Outside Source
Beneil Dariush showed Thiago Moises the difference between winning on Contender Series and getting it done in the big show on Saturday night.
The Iranian-American lightweight showed veteran poise in dominating Moises in the latter’s official UFC debut on Saturday night, and yet at the same time played things safe in order to leave no doubt about shaking off a three-fight winless streak.
Dariush’s scores of 30-25, 30-25, and 30-26 for a unanimous decision on UFC Denver’s main card accurately reflected the one-sided nature of the fight.
Sao Paulo’s Moises went hunting for submissions early in the first round, but Dariush patiently closed the distance and got the best of the grappling game as the round went on.
In the second, Dariush really outgrappled his opponent, moving deftly from mount, where he landed strong elbows, to side control to getting Moises’ back and sinking in a rear-naked choke.
The final round saw Dariush continue to relentlessly pressure his foe, and he once again worked his way into position for a tight rear-naked choke. Dariush did everything but finish the fight, as, if nothing else, Moises showed toughness in riding out a one-sided loss.
With the win, Dariush improved to 15-4-1 and broke out of an 0-2-1 winless skid. Moises dropped to 11-3 and had a two-fight win streak snapped.
This article first appeared at MMA Fighting – All Posts
