UFC Veteran Edges Out Decision Win After Two Brutal Knockout Losses at UFC 317
Beneil Dariush entered UFC 317 with something to prove. Once seen as a dark horse in the lightweight title picture, the veteran was coming off two devastating knockout losses the kind that make fans and fighters alike question what’s left in the tank.
Across from him stood Renato Moicano, a surging contender with a four-fight win streak and a reputation for chaos.
Known for his forward pressure and slick submissions, Moicano was eager to climb into the top tier of the division — and a win over Dariush would’ve been his biggest yet.
A Fight That Tested Both Men
Moicano came out aggressive, throwing with volume and trying to break Dariush early. The first round saw the Brazilian land clean shots and push the pace. But Dariush weathered the storm.
In the second and third, the veteran found his rhythm — landing cleaner punches, mixing in grappling, and slowing the tempo just enough to edge out the final two rounds. It wasn’t flashy, but it was smart, experienced fighting.
“Moicano came out like a madman,” one fan tweeted. “Dariush held the line. Respect.”
“That was not easy for Dariush. But he dug deep and took it,” another said.
Moicano’s Pressure, But Not Enough Control
Moicano had his moments — especially in round one — but struggled to maintain control or damage in rounds two and three.
His pace is always dangerous, but against a durable veteran like Dariush, it wasn’t enough.
In a closely contested battle at UFC 317, held on June 28, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Beneil Dariush defeated Renato Moicano via unanimous decision.
All three judges scored the bout 29-28, a nod to Dariush’s precise striking and ability to handle pressure in one of the night’s most technical matchups.
“He’s entertaining. But when you don’t adjust, you lose rounds,” a viewer posted on X.
UFC commentator Paul Felder said: “Moicano started fast but couldn’t keep Dariush off him later. You’ve got to mix it up at this level.”
Big Implications with Makhachev Likely Leaving
With Islam Makhachev expected to vacate the lightweight title and move up to challenge at welterweight, the 155-pound division could be on the brink of major changes.
Dariush’s win places him right back in the mix of potential contenders.
Moicano, who entered on a four-fight win streak, would’ve taken a huge leap with a win. Instead, Dariush halts his run — and keeps his own hopes alive for one last push toward gold.
Related: Veteran Fighter Stunned at UFC 317
Where They Go from Here?
Dariush improves to 22-6-1 and may get one more shot at a top-five opponent. Moicano, despite the setback, remains one of the division’s most dangerous and entertaining names.
With Topuria vs. Oliveira headlining the same night for the vacant lightweight belt, UFC 317 could mark the beginning of a new era at 155 lbs — and fighters like Dariush are right in the thick of it.
Earlier in the night, Payton Talbott’s gritty comeback win also added to the theme of UFC 317 being a night of redemption and rising names. Read about that fight here.
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