Beneil Khobier Dariush Bio
Beneil Khobier Dariush, born on May 6, 1989, is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known for his expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Dariush has established himself as a formidable competitor with a record of 23 wins in 31 professional fights. He currently trains with Kings MMA and resides in Yorba Linda, California.
Early Life and Background
Beneil Dariush was born in Urmia, Iran, to Christian Assyrian parents and raised on a farm near Urmia in the West Azerbaijan Province. At the age of nine, he emigrated with his family to the United States, where they joined an extended family network. Dariush and his sister initially did not speak English and spent much of their early time playing with cousins. Dariush is a devout Christian and actively supports charitable causes, including sponsoring an orphanage and Christian school in Haiti.
Path to MMA
Dariush began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2007 and earned his black belt within five years. He was a decorated competitor in no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, winning world championships at the blue, purple, and brown belt levels. His strong grappling foundation and striking skills, including a black belt in Muay Thai, paved the way for his transition into professional mixed martial arts. Dariush started his MMA career in 2009, competing primarily in the lightweight division.
Beneil Dariush Career
Early Career (2009–2013)
Dariush began his professional MMA career in 2009, quickly making a name for himself with his grappling and striking abilities. He competed in various regional promotions, honing his skills and building a solid record that led to his signing with the UFC. His early years were marked by steady progress and development under the guidance of Kings MMA.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2014–Present)
Dariush made his UFC debut on January 15, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 35, winning via first-round submission against Charlie Brenneman. Despite a setback in his second UFC fight, Dariush rebounded with multiple victories, including notable wins over Carlos Diego Ferreira, Daron Cruickshank, and Jim Miller. He earned several Performance of the Night bonuses for his exciting finishes and demonstrated versatility with wins by knockout, submission, and decision. Dariush has faced top contenders such as Michael Johnson, Edson Barboza, and Tony Ferguson, showcasing resilience and skill. His career highlights include a knockout victory over James Vick and a unanimous decision win against Mateusz Gamrot. In 2023, he faced Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan, experiencing tough losses but continuing to compete at a high level.
Kings MMA Era (2009–Present)
Throughout his career, Dariush has trained with Kings MMA, a premier fight camp known for developing elite fighters. His partnership with the team has been instrumental in refining his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and striking techniques. Dariush is recognized for his strategic approach and adaptability inside the octagon, often leveraging his grappling to control opponents and secure victories.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Dariush’s fighting style is rooted in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he holds a black belt, complemented by a black belt in Muay Thai. He excels in ground control, submissions, and effective striking, making him a well-rounded lightweight contender. His ability to blend grappling with striking and maintain composure under pressure distinguishes him in the UFC lightweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Dariush has earned multiple Performance of the Night awards and Fight of the Night honors, reflecting his exciting fighting style. He has achieved 23 professional wins, including six by knockout and one by submission. His career milestones include competing against top-ranked opponents and maintaining a consistent presence in the UFC lightweight rankings.
Beneil Dariush Career Wins
Beneil Dariush has accumulated 23 professional MMA victories, showcasing his versatility with wins by knockout, submission, and decision. His record demonstrates sustained success across various levels of competition.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Dariush’s UFC tenure features significant wins such as his debut submission victory over Charlie Brenneman and knockout of James Vick. He has earned multiple bonuses for outstanding performances and has been ranked among the top lightweights in the organization. His recent fights include a unanimous decision win over Mateusz Gamrot and competitive bouts against elite fighters like Charles Oliveira.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to joining the UFC, Dariush built a strong regional record that showcased his grappling prowess and striking ability, setting the foundation for his success in the premier MMA organization.
Beneil Dariush Family
Family Background and Lineage
Dariush comes from a Christian Assyrian family originally from Iran. His upbringing on a farm near Urmia and his family’s emigration to the United States played a significant role in shaping his character and dedication.
Personal Life
Dariush is known for his devout Christian faith and philanthropy. He supports orphanages and Christian schools in Haiti and teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense to youth at Kings MMA. Details about his marital status or children are not publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Dariush continued competing in the UFC lightweight division, overcoming injuries such as a torn meniscus reported mid-year. He secured a unanimous decision win against Renato Moicano at UFC 317 and faced Benoît Saint Denis at UFC 322, where he suffered a first-round knockout loss. Despite challenges, Dariush remains a competitive presence in the division, with ongoing training and fight preparation under Kings MMA. His commitment to recovery and performance positions him for continued contention in upcoming seasons.