Dariush Reveals Coaching Focus Over Return Plans

Beneil Dariush has moved into full-time coaching and sees no path back to competition in the near term.

The 37-year-old lightweight, coming off back-to-back losses capped by a TKO defeat to Quillan Salkilld, spoke with MMA Junkie this week about his new role as a head coach. After Rafael Cordeiro departed for Mike Tyson's operation, Dariush's gym filled up with fighters seeking a new training home. What began as sparring partnerships evolved into a full coaching operation serving 20 to 25 athletes, including UFC roster members Uros Medic, Kelvin Gastelum, and Marvin Vettori alongside emerging prospects.

Dariush On Unexpected Shift To Cornering Fighters

Dariush described the coaching transition as unplanned but welcomed. The roster growth happened gradually after Cordeiro's exit created a void for his former training partners. Managing different personalities presents the biggest challenge, Dariush said, noting his aggressive approach with Vettori would not work across his entire stable.

A return to active competition sits far down his priority list. Dariush's schedule revolves around cornering fighters through November and December cards. "My goal is coaching," he said, per MMA Junkie. He left the door open to grappling exhibitions or wrestling matches against elite opponents like Jordan Burroughs, but only if they align with his coaching commitments. The UFC would need to present a significant opportunity to pull him away from his current focus.

If Dariush never competes again, he exits with a 23-8-1 professional record. His UFC tenure spanned 12 years from his 2014 debut, compiling a 17-8-1 mark with the promotion. Medic's upcoming bout serves as Dariush's first major assignment as chief cornerman.

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• BJPenn — Beneil Dariush reveals he doesn’t have plans to fight as he becomes a head coach: ‘My goal is coaching’