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| Credit: UFC |
On Saturday night the UFC returns to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for UFC 179 which will be headlined by the rematch between Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes with the Featherweight world title on the line. The first fight between the two was also contested in Rio with Aldo defending his belt via KO right at the end of the first round. This event will also see the return of Beneil Dariush, who will be looking to build from his impressive victory last time out against Tony Martin. We caught up with Beneil earlier this week to talk about the past year since signing for the UFC, his upcoming fight and how he may have been affected due to a late notice change in opponent.
Ben: Thank you for your time ahead of your fight. How has the camp gone for this fight, who have you been training with and have you worked on anything specific?
Dariush: Camp has been great so far, [I am] blessed to have such a great team. I have been focusing on improving my entire game as I'm still lacking in many areas. I train at Kings MMA with Rafael Cordeiro. My teammates are Rafael Dos Anjos, Nolan Ticman, Arthur Estrazules, Fabricio Camoes and many other tough guys.
Ben: Last time out you picked up a big win and had a great performance to submit Tony Martin a man known for his submission victories, how did it feel to get back to winning ways?
Dariush: It felt great to win, especially against such a tough guy.
Ben: Before that fight you lost to Ramsey Nijem in Abu Dhabi, that loss was the first in your career. Have you taken anything away from that fight?
Dariush: I've taken a lot away. It made me realize how much work I have to do and I'm looking forward to every bit.
Ben: How would you describe the past year? You started the year with your UFC debut and have since gone 2-1 fighting for the biggest MMA promotion in the world. Is this what dreams are made of?
Dariush: This past year has been special. It's actually hard to describe with words. I'm blessed, and one step closer to making my dreams come true.
Ben: You were due to fight Alan Patrick before he had to pull out of the fight due to one of the nastiest broken jaws I have ever seen. Have you seen the pictures of his jaw?
Dariush: Yes, I've seen the picture. I wish him a speedy recovery.
Ben: Have you ever seen such a nasty injury first hand, say at training or a show you have been involved with?
Dariush: No, I've never seen anything that bad.
Ben: You will now fight Carlos Diego Ferreira, What impact has the change of opponent had in your plans for the fight?
Dariush: I don't focus on my opponents too much. I prefer to leave that for my coaches.
Ben: Do you see Ferreira as a step up in opponent from Alan Patrick? After all he beat Ramsey Nijem last time out who gave you your only loss of your career earlier this year.
Dariush: I don't know if I would call it a step up, because everyone's so tough in the UFC, but there is special motivation going into this fight.
Ben: Ferreira comes in to the fight unbeaten, have you seen anything in his previous fights that you have identified and will be looking to exploit on Saturday?
Dariush: I plan on beating him everywhere.
Ben: You are back in action only 9 weeks after your last fight and will be fighting for the fourth time in 10 months. This is completely different to the start of your career when you only fought 6 times in 5 years. What's bought the change in mentality now and would you like to continue fighting this regularly?
Dariush: I plan on fighting regularly if the UFC allows it. The difference between now and five years ago is that MMA is my main focus. Before jiu jitsu was my main focus and mma was more like a side job.
Ben: You have fought before in Brazil what did you make of the Brazilian fans and do you expect a tough reception on Saturday night?
Dariush: I guarantee a tough reception, but I don't mind. I'm getting used to it.
Ben: As you have fought outside of the USA twice now do you think you have the plan for the weight cut to perfection?
Dariush: Luckily this time I'll have Gordo there. He is one of my coaches and he knows exactly what it takes to make weight.
Ben: Would you like to thank anyone ahead of the fight?
Dariush: I would like to thank God for everything I have.
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