Introduction

Beneil Dariush recently shared his candid experiences following the surprising cancellation of his UFC 311 fight, which sent shockwaves throughout the MMA community. Originally set to face off against Arman Tsarukyan on a star-studded card, Dariush's plans took an unexpected turn mere moments before the weigh-ins, as Tsarukyan withdrew due to an injury.

Fight Cancellation Details

The decision was made quickly, with UFC President Dana White announcing that Renato Moicano would step up to challenge the lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, who was initially slated to defend his title against Tsarukyan. Unfortunately for Dariush, this last-minute shake-up meant he would not be competing on the night after an intense training camp.

Dariush's Experience

In a heartfelt interview, Dariush recounted the chaotic early morning hours leading up to the weigh-ins. He had just received a message from his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, asking if he could make weight for 155 pounds, which left him considering a potential title shot. "When I got that text at around 4 AM, I was in a state where I couldn't sleep because of the weight cut. Suddenly, thoughts of fighting for the title started entering my mind," he explained.

Financial Support from UFC

Dariush successfully made weight, but a short time later, he learned that Moicano would take his place. Despite the disappointment, he was grateful for how the UFC took care of him financially, stating he received both his show and win money, highlighting a stark contrast compared to other fighters who have faced similar situations and received less support.

"This gesture from Dana and the UFC means a lot to me. I really appreciate it, especially when I hear stories that others have not been taken care of as well," Dariush said.

Looking Forward

Looking ahead, the 35-year-old fighter is eager to get back into the Octagon, especially since it has been over a year since his last fight. He is angling for a matchup with high-ranking opponents, particularly eyeing Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway, or Michael Chandler. "I’d love to fight in March or April against someone ranked ahead of me, ideally Dustin. There’s been a lot of back-and-forth with him, and it seems like the time for that fight is right," Dariush mentioned.

Conclusion

The path forward is bright for Dariush, who remains optimistic about bouncing back from this setback. Fans are left eagerly anticipating his next move as he prepares for what promises to be an exciting return to competitive fighting.