Dariush Misses Weight at UFC 322, Fined 20% of Purse

UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, lightweight veteran Beneil Dariush has missed weight by 1.2 pounds ahead of his fight at UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden. Weighing in at 157.2 pounds on Friday, Dariush will forfeit 20 percent of his purse for the non-title bout against Benoit Saint Denis (15-3).

This development adds tension to the already pivotal matchup scheduled for October 21, 2023. With the limit for non-title lightweight contests set at 156 pounds, Dariush’s failure to make the weight is his second career mishap in this regard, the first occurring in 2020. Despite this setback, the fight will proceed as planned on the UFC 322 main card, maintaining the excitement for fans and bettors alike.

The exact amount of Dariush’s fine remains undisclosed, as fighter purses are not public record in New York. This incident highlights the high stakes and pressures fighters face in the lead-up to major events.

Meanwhile, the event also features notable matchups with former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (27-1) and former strawweight champion Zhang Weili (26-3) looking to make history. Makhachev is stepping up to welterweight, weighing in at 170 pounds against Jack Della Maddalena (18-2), aiming to become the UFC’s latest two-weight champion.

On the women’s side, Zhang Weili will attempt to achieve the same feat, facing flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko (25-4-1) in a highly anticipated clash. Both champions weighed in at 124.6 pounds for their 125-pound title fight, intensifying the stakes for this historic matchup.

As fans eagerly await UFC 322, all eyes will be on Dariush’s performance now that he has missed weight. The implications of this development are significant not only for his career but also for the broader landscape of UFC lightweight competition.

Stay tuned as we continue to provide updates on this developing story and the outcomes of the fights that could reshape the futures of these fighters. The excitement is palpable as UFC 322 approaches, promising a night of unforgettable moments and potential upsets.