Don\u2019t count out \u201cBenny\u201d just yet.<\/p>\n
Dariush enters as a massive +350 underdog \u2014 the biggest of his career \u2014 signaling that oddsmakers and fans expect him to get overwhelmed by the rising Australian. It\u2019s a familiar position, though, as the veteran has been an underdog in eight of his last 10 fights.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not new to me, so it is fine,\u201d Dariush told BJPENN.com. \u201cI plan on going out there and doing what I always have done. Underestimating me, I don\u2019t know if that\u2019s a good idea. If that\u2019s how people are looking at it, we will see how it goes\u2026Experience is important but skill is what ultimately determines the fight.\u201d<\/p>\n
While many expect Salkilld to keep things standing, Dariush believes the fight will eventually hit the mat \u2014 where he holds a clear edge<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what his game plan is, but one way or another, I think the fight will go to the ground,\u201d Dariush said. \u201cWhether he wants to or I do, there will be some grappling exchanged because we both are grapplers. There\u2019s a good chance of a finish.\u201d<\/p>\n Now 1-3 in his last four, Dariush has plenty to prove \u2014 and a chance to derail one of the division\u2019s hottest prospects in the process.<\/p>\n Will the old guard spoil the rise of the new? We\u2019ll find out soon.<\/p>\n