UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden is set to feature another captivating matchup. This annual UFC pay-per-view event in New York City`s iconic MSG will showcase two title fights, including a super fight vying for two-division glory.
Following Valentina Shevchenko`s flyweight title defense against Zhang Weili in the co-main event, Islam Makhachev will headline UFC 322, facing Jack Della Maddalena. The dominant Dagestani champion, after a formidable reign at 155 pounds, will now compete for the welterweight belt.
The undercard for Makhachev`s highly anticipated return will reportedly feature a fighter frequently discussed as a potential opponent in the lightweight division.
Beneil Dariush vs. Benoit Saint-Denis Reportedly Joins UFC 322 Lineup
Beyond the main event`s champions and challengers, several other notable fighters have been confirmed for the UFC 322 card on November 15th. This roster includes Leon Edwards, Erin Blanchfield, and now, two significant contenders from the lightweight division.
According to RMC Sport, ninth-ranked Beneil Dariush is slated to face Benoit Saint-Denis, who currently holds a spot four positions below him in the rankings. The French media outlet confirmed this bout, citing Saint-Denis` manager, Guillaume Peltier.
Both fighters are entering this highly anticipated bout following impressive victories that allowed them to rebound from recent losing streaks. Dariush notably secured a win this past June at UFC 317, where the 36-year-old skillfully defeated former title challenger Renato Moicano.
Meanwhile, “God of War” (Benoit Saint-Denis) has made a strong comeback recently. He broke a losing streak, which included a knockout loss to Dustin Poirier and a stoppage against Moicano, by defeating newcomer Kyle Prepolec in May. Later, in early September, Saint-Denis secured a dominant submission victory over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC Paris.
He will now aim to climb into the top 10 by securing a victory over Dariush.
Beneil Dariush`s Bold Claim: Victory Over Islam Makhachev at UFC 311
Prior to his UFC 317 bout with Moicano, Dariush`s originally scheduled fight against the Brazilian was disrupted when Islam Makhachev unexpectedly lost his opponent this past January.
Moicano stepped in on short notice to face Makhachev at UFC 311 after Arman Tsarukyan`s withdrawal, a turn of events that led to Dariush being pulled from the card. Moicano ultimately suffered a first-round submission loss.
Months later, the ninth-ranked contender reflected on how he would have fared against the champion with just a day`s notice. Dariush confidently stated that he not only would have outperformed Moicano but believed he would have finished Makhachev.
“I would have won,” Dariush declared to MMA Junkie. “It definitely would have been a finish.”
“The fight wouldn`t have gone the full five rounds. Given my and Makhachev’s fighting styles, it wouldn`t have reached a decision. Neither of us has ever lost via decision. He doesn’t lose by decision, and neither do I.”
“I didn’t believe I was going to lose that fight,” Dariush added. “I was quite confident I would win.”
