Beneil Dariush Ready to Face Winner of Paddy Pimblett vs. King Green: 'Why Not?'

Beneil Dariush

MANCHESTER, England – The UFC 304 main card is set to deliver a thrilling lightweight showdown, and Beneil Dariush is keenly watching. Lightweights Paddy Pimblett (21-3) and King Green (32-15-1) will clash at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, with Dariush eyeing the victor as a potential opponent.

Dariush, once a top contender in the 155-pound division, has had his fair share of ups and downs. After suffering consecutive losses to Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan, he’s eager to bounce back and is open to fighting the winner of Pimblett vs. Green.

Reflecting on the upcoming bout, Dariush shared his insights, noting Pimblett’s versatile skill set and Green’s seasoned experience.

“If you look at the styles, most people would say that Paddy needs to grapple,”

Dariush told MMA Junkie. “But I think his striking is quite underrated, as well. I think he has more tools to win. That being said, Bobby Green finds a way to win.”

Dariush highlighted Green’s ability to thrive under pressure, a trait that has seen him secure unexpected victories.

“He’s won some fights that I didn’t think he was going to win, and he pulled it off. I think this could be a similar situation. He does well under pressure, so this pressure could work in his favor.”

Despite his recent setbacks, Dariush remains unfazed by rankings and is willing to fight whoever the UFC places in front of him.

“I mean, sure,” he said. “I don’t know if they’re in the rankings quite yet, but rankings haven’t meant much to me in general. If the UFC calls me and says this is the name, then that’s the name.”

Currently recovering from a meniscus injury, Dariush is aiming for a return later this year.

“My goal was actually to fight late summer, so (originally) in like a month from now,” Dariush said. “Now I think hopefully the end of the year, maybe October, possibly November. That’s more my goal now.”

With his eyes set on a comeback, Dariush’s potential matchup against the winner of Pimblett vs. Green adds another layer of excitement to an already electrifying lightweight division.