UFC 262: Dariush vs. Ferguson betting odds, preview, and pick

Beneil Dariush (20-4-1) hopes to push Tony Ferguson (25-5) further down the lightweight rankings when the two fighters meet at UFC 262 on May 15. We have the betting odds and preview you need leading up to their showdown.

Dariush is on a hot streak

Dariush is currently on a six-fight win streak, and has finished all but two of his opponents. In his most recent fight, he edged out rival Carlos Diego Ferreira for a second time last February.

The Brazilian jujitsu specialist has scored eight wins by submission and is improving as a striker. Against Ferreira, he scored five takedowns and fought off his determined opponent who was also in the midst of a win streak. In this case, Dariush will be facing an established veteran who has seen better days.

Ferguson is at the end of the road

Time has not been kind to El Cucuy. Ferguson is known for his impeccable conditioning and volume attack, but his back-to-back losses against Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira were so conclusive that they stood out more than the 12 fights he won previously.

Ferguson remains an excellent finisher. 12 of his 20 wins have come inside the distance, and he may benefit from facing an opponent who may not be as tough as his previous conquerors. Then again, it’s just as likely his time at the top of the mountain is over.

Dariush will hand Ferguson his third straight loss

Unless Ferguson has discovered the fountain of youth, or at least can turn the clock back to three fights ago, this is a bad matchup for him. Dariush is a bit of a mix of Gaethje and Oliveira. He’s a respectable striker and a nightmare on the ground.

Dariush isn’t anywhere as creative a striker as Ferguson. Yet, his simple strikes are meant to open Ferguson up for a takedown, and it is anyone’s guess if he can avoid such a formidable grappler.

Ultimately, Ferguson is starting to trend downwards and this isn’t the right guy for him to bounce back against. While he gets credit for taking a tough fight, he isn’t winning here. Expect the younger, fresher, and more versatile Dariush to get the job done by decision.

MMA pick: Dariush