AUSTIN, Texas – Beneil Dariush is preparing for the UFC on ESPN 52 main event against Arman Tsarukyan, knowing there’s minimal career upside, but fully embracing the tough competition that comes with it.
Dariush (22-5-1 MMA, 16-5-1 UFC) is not focused on his rank, but is eager to face Tsarukyan (20-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) on Saturday at Moody Center.
With the No. 5 spot in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie lightweight rankings, Dariush is preparing to defend his position against the No. 13-ranked Tsarukyan.
According to Dariush, “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.”
Despite having a career with its ups and downs, Dariush has shown resilience and consistency, learning from defeats and pushing to fight at a higher level every time.
Now, facing Tsarukyan, Dariush recognizes the talent and danger in his opponent, but remains confident in his own capabilities.
As he puts it, “I think the edge is going to be in experience. I think I’m more experienced and I can find little things here and there to create a greater gap between our skill set.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 52.
Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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