Beneil Dariush has been named recipient of the 2024 Forrest Griffin Community Award.
The UFC lightweight is being recognized by the promotion for his charitable work helping those less fortunate. The news was announced on Saturday night, during the UFC on ESPN 55 streaming. Dariush (22-6-1 MMA, 16-6-1 UFC) will receive a $25,000 donation to a charity of his choice.
“Beneil does an incredible job giving back to his community,” UFC CEO Dana White said in a press release. “Beneil is a perfect example of how athletes should use their platforms to raise awareness for the charitable causes they care about most while helping those less fortunate. It is an honor to present him with this award.”
The award, which was created in 2020 and is named after former UFC light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin, annually recognizes a UFC athlete for their exceptional volunteer and charitable work and the significant impact their efforts have on the community.
Dariush will be honored with this award during the 2024 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, taking place on June 27 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
In 2018, Dariush began a partnership with Shlama Foundation to raise funds and awareness while training for future events. A black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, he held meet-and-greets and training, with part of the profits benefiting the organization.
Dariush used his first $50,000 fight bonus to fund two orphanages in Haiti in partnership with Children’s Ministries Promise. The Cap-Haitian Children’s Home has two locations, each housing more than 20 students and a full-time staff of teachers, administrative staff and custodians.
Dariush also gives back to the local community in California by teaching jiu-jitsu and self-defense classes to youth at Kings MMA in Huntington Beach five days a week.
MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush x Klose
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Ring announcer Bruce Buffer announces the fight between Beneil…
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Ring announcer Bruce Buffer announces the fight between Beneil Dariush (red gloves) and Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) during UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush x Klose
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates victory over Drakkar Klose (blue…
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates his victory over Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) during UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush x Klose
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) fights Drakkar Klose (blue gloves)…
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) fights Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) during UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush x Klose
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) fights Drakkar Klose (blue gloves)…
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) fights Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) during UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush x Klose
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) fights Drakkar Klose (blue gloves)…
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) fights Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) during UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush x Klose
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) fights Drakkar Klose (blue gloves)…
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) fights Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) during UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush x Klose
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates victory over Drakkar Klose (blue…
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates his victory over Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) during UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush x Klose
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates victory over Drakkar Klose (blue…
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates his victory over Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) during UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush x Klose
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates victory over Drakkar Klose (blue…
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates his victory over Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) during UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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