Fan favorite Derrick Lewis’ loss at the fists of Junior Dos Santos was the trending fight news, but it was some savvy grappling that caught the eyes of jiu-jitsu nerds watching UFC Fight Night 146 last night.
Jiu-Jitsu veteran Beneil Dariush pulled off some determined, smart grappling in the Wichita, KS, octagon, using a kimura to get himself into position on the arm of opponent Drew Dober. Dariush had been a bit lackluster on the feet in Round 1, so the second round tap for the armbar was especially sweet.
The armbar, which ends Dober’s four fight winning streak, caught the eye of the UFC as well, earning Dariush a Performance of the Night bonus check as well.
Dariush is a black belt in BJJ, earning his rank in just five years under Romulo Barral and Bruno Paulista. He transitioned from jiu-jitsu (after dominating IBJJF Worlds at lower ranks) to pro MMA, making his UFC debut in 2014.
