Dariush dominates Ferguson in UFC 262 co-main event

Beneil Dariush picked up the biggest win of his career Saturday night and handed Tony Ferguson his third straight loss.

Dariush defeated Ferguson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) in the lightweight co-main event of UFC 262 at Toyota Center in Houston.

Dariush dominated Ferguson with his grappling during all three rounds. He scored takedowns in each stanza, and Ferguson was unable to return to his feet.

The contest nearly ended in a finish when Dariush sunk in a leg lock in the second round. Ferguson grimaced in pain but escaped the submission by kicking Dariush's grip.

With the victory, Dariush has won seven straight fights and will likely enter the division's top five. The 32-year-old was ranked No. 9 heading into Saturday's bout, while Ferguson sat at No. 5.

Ferguson, a former interim 155-pound champion, is now riding a three-fight skid after winning 12 straight from 2013-19. The 37-year-old suffered a brutal loss to Justin Gaethje in an interim title bout last May and hasn't won a fight since. His last victory came against Donald Cerrone in June 2019.