UFC 322 – Beneil Dariush vs Benoit Saint-Denis: Preview & Betting Tips

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The lightweight division gets another high-stakes matchup at UFC 322 as veteran contender Beneil Dariush faces surging French powerhouse Benoit Saint-Denis.

Dariush (23-6-1) enters this bout after a victory over Renato Moicano. Once on an eight-fight win streak, Dariush’s recent defeats (two out of his last three bouts) have raised questions about whether time and damage are starting to catch up to the well-rounded fighter.

Saint-Denis (15-3, 1 NC) has been on a tear. After a rocky UFC debut at welterweight against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, he’s won seven of his last nine fights, and all of them via a finish in some form.

Tale of the Tape

Beneil Dariush – Odds 2.63 (Sky Bet)

Record: 23-6-1

Age: 36

Height: 5ft10

Reach: 72”

Weight: Lightweight

Stance: Southpaw

Benoit Saint-Denis – Odds 1.50 (Sky Bet)

Record: 15-3, 1 NC

Age: 29

Height: 5ft11

Reach: 73”

Weight: Lightweight

Stance: Southpaw

Beneil Dariush vs Benoit Saint-Denis: Analysis

Dariush is one of the most technically skilled grapplers in the division. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Rafael Cordeiro, Dariush blends scrambles with sharp southpaw striking.

His left hand and body kicks are key weapons, and his ability to mix wrestling entries into his striking rhythm keeps opponents guessing. However, his recent struggles have centered around durability and reaction time. Against younger, faster opposition like Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira, Dariush struggled to impose his pace before getting overwhelmed early.

Saint-Denis is exactly what his nickname suggests “God of War”, a relentless, forward-marching pressure fighter. He throws with bad intentions and has the cardio to maintain a frenetic pace. While his striking remains somewhat wild, his toughness and aggression often break opponents before technique becomes a factor.

The Frenchman’s relentless pressure, punishing clinch game, and opportunistic submission skills have made him one of Europe’s most dangerous rising stars.

Dariush vs Saint-Denis: Prediction & Betting Tips

Dariush is the more experienced and tactical fighter, and someone who can exploit Saint-Denis’ defensive lapses if the fight extends beyond the first round. On the other hand, Saint-Denis’ pressure and physicality could overwhelm Dariush early.

This is a classic veteran vs rising contender matchup. Dariush has the skills to turn this into a tactical grappling contest, but his declining durability makes that path narrower than before. Saint-Denis, riding confidence and momentum, should be able to impose his will early with forward pressure and explosive offense.

I believe the Frenchman can hurt Dariush and eventually take his back against the fence and wrap his neck up. I’m taking Benoit Saint-Denis to win by submission at odds of 6.00 (Sky Bet).

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