UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs Volkov- Carlos Diego Ferreira vs Beneil Dariush: Prediction and Analysis

The main card opener for UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs Volkov bears witness to an epic lightweight clash. Carlos Diego Ferreira makes his return under the bright lights after spending over a year away from active competition. The Brazilian takes on the 2020 Comeback Fight of the Year’, Beneil Dariush, in a bout that has ‘Performance Bonus’ written on it.

The clash is a rematch of a scrap that took place all the way back in 2014 at UFC 179: Aldo vs Mendes 2. Dariush got the better of Diego Ferreira, and the two will meet again after both men have undergone a massive transformation. Moreover, the lightweight title picture is sure to open up and new contenders are welcome.

Also Read: UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs Volkov- Michael Johnson vs Clay Guida: Prediction and Analysis

UFC lightweights: Carlos Diego Ferreira vs Beneil Dariush

The 17-2 fighter out of Fortis MMA is on a 6-fight win streak that includes some meaningful wins, including one over Anthony Pettis. Ferreira stopped ‘Showtime’ back in January 2020 via RNC and made a clear statement to other contenders. However, inactivity has been a recurring feature for the Brazilian, as this is his third fight in three years.

Diego Ferreira has the ability to explode as very few can once the cage door shuts on Fight Night. Moreover, his hand speed is another point of consideration, especially when looking at his ability to get into close range. Dariush is durable early on and Ferreira will have to ensure he doesn’t gas himself out searching for the finish.

Beneil Dariush is on a five-fight win streak, with 4 of these wins coming by way of stoppage. His most recent win came in August, where he landed a picture-perfect spinning back fist that turned off the light on Scott Holtzman. Moreover, he’s notoriously hard to finish and ends up playing the long game when standing across and pressure heavy fighter.

Dariush has managed to remain active, and scalp wins over some of the most prolific names in the lightweight division. He’s on the cusp of making it into the big leagues and pushing towards the title. Given his strength of schedule, he’ll favor his chances going up against an inactive fighter in Ferreira.

Prediction: Beneil Dariush to claim a second-round TKO win