UFC No. 4 ranked lightweight Beneil Dariush believes mixed martial arts fans often underestimate him because of his appearance.
I understand why he was a big favorite. A lot of people think Arman Tsarukyan is a future champion, and Gamrot had just beaten him. So he looked like a world-beater, and then you look at me—I’m only 34, but I look like I’m 50. But I’m not worried about what people think. I know the gifts God has given me, and I’m focused on what I can do to sharpen those gifts before I step into battle.
Beneil Dariush told Sports Illustrated
As a reminder, Dariush's next fight will be against former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. Their clash will be the co-main event of the UFC 289 tournament in Vancouver, Canada.
Dariush, 34, had his last fight in the Octagon against Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 280. That fight lasted the whole distance and ended in favor of Beneil by unanimous decision of the judges. He has 22 wins, four losses and one draw.