UFC Vegas 18 results: Beneil Dariush criticizes UFC matchmakers after split-decision win over Diego Ferreira

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC Beneil Dariush secured his sixth consecutive win overall with a split decision win over Diego Ferreira at UFC Vegas 18 but he saved some of his energy for the matchmakers after the fight was over.
Following a three-round battle that saw Dariush showcase his striking and grappling game against a battle tested veteran in Ferreira, he took exception that this fight got booked in the first place with his belief that he and his opponent deserved better.
“I’ve got to say something, this is really bothering me,” Dariush said when speaking to Daniel Cormier afterwards. “Diego should have fought a top five guy. I should have fought a top five guy. We have tough win streaks. We fought everybody. We never say no to anybody.
“But instead of giving us a top five guy, Diego I still think he deserves a top 10 guy. I’d feel a little disrespected if I was Diego. I know I feel a little disrespected.”
While he was obviously upset with the matchmaking, Dariush still did his job inside the octagon as he out worked Ferreira for the better part of 15 minutes to add another win onto his growing resume at 155 pounds. The judges actually returned a somewhat puzzling split decision with two officials giving 29-28 scores to Dariush with the third giving the fight 29-28 to Ferreira.
“I was a little surprised it was a split decision,” Dariush said. “He was the toughest guy I fought so far. I hurt him in the first round and I was trying to suffocate him in the second round. He did not care. He just kept attacking.”
Like the Terminator just marching forward, Dariush was aggressive as soon as he was released from the corner while seeking takedowns and heavy strikes to go after Ferreira. After an early exchange on the ground, Dariush started throwing with huge power from his hands as he walked down Ferreira but it was a brutal knee to the body that actually left the Brazilian in trouble.
Knowing his opponent was compromised, Dariush continued the assault on the ground with a barrage of punches but Ferreira survived and then got back to his feet where he connected with a thudding right hand of his own. Ferreira then surged ahead seeking to do more damage before the round came to an end but Dariush made it to the horn.
Rather than trading shots on the feet any longer, Dariush opted to rely on his ground game as the fight moved forward and despite Ferreira’s best attempts, he just couldn’t stay off his back. Dariush was relentless with his grappling offense, keeping Ferreira underneath him and punishing with punches from the top.
With five minutes remaining, Dariush continued looking for the takedown but he was also still connecting with strikes on the feet. A couple of times in the final round, Dariush unloaded a stinging punch that snapped Ferreira’s head back as he looked to secure the victory.
When time ran out, Ferreira was still attempting to come back but it was too little, too late as Dariush secured the win as he takes another step forward in the lightweight division.
Judging by his post-fight interview, Dariush is anxious to earn a higher ranked opponent and there’s little doubt he got the matchmakers’ attention afterwards.


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