We are just days away from 2025’s first PPV event, UFC 311. Set for January 18 at Intuit Dome in California, the event will feature Islam Makhachev defending his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch from 2019. But the excitement doesn’t end there — the undercard will showcase a thrilling lightweight matchup between Beneil Dariush and Renato Moicano.

Despite both fighters having been in the UFC for a decade, this will be their first encounter, sparking intrigue among fans eager to see how the fight will unfold. With both being accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialists, we’re diving into their backgrounds, fighting styles, physical attributes, and recent performances to offer a fresh perspective and predict the outcome of this highly anticipated lightweight showdown. Let’s break down the stats and analyze the fight.

Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano stats

Renato Moicano has steadily improved over the past few years, currently riding a four-fight win streak since 2022. His most recent triumph came against Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC Fight Night 243 in September 2024, where the Brazilian dominated in a two-round war, eventually forcing a doctor stoppage due to a bloodied right eye on Saint-Denis. In contrast, Beneil Dariush enters this fight after two straight first-round knockout losses to top-tier opponents, including title contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira.

Before these setbacks, Dariush was on a remarkable eight-fight win streak, with impressive victories over the likes of Tony Ferguson. This makes comparing the two fighters a bit tricky. Renato Moicano hasn’t faced anyone at the top of the lightweight division like ‘Benny’, but his current form raises questions. Despite his recent losses, Dariush has fought some of the toughest competition in the division. This leaves fans curious: how will their fight unfold?

UFC 311: Dariush vs. Moicano breakdown and prediction

Renato Moicano is in the best form of his career, but many, including UFC lightweight Dan Hooker, believe he will struggle to match Beneil Dariush’s superior technical skills. ‘Benny’, an 11-year promotion veteran, is widely recognized for his grappling expertise. The #9 155fer has won world Jiu-Jitsu and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu titles, plus multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals.

Hooker, in his latest comments, made his position clear: “I feel like (Dariush) just shuts Moicano’s game down. I feel like positionally, he’s better on the feet. I don’t even see how Moicano gets Beneil to the ground, let alone hold him there. I just believe Beneil shuts Moicano down and cruises to victory.”

Dariush’s chances of victory are high, especially given his recent comments about retirement, hinting that UFC 311 might play a key role in his future within the promotion. While both fighters are the same age, Hooker’s analysis and the Iranian’s experience seem to give him the edge.

However, Moicano’s current form and momentum in the lightweight division demand attention, making this matchup even more unpredictable. As UFC 311 approaches, the big question remains: Will the Brazilian maintain his momentum against Dariush, or will ‘Benny’s’ technical mastery and experience secure him the win? Share your predictions below!