Beneil Darish has been selected as the 2024 Forrest Griffin Community Award recipient.
The UFC lightweight fighter has been recognized by the promotion for his philanthropic efforts to help those less fortunate. The news was announced Saturday night during the UFC broadcast on ESPN 55. Darish (22-6-1 MMA, 16-6-1 UFC) will receive a $25,000 donation to a charity of his choice.
“Benaille does an incredible job serving the community,” UFC CEO Dana White said in a press release. “Benaille is a perfect example of how athletes should use their platform to help those less fortunate while raising awareness for the charities that are most dear to their hearts. We give him this award. I'm honored to be able to do that.”
Established in 2020 and named after former UFC light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin, the award annually recognizes outstanding volunteer and philanthropic efforts and the meaningful impact their efforts have had on the community. This award recognizes UFC athletes.
Darish will be presented with the award at the 2024 UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony on June 27th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
In 2018, Dariush began a partnership with the Shrama Foundation to raise funds and awareness while training for upcoming events. As a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, he conducted meet-ups and training sessions, and a portion of his proceeds were donated to the organization.
Dariush used his first $50,000 fight bonus to fund two orphanages in Haiti in partnership with Promise Child Ministries. Cap-Haitian Children's Home has two facilities, each housing more than 20 students and a full-time staff of teachers, administrative staff, and custodians.
Darish also gives back to his local California community by teaching youth jiu-jitsu and self-defense classes five days a week at Kings MMA in Huntington Beach.
MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush vs Klose
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Ring announcer Bruce Buffer announces the fight with Beneil…
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Ring announcer Bruce Buffer announces the fight between Beneil Dariush (red gloves) and Drukkar Klose (blue gloves) at UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Required Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush vs Klose
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates defeating Drucker Klose (blue gloves)
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates defeating Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) at UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Required Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush vs 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) takes on Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) at UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Required Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush vs 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) takes on Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) at UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Required Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush vs 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) takes on Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) at UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Required Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush vs 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) takes on Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) at UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Required Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush vs Klose
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates defeating Drucker Klose (blue gloves)
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates defeating Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) at UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Required Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush vs Klose
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates defeating Drucker Klose (blue gloves)
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates defeating Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) at UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Required Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 248 – Dariush vs Klose
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates defeating Drucker Klose (blue gloves)
March 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Beneil Dariush (red gloves) celebrates defeating Drakkar Klose (blue gloves) at UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Required Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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Beneil Dariush Drucker Klose ufc-248-scorecard
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The story originally appeared on MMA Junkie
