Beneil Dariush Considers Weight Class Change After Year-Long Hiatus

Beneil Dariush’s Unprecedented Break

After a full year away from competition, Beneil Dariush is contemplating a significant shift in his career. The lightweight fighter, who has been a consistent presence in the Octagon since turning pro in 2009, had originally hoped to make his return before the end of 2024. However, with the UFC’s schedule already set for the remainder of the year, Dariush is now targeting an early return in January 2025. This year-long absence is a stark departure from his history of fighting at least once annually, demonstrating the challenges that injuries and recovery can impose on even the most active athletes.

At 35 years old and currently ranked #8 in the lightweight division, Dariush faces not only the physical hurdles of recovery but also the strategic challenge of finding the right fights. While he remains open to competing against rising contenders, he is wary of giving away his hard-earned ranking. The combination of personal setbacks and the complexities of matchmaking in a competitive landscape has made this break feel particularly strange for him, as he relishes the thrill of competing.

Contemplating a Move Up in Weight Class

Dariush’s desire to remain active has even led him to consider moving up to the welterweight division. In a recent interview with Inside Fighting, he expressed that the thought of fighting at 170 pounds crossed his mind as a means to increase his fight frequency and explore new opportunities. “I understand you’ll have your ups and downs, so I had my ups for a while and now I’m kinda down. Just not being able to fight has been weird. I enjoy it so much,” Dariush said. However, he ultimately feels that he is not finished with the lightweight division just yet.

His primary focus now is on recovery, particularly concerning past brain injuries, to ensure that he is fully prepared for his return to the Octagon. Dariush is determined to address these health concerns before resuming his fighting career, emphasizing the importance of being in the right state both physically and mentally when he steps back into the cage.