The lightweight showdown between Beneil Dariush and Renato Moicano is set for UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It’s a high-stakes clash between two top-15 veterans with elite grappling pedigrees, each looking to stay relevant in the deep lightweight division.

Originally scheduled for January 2025 at UFC 311, the fight fell through at the last minute when Moicano was pulled to fight Islam Makhachev for the title on 24 hours’ notice. Now, with both men healthy and ready, they finally meet in a matchup of savvy, dangerous finishers.

Beneil Dariush

Beneil Dariush is an experienced and well-rounded contender who’s been a staple of the lightweight rankings for nearly a decade. Known for his relentless forward pressure, slick Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and unorthodox striking, Dariush has beaten elite names including Mateusz Gamrot, Tony Ferguson, Carlos Diego Ferreira, and Drew Dober.

But he’s also in a tough spot: now 35 years old, coming off back-to-back first-round knockout losses to Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan, and with questions about his durability following those defeats. After a career resurgence with an 8-fight unbeaten streak between 2018 and 2022, he’s now trying to prove he’s still a top contender.

Dariush was also recovering from a torn meniscus in late 2024, making this his first fight back from injury.

Beneil Dariush – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Arman Tsarukyan – KO (Knee and Punches) (UFC on ESPN, December 2, 2023)
2. Loss vs. Charles Oliveira – TKO (Punches) (UFC 289, June 10, 2023)
3. Win vs. Mateusz Gamrot – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC 280, October 22, 2022)
4. Win vs. Tony Ferguson – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC 262, May 15, 2021)
5. Win vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira – Decision (Split) (UFC Fight Night, February 6, 2021)

Despite recent setbacks, Dariush remains a legitimate threat with excellent scrambles, knockout power, and a killer instinct in grappling exchanges.

Renato Moicano

Renato Moicano is one of the most dangerous submission artists in the division, with 10 of his 20 wins coming via tap-out. Formerly a top featherweight who fought José Aldo and The Korean Zombie, he’s looked excellent at lightweight, where he’s added more physicality to his already slick jiu-jitsu game.

Moicano is known for his calm, clinical approach on the feet and lethal back-taking ability. He’s coming off an eventful 2024 where he scored big wins over Jalin Turner and Benoît Saint Denis before stepping up on a day’s notice to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title in January 2025. That title shot ended in a quick submission loss—but nobody blamed him for getting caught by one of the best grapplers on Earth with no camp.

Moicano now returns with a full training camp, looking to make a statement against another elite grappler.

Renato Moicano – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Islam Makhachev – Submission (Brabo Choke) (UFC 311, January 18, 2025)
2. Win vs. Benoît Saint Denis – TKO (Doctor Stoppage) (UFC FN, September 28, 2024)
3. Win vs. Jalin Turner – TKO (Elbows and Punches) (UFC 300, April 13, 2024)
4. Win vs. Drew Dober – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC FN, February 3, 2024)
5. Win vs. Brad Riddell – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (UFC 281, November 13, 2022)

Moicano’s grappling is elite, but he’s also evolved his striking in recent years, adding sharp elbows and good clinch work to complement his jiu-jitsu.

Prediction

This fight is a fantastic style matchup between two of the division’s best grapplers—but with notable differences. Dariush is an aggressive, pressure-heavy wrestler with dangerous scrambles and knockout power. Moicano is more methodical, striking from range before opportunistically dragging fights to the mat to work his rear-naked choke.

Dariush’s durability is a real question after getting knocked out quickly twice in a row, especially given his age and recent meniscus injury. Moicano, meanwhile, has momentum on his side, and despite the short-notice loss to Makhachev, he’s had a strong run at lightweight with improved striking.

Expect Dariush to try to push forward, mixing strikes and takedowns, but Moicano’s precision on the feet and submission threat in scrambles make him a tough puzzle. If Dariush can’t hurt Moicano early, he risks getting picked apart or submitted.

Prediction:
Renato Moicano def. Beneil Dariush via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 2.

Look for Dariush to pressure early, but Moicano’s calm striking and superior back control to turn the tide in grappling exchanges. Once he gets the back, it’s usually over.