Beneil Dariush and Drakkar Klose both came into Saturday's pay-per-view event riding three-fight win streaks, but it was Dariush who came away with a fourth straight victory. After a dominant opening frame, Dariush came out on the better end of a wild exchange in the second.
Klose landed some hard shots to begin the fight, but Dariush nullified the attack with a takedown. Although Klose rose to his feet, Dariush remained locked on and took his foe's back. Dariush spent most of the round clinging to the back of Klose, searching for a submission attempt while keeping himself locked with his legs. Klose successfully fended off the attempts until the bell rang.
With his legs tired from the work in the first round, Klose came out aggressive. After attacking Dariush's legs, Klose moved upstairs and landed a powerful blow that stunned the Californian. Sensing the finish, Klose got reckless, leaving himself open to a counter right hand that wobbled his legs. Dariush, now sensing a finish, pushed forward and with a single left hand sent Klose to the canvas.
It was an explosive finish and early contender for knockout of the year. Here's the reaction the knockout got from announcers Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan.
It was Beneil Dariush's 12th win in the UFC lightweight division since 2014, the most by any lightweight in this time span. In his post-fight interview, Dariush called out Robert Whittaker, but not for the reason you'd think.
"I want to call someone out," Dariush said. "Robert Whittaker, you are a legend mate. If I ever get to be a father, and I hope that's soon, I want to be a father like you."