UFC 322 Beneil Dariush vs. Benoit Saint-Denis: Preview and Prediction

This weekend at Madison Square Garden, UFC 322 will unfold with several incredible matchups that promise excitement for attending fans. Besides the two title fights, the main card opens with an intense lightweight showdown between Beneil Dariush and Benoit Saint-Denis. Ahead of this matchup, let’s see which fighter possesses stronger advantages of securing a decisive victory on Saturday.

Beneil Dariush

Beneil Dariush was considered an exceptionally complete lightweight, blending striking with elite grappling and calmness under intense pressure. His dominant rise demonstrated improved striking, elite jiu-jitsu, sharp tactical awareness, and key victories that established him as a contender. However, his momentum ended when Charles Oliveira overwhelmed him at UFC 289, exposing defensive weaknesses and halting his winning streak.

Dariush later suffered another setback against Arman Tsarukyan, struggling to impose his ground game against the quick, younger fighter. However, in his last bout against Renato Moicano, he rebounded strongly and secured a solid unanimous decision victory. Entering UFC 322, the experienced lightweight aims to build further momentum and deliver another convincing performance to reestablish competitive relevance.

Benoit Saint-Denis

Benoit Saint-Denis quickly became a dangerous rising contender known for relentless aggression, extreme durability, and a powerful finishing instinct. His dominant performances highlighted explosive striking combined with suffocating grappling, making him capable of ending fights from nearly any position. That strong momentum eventually collapsed after Dustin Poirier delivered a devastating knockout loss during their intense fight at UFC 299.

He then suffered another setback against Renato Moicano, losing on home soil and raising concerns about his overall defensive vulnerabilities. Since those defeats, Saint-Denis has rebuilt confidence through two impressive victories earlier this year, showcasing renewed discipline. Now entering his next challenge, the French contender hopes to earn a title shot as soon as possible.

What time is the fight?

The UFC 322 main card starts at 3 AM GMT on Sunday, November 16, 2025, for fans watching in the UK. Fans in the US can watch the UFC 322 main card starting at 10 PM ET on Saturday, November 15, 2025. This event will be accessible live on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View in the US and on BT Sport and UFC Fight Pass in the UK.

SHOP: Kickboxing Gear

Tale of the Tape

CATEGORY	Benoit Saint-Denis	Beneil Dariush
AGE	29	36
HEIGHT	5′ 11″	5′ 10″
REACH	185.4 cm	182.9 cm
PRO RECORD	15 – 3 – 0	23 – 6 – 1
FIGHTING OUT OF	Urmia, Iran	Nîmes, Gard, France

Beneil Dariush vs. Benoit Saint-Denis final prediction

Beneil Dariush relies on patience, strong grappling fundamentals, and measured striking, making him effective when dictating pace against opponents. However, his recent difficulties absorbing damage from explosive fighters have raised concerns about durability, reaction speed, and confidence under heavy pressure. Benoit Saint-Denis brings a ferocious, high-volume style fueled by relentless aggression, overwhelming pace, and a willingness to trade in exchanges.

BSD’s momentum is stronger, supported by back-to-back dominant wins that highlight his improved fight composure. Saint-Denis thrives in chaotic, high-pressure scenarios where Dariush has recently struggled, especially when forced backward by relentless attackers. Based on current form, Saint-Denis appears well-positioned to secure a potential stoppage through nonstop pressure and overwhelming physicality.

Prediction: Benoit Saint-Denis via TKO in Round 2.