UFC lightweight veteran Beneil Dariush says he is prioritizing cornerman work and coaching, and would only come back to fight if Dana White presents something “special.”
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Beneil Dariush says he does not have plans to return to competition right now, stressing that any comeback would require a major opportunity from UFC leadership.
In comments made in an interview with Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, Dariush said, “Honestly, I don’t have plans right now,” adding that his focus is on working with fighters in the coming months as a cornerman at King’s MMA. He also said, “Unless something big happens, I’m not jumping in anytime soon,” and described fighting return as something that would only happen if “the feeling pops up” and a special motivation and opportunity appear.
Dariush, 37, enters the period with recent losses in mind. The UFC lightweight veteran has lost his last two fights by stoppage against Quillan Salkilld and Benoit Saint-Denis.
He is already set for additional cornerman duties. Dariush served as a cornerman for Marvin Vettori against Ismael Naurdiev at UFC 332 in October, and he will make his next appearance as head cornerman for UFC welterweight Uros Medic against Kevin Holland at UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden.
Dariush’s longer-term plans also centre on coaching: King’s MMA remains under head coach Rafael Cordeiro, and Dariush said he wants to open his own gym in 2027 after working alongside other fighters as a cornerman. He also indicated he has “calls for some grappling,” including Real American Freestyle (RAF), but said it would only fit if it does not interfere with his coaching focus. Dariush added, “My goal is coaching. If the time doesn’t mix well with coaching, I won’t even grapple.”
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