFC comes up with one thing significantly particular.
Beneil Dariush Prioritizes Teaching Duties, Wants One thing Particular to Return to the UFC
In a current e, Dariush spoke to Mike Bohn about his reluctance to combat once more. He additionally revealed that he has made his place clear to UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby and isn’t significantly concerned with entertaining any combat presents proper now.
As an alternative, his consideration has shifted towards teaching and dealing as a cornerman for fighters like Uros Medic, who’s scheduled to compete at UFC 334.
Dariush defined, “Truthfully, I don’t have plans proper now. My focus is these guys. I’ve obtained these guys in November, I’ve obtained these guys in December. If I really feel prefer it, perhaps subsequent yr, however proper now, the way in which the ball is rolling, I’ve obtained no complaints. Except one thing large occurs, I’m not leaping in anytime quickly.”
Dariush additionally revealed that teaching has develop into his foremost precedence. Though he has acquired grappling presents from RAF, he isn’t concerned with taking over commitments that would intrude along with his work within the nook.
When requested about retirement, the n admitted that he doesn’t wish to put a definitive label on his scenario. He mentioned, “Retirement is a bizarre phrase. It’s like an American factor. I don’t wish to be like, ‘I’m retired.’ Then two weeks later be like, ‘Oh, I really feel like preventing once more.’ If the sensation pops up, I’m calling Sean Shelby, or I’m calling my supervisor and telling them I wish to go. However at the moment, nothing is popping up.”
Dariush additionally made it clear that merely returning for one more combat isn’t sufficient to inspire him. After spending years chasing the UFC championship, he would want a compelling motive to place himself by means of one other coaching camp.
He defined, “Combating is a bizarre factor as a result of I could be in the home however not be in the home. I’m positive lots of fighters perceive what I’m saying with that. To return to preventing, I must have one thing particular so far as motivation goes.”
The Kings MMA veteran concluded, “Being a champion was at all times the objective, and I can mainly disappear though I’m in entrance of the household. I used to be keen to do it. I don’t know if I’m keen to do it simply to combat.”
Dariush has been competing professionally since 2009 and has shared the Octagon with a number of notable names. He additionally picked up spectacular victories over Mateusz Gamrot, Tony Ferguson, and Renato Moicano throughout his UFC profession.
Nonetheless, he now finds himself outdoors the official UFC rankings for the primary time since April 2015. Between his current knockout losses and rising teaching commitments, the indicators of a possible profession ending have gotten tougher to disregard. Dariush hasn’t formally retired, however until one thing adjustments, followers might have already seen his remaining look contained in the Octagon.