Dana White just can’t catch a break as another one of his planned fights for UFC 311 appears to be in a state of jeopardy. While Islam Makhachev and his teammate and brother-in-arms Umar Nurmagomedov‘s title fights are good to go, the lightweight fight between Beneil Dariush and Renato Moicano could be in peril, and the reason has been speculated to be an injury.

After two back-to-back losses and the end of his 8-fight unbeaten run in 2023, lightweight veteran Beneil Dariush ended 2024 as his 10th year in the Dana White-led promotion. However, the Iranian-American fighter didn’t fight once in the decade anniversary of his being in the UFC. Why? Well, because ‘Benny’ had been dealing with a knee injury, which appeared to be the reason he couldn’t find his way back inside the Octagon. After almost a year-long break, Dariush was scheduled to fight on the main card of the Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan headliner, but it seems like his issues with lingering injuries haven’t yet been resolved.

Rumors have started to make rounds on social media about Dariush’s fight being in jeopardy after his coach Rafael Cordeiro reportedly shared a negative update about his comeback fight. At first, the reasons were claimed to have been undisclosed, while some fans believed it to be a staph infection. But later, fresh speculations emerged about Dariush still dealing with his knee injury, especially a torn meniscus.

A few months ago, Beneil Dariush revealed how hard it was for him to handle his knee issues. “I’ve had a torn meniscus for a long time, but it never was an issue. It’s still kind of giving me a problem, and it’s stressing me out,” Dariush told Submission Radio in July. Hence, this rumor could pick up steam given Dariush’s recent history with knee issues. With growing concerns about his supposed injury, ‘Benny’ also hinted that he could consider hanging up gloves, but there are a few things he’ll need to consider first.

Beneil Dariush reveals two criteria for considering retirement

Beneil Dariush could have had a whole different trajectory in his lightweight run had he fought Islam Makhachev back in 2022. But that fight didn’t come to fruition because he had suffered an injury at that time. Dariush is well acquainted with medical issues throughout his MMA career. While Makhachev went on to win the title, ‘Benny’ spiraled his way out of the division’s top 5. During a recent interview, Dariush mentioned that, at 35 years old, he knows he’s got limited time left as a fighter since that age is considered the start of a fighter’s weaning years, in terms of competition.

However, the decision to hang up the gloves depends on two factors for Beneil Dariush – hunger and the ability to fight at the highest level. “I won’t be able to pinpoint when I’m done. It’s really two things: A desire to fight and the second part, which is just as important – do I have the ability?” Dariush told MMA Junkie. “Currently, I feel like I have the desire, and I still believe I have the ability.”

While his two losses on the trot have ruled him out of the title picture despite racking up an 8-fight winning streak, his injury issues could spark doubts about the remainder of his UFC career. What do you reckon? Is ‘Benny’ going to pull out of UFC 311? Drop your comments below.