UFC Fight Night 39 Date: April 11, 2014 Arena: DU Arena City: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Lightweight bout: Ramsey Nijem (+165) vs Beneil Dariush (-190) Fight Breakdown: Kicking things off for the UFC Fight Night 39 main card in Abu Dhabi will be a lightweight contest between The Ultimate Fighter season 13 finalist Ramsey Nijem, and Kings MMA product Beneil Dariush. The Palestinian-American Nijem is the underdog heading into this scrap at +165 ($100 to win $165), with the Iranian-American Dariush being the favorite at -190 ($190 to win $100) at Several Bookmakerss. Ramsey Nijem (8-4 MMA, 4-3 UFC) was on the unfortunate end of a second round knockout against Myles Jury, and then followed that with a first round submission loss to James Vick, but Nijem bounced back to the win column with a razor thin decision victory over Justin Edwards at UFC Fight Night 35 three months ago, and he saved his job in the process. I personally felt that Edwards deserved the nod, but all three judges cageside disagreed with me. The Ultimate Fighter season 13 finalist is a former High School Wrestler of the Year who uses his wrestling to control opponents. His striking is very poor, as is his striking defense. He tends to wing some wild punches, and has a tendancy to leave his chin open, which could spell for trouble against a heavy hitting lightweight like Dariush. He does not possess a good chin, either, so you would expect him to work on his striking defense, which he has yet to really improve on. Nijem’s wrestling and drive to win are his two biggest assets, along with his cardio. He always has his conditioning in check, and I expect it to be no different against the Iranian. Beneil Dariush (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) was very impressive in his Octagon debut three months ago, dispatching a very game Charlie Brenneman in the first round of action. He hurt “The Spaniard” on the feet, before tapping him with a rear naked choke submission on the mat. Dariush is a southpaw who packs a powerful punch and is a very effective counter-striker, as was evident in the Brenneman bout. He is a very talented grappler who works excellent takedowns, and has a solid submission game, owning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Iranian is really good at taking his opponents backs during an exchange. He also has an excellent guard, and is a real threat off of his back. Dariush’s defensive grappling skills are noteworthy, as well, as he has good takedown defense and is capable of keeping the fight on the feet. The 24 year old has a nice straight left, which he used to drop Brenneman in their bout. He loves to throw kicks, and has a variety of them in his arsenal. He also loves to implement his knees, and even has a nice flying knee he likes to go for. Training out of Kings MMA in Southern California under the tutelage of striking coach Rafael Cordeiro, Dariush is a very well-rounded and well-conditioned mixed martial artist who will be prepared to fo all 15 minutes in his second Octagon appearance, should the fight go the distance. Gabe’s Prediction: I expect Dariush to outclass Nijem wherever the fight takes place, be it on the feet or on the mat. I think he is the more talented grappler and striking, and don’t see Nijem grinding out a decision against him, or catching him with anything, which are I think his only two ways of winning, other than a disqualification. Gabe’s Call: Beneil Dariush by KO (punch, 3:36 round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Beneil Dariush (-190) parlayed with Ryan LaFlare (-300) for +103 4.55u to win 4.7u
