Beniel Dariush turned his post-fight interview into a gospel message.,,,
A martial arts ring is an unusual place to share the gospel, but Beniel Dariush stopped his post-fight TV victory interview to tell viewers “the most important thing you’ll ever hear”.
Dariush had just defeated Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 280 in a comprehensive mixed martial arts performance to claim a unanimous decision and his eighth win in a row.
The 33-year-old told spectators: “This might be the most important thing you’ll ever hear: there is true freedom, a freedom that no one can take from you in the name of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Don’t ever forget that. If you remember one thing I say, remember that.”
When asked about the chance to win a title in his lightweight division, given his superb form, Dariush added: “Here’s what I will tell you: my crown will come from my Lord and Saviour. I don’t care if I have to win another ten fights before I get this belt; I’ll do it.”
The Iranian-born American also had words of comfort for people in his homeland after weeks of social unrest following the death of Mahsa Amini in Iranian police custody.
“I’m sorry, Daniel,” he told the ring interviewer, “but I got to take a minute. I need to dedicate this fight to my people in Iran. I know you’re struggling. I know you’re fighting for freedom. I know it’s a tough struggle. I want you guys to know we’re praying for you, and we love you.”
Dariush emigrated to America aged nine and was raised in a Christian culture, but without a personal relationship with Jesus.
One day he prayed to God to show he was real by providing an opportunity and, within weeks, he was offered his first professional fight, in Brazil.
“It got to a point that everything I prayed for I got and I felt guilty,” Dariush recalls.
God’s faithfulness made Dariush feel he should surrender his life to Christ fully. Aged 24, he read the Bible and felt convicted by what he read, eventually giving his life to Jesus.
He now shares his Christian faith regularly, often speaking of his beliefs during UFC media events and other promotional work. He sponsors an orphanage and Christian school in Haiti, the Cap-Haïtien Children’s Home.
