UFC working towards Michael Chiesa-Beneil Dariush fight
![UFC lightweight Michael Chiesa](http://web.archive.org./web/20160325105442im_/http://adcombat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Chiesa-800x280.jpg)
Multiple media sources have confirmed that the UFC is working towards a lightweight contest between Michael Chiesa and Beneil Dariush. The bout is expected to be part of UFC on Fox 19, which takes place April 16 at an unannounced venue in Tampa, Fla.
Chiesa has won back-to-back bouts over Mitch Clarke and Jim Miller since losing on a cut stoppage against Joe Lauzon in 2014. He joined the UFC and won the 15th season of “The Ultimate Fighter” in 2012. He holds a 6-2 record in the UFC with wins over the likes of Francisco Trinaldo, fellow TUF winner Colton Smith and Al Iaquinta.
In his last outing, Dariush extended his current winning streak to five with a controversial decision over Michael Johnson. After splitting his first two bouts in the Octagon, a win over Charlie Brenneman and a loss against Ramsey Nijem, Dariush has gone undefeated. During his streak, he has picked up signature victories over Miller, Daron Cruickshank and Carlos Diego Ferreira.
For the main event of UFC on Fox 19, the promotion is reportedly working towards a light heavyweight match between former light heavyweight champions. Rashad Evans is expected to face Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. The two had been matched back in 2011. However, Evans pulled out of the bout with an injury. “Shogun” went on to lose the light heavyweight belt to Jon Jones.