UFC 322 Live Coverage Beneil Dariush vs Benoit Saint Denis Showdown

UFC 322 showcased a pivotal matchup between Beneil Dariush and Benoit Saint Denis at Madison Square Garden in New York. This main card catchweight bout highlighted the trajectory of both fighters in the competitive landscape of mixed martial arts.

Beneil Dariush’s Struggles and Recent Performance

Beneil Dariush holds a professional MMA record of 23 wins, 6 losses, and 1 no contest. At 36 years old, he ranked No. 8 in the global MMA rankings for lightweight fighters. Unfortunately, Dariush had weight issues for this fight, weighing in at 1.2 pounds over the limit. Despite this setback, he entered the octagon following a decision victory over Renato Moicano, seeking to solidify his standing.

Benoit Saint Denis’s Rise in the Rankings

Benoit Saint Denis, a 26-year-old fighter from France, brought a record of 15 wins and 3 losses, along with 1 no contest. Known for his finishing capability, Saint Denis has secured all 15 of his victories through knockout or submission. He aimed to capitalize on his recent success, which included two submission wins in 2025 against Mauricio Ruffy and Kyle Prepolec.

Fight Highlights

• Dariush missed weight, making him a slight underdog at +160, while Saint Denis was favored at -190.
• Herb Dean officiated the bout, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
• Early in the first round, Dariush attempted to exert pressure with leg kicks.
• However, Saint Denis responded effectively and landed a powerful left punch.

Official Result

The fight concluded rapidly, with Benoit Saint Denis defeating Beneil Dariush by knockout just 16 seconds into the first round. This victory could serve as a catalyst for Saint Denis, as he now eyes potential title shots in both the “BMF” and UFC lightweight divisions.

Future Aspirations

Post-fight, Saint Denis expressed his willingness to follow any path the UFC puts before him. His victory at UFC 322 positions him as a serious contender in the lightweight category and underlines his growing reputation in the sport.