Get ready for a lightweight showdown that promises fireworks! Beneil Dariush and Benoit Saint Denis are set to collide in the main card opener of UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden, and this matchup is anything but predictable. MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom breaks down what’s at stake in this high-octane clash. But here’s where it gets controversial: Dariush, a seasoned veteran with a stellar record, missed weight for the second time in his UFC career—a red flag that could tilt the scales in favor of the younger, hungrier Saint Denis. And this is the part most people miss: while Dariush boasts a 3-1-1 record against southpaws, his performances in those fights reveal vulnerabilities, especially when it comes to his durability. Saint Denis, meanwhile, has rebounded from a rocky 2024 with two impressive finishes, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with. Is Dariush’s experience enough to overcome his recent struggles, or will Saint Denis’ momentum carry him to victory? Let’s dive in.
Dariush (23-6-1 MMA, 17-6-1 UFC) steps into his second fight of 2025, fresh off a unanimous decision win over Renato Moicano at UFC 317. That victory snapped a two-fight losing streak, but his recent weight-cutting issues raise questions about his conditioning. Before those setbacks, Dariush was on an eight-fight winning streak, showcasing his ability to dominate at the highest level. However, at 36, his chin and stamina are under the microscope, especially against a dynamic opponent like Saint Denis.
Saint Denis (15-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) has silenced doubters this year with back-to-back second-round finishes, including a Performance of the Night bonus for his win over Mauricio Ruffy. The Frenchman’s aggressive style and improving technique make him a dangerous threat, but his tendency to load up on strikes could leave him exposed against a crafty veteran like Dariush. Can Saint Denis capitalize on Dariush’s weaknesses, or will the Iranian’s all-around skills prove too much to handle?
This southpaw vs. southpaw matchup adds an extra layer of unpredictability, with both fighters looking to exploit the other’s stance. While Saint Denis has the momentum and the favor of oddsmakers (listed at -194 compared to Dariush’s +156 on FanDuel), Dariush’s experience and technical prowess could be the deciding factors—if he can weather the early storm. I’m taking a calculated risk here: Dariush survives Saint Denis’ initial onslaught and secures a stoppage win in Round 2. But what do you think? Is Dariush’s experience enough to overcome his recent struggles, or will Saint Denis’ youth and power prevail? Let’s hear your predictions in the comments!
Catch all the action live on ESPN+ pay-per-view (https://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/1205322/595608/9070?subId1=MMAjunkieUFC&partnerpropertyid=1085745) starting at approximately 10:10 p.m. ET. Don’t miss this thrilling kickoff to UFC 322!
