Beneil Dariush Hoping To Address His Lack Of Focus at UFC 199

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Beneil Dariush (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) spoke about his UFC 199 fight with James Vick (9-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC), which he accepted on short notice. Here are highlights:

On accepting a short notice fight: “It really didn’t matter (who I fought). He’s a great fighter. I’m not saying that in a disrespectful way. I know he’s a great fighter. He’s got a lot of good tools. But I’ve got to get back inside the octagon, man. I need to fix whatever I did wrong. People were like, ‘Oh, (Vick’s) not ranked.’ What does it matter? I need to fight and get better. If I want to be a champion some day, I need to keep making these adjustments, and this is going to be another one.”

On his lack of focus: “I want to say it’s a lack of focus. Something happened where I was not concentrating in between rounds. First round, I had a good round; second round, I just came out and was repeating what I was doing in the first round without making adjustments. Those aren’t things I can really fix inside the gym. I have to fix them inside the octagon. I’m glad I got another chance quick.”

On a rematch with Michael Chiesa: “I would love a rematch. But, you know, he won the fight and was the better man that night. I can’t ask for a rematch without doing anything. I’m going to do my part and win my fights. When it comes up in the future, I’m going to take him out.”