Beneil Dariush won again at UFC 280 and defeated Mateusz Gamrot. He had become one the most popular lightweights during the promotion.
Showcasing incredible takedown defense combined with a punishing style on the feet, Dariush never slowed down over all rounds as he continued to hammer Gamrot with strikes. In the final round of the third round Dariush hit Gamrot with an overhand left. This helped him win his eighth consecutive victory in what is arguably the most difficult division in the sport.
” Dariush stated that he thought his takedown defense would be more effective. “I had to do some funk. I relied a lot of funk rolls and jiu-jitsu.
” I will tell you one thing: I am not a beggar. I have fought anyone. I don’t care if I have to win another 10 fights before I get this belt, I will do it.”
An aggressive start from Gamrot led to a wild grappling exchange with Dariush as the fighters battled for position on the ground. They eventually returned to their feet, with Dariush unleashing some powerful leg kicks while Gamrot responded with a takedown.
Gamrot kept attacking Gamrot’s legs in an effort to bring the fight to a halt. Dariush continued to throw kicks at Gamrot’s legs, despite the fact that he was wrestling.
Dariush began to shake off the opponent’s wrestling and was able more freely with his hands. He started to establish a strong lead jab, followed by a powerful punch behind it. Dariush also landed a good knee in the middle of Gamrot’s body to take him out.
As the fight faded into the third round Dariush made Gamrot pay by closing the distance in an effort to get at his legs. Dariush continued to throw knees to the body and then snapping off punches to the head as well.
The defining strike came with just over a minute remaining as Dariush leveled Gamrot with a huge overhand left. Gamrot fell to the floor before diving to get another takedown in an effort to prevent a possible finish.
The knockdown, however, was the most significant in the fight. Dariush gave another impressive performance while competing against Gamrot. Dariush is now in contention for the title and will be closely watching the UFC 280 main card between Charles Oliveira & Islam Makhachev.
