Arman Tsarukyan knocks out Beneil Dariush in UFC Austin main event

A lightweight bout between fourth ranked Beneil Dariush and eighth ranked Arman Tsarukyan headlined Saturday’s UFC Austin fight card in Salt Lake City, Utah.  

Dariush entered the bout coming off a loss to former champion Charles Oliveira while Tsarukyan entered the fight riding a two-fight winning streak.

Dariush landed first with a kick to the body.  He landed a leg kick.  Tsarukyan stepped forward and landed a knee followed by a right hand that dropped Dariush.  He followed up with three more punches before the referee stepped in to stop the fight.  

The official time of the stoppage came at 1:04 of the first round.  

“I was expecting a knockout.  I told you guys, I don’t want to win by decision, or whatever,” Tsarukyan said following the win.  “I just wanted to performance very well, knock him out, and go home and get a title fight.  

“I want to say, thank you so much Beneil.  He’s the most respectful fighter in the division,” continued Tsarukyan.  “Because of him I’m a Top  5 fighter now, and hopefully the next fight will be for a title… I’m going to be a champion.  Trust me guys.”

“I knew I could knock him out and I did it.”