UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush joins CJ Perry and Jonathan Saba on the Identity Crisis podcast for a powerful, no-nonsense conversation about faith, fighting, and staying true to yourself in a sport built on hype.

From growing up in a small village in Iran to becoming one of the most respected lightweights in the UFC, Beneil breaks down the journey that shaped him - inside and outside the Octagon. He talks candidly about his viral Elon Musk callout that somehow turned into two Teslas, his refusal to play a trash-talk character, and why integrity matters more to him than popularity.

Beneil opens up about finding God during his lowest moments, how faith grounds him in a violent profession, and why he believes it actually makes him a better fighter. He also dives into the realities of the UFC business, controversial title shot snubs despite an 8-fight win streak, and his personal philosophy on violence vs. sport.

The conversation goes deeper as Beneil shares how video games nearly derailed his career, what it’s like balancing life as a father of three daughters while running a gym, and the recovery tools that helped him heal faster than expected - everything from sunlight and red light therapy to smarter training habits. Plus, yes, he finally admits his childhood crush on Stephanie McMahon.

This episode is raw, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest—an inside look at a fighter who refuses to be fake in an industry that rewards it.

Follow Us:

• INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/identitycrisispodcast
• TIKTOK ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@identitycrisispodcast
• SPOTIFY ➤ https://open.spotify.com/show/2jpWn23wgVjNADo8Ua48TH

CJ :

• INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/thecjperry
• TIKTOK ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@cjperrytiktok
• X ➤ https://x.com/TheCJPerry

JONATHAN:

• INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmsaba
• 
  

BENEIL DARIUSH

• INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/beneildariush
• Train at Beneil’s Gym:Kings MMA – Anaheim, CA

CHAPTERS

• 0:00 - Introduction & Welcome
• 1:00 - The Viral Elon Musk Tesla Callout Story
• 4:06 - Growing Up in a Village in Iran
• 9:40 - Video Games Almost Derailed His Career
• 11:40 - Faith Journey: From Agnostic to Christian
• 16:35 - First Prayer & Transition to MMA
• 20:19 - The Meaning of Integrity
• 28:35 - Recovery Secrets: Red Light Therapy & Sunlight Benefits
• 36:00 - Sunscreen Debate & Health Through the Eyes
• 45:00 - What's Next in UFC Career
• 48:55 - UFC Politics & Staying Authentic
• 51:52 - Conor McGregor & UFC Going Mainstream
• 56:00 - Ronda Rousey's Impact on Women's MMA
• 1:01:00 - Would He Let His Daughters Fight?
• 1:06:20 - Closing & Where to Find Beneil

This Podcast is Produced by CJ Perry, Jonathan Saba, Ryan Lu, & Passes, Production Assistant Minna, And Show Writer Paul O’Brien. Production and Post by Rainbow Creative with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Editing by Rainbow Creative

About Identity Crisis:

Welcome to Identity Crisis - a new podcast by WWE Legend CJ Perry and Hollywood producer Jonathan Saba. Here we separate the person from the persona, the schtick from the clicks, and get to unfiltered conversations about perception, reinvention, with some unlicensed intervention - hosted by two professional fakers who've made a living playing the part.

Former WWE Superstar Aliyah (Nhooph Al-Areebi) joins CJ Perry (Lana) and Jonathan Saba

on Identity Crisis to discuss her shocking WWE release, the controversy after her incredible 3.17-second Guinness World Record for the fastest win against Natalya! Aliyah opens up in her first podcast interview since her WWE departure, revealing the confusing disconnect between her loud live crowd reactions and the feeling of being "eaten alive" on Twitter by non-real accounts.

How did a wrestler who felt she was "never pushed to the forefront" manage to break the fastest victory record, pinning a legend like Natalya? Aliyah shares the power of that moment and why she truly felt it was "magical". Plus, hear the incredible, untold story of her wrestling through a hairline rib fracture just to finish a match, proving her undeniable toughness and focus. Finally, Nhooph discusses finding a true identity outside of the WWE Superstar role, protecting her mind, and the healthy outlet of competitive horseback riding.

Follow Nhooph (Aliyah): https://www.instagram.com/nhooph_alareebi/

Follow Us:

INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/identitycrisispodcast

TIKTOK ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@identitycrisispodcast

SPOTIFY ➤ https://open.spotify.com/show/2jpWn23wgVjNADo8Ua48TH

CJ :

INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/thecjperry

TIKTOK ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@cjperrytiktok

X ➤ https://x.com/TheCJPerry

JONATHAN: INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmsaba

INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmsaba

This Podcast is Produced by CJ Perry, Jonathan Saba, Ryan Lu, & Passes, Production Assistant Minna, And Show Writer Paul O’Brien. Production and Post by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Editing by Nathan Wheatley at Rainbow CreativeAbout Identity Crisis:Welcome to Identity Crisis - a new podcast by WWE Legend CJ Perry and Hollywood producer Jonathan Saba. Here we separate the person from the persona, the schtick from the clicks, and get to unfiltered conversations about perception, reinvention, with some unlicensed intervention - hosted by two professional fakers who've made a living playing the part.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction & Nhooph's Injury Story0:28 - Welcome & First Podcast Interview1:48 - WWE Herpes Rumor & Recognition3:25 - Breaking the Guinness World Record5:58 - Record-Breaking Match with Natalya6:06 - Working with Natalya & The Dungeon10:18 - Finishing the Match Injured16:10 - Seven Years in NXT17:55 - Losing Matches & Mindset24:01 - Competing After Release25:10 - Imposter Syndrome & Confidence28:35 - The Success Principles Book29:14 - Horses & Wrestling Parallels30:23 - Day After Getting Cut36:54 - Boundaries & Goals Post-WWE42:34 - Favorite Tag Teams Discussion48:50 - Manager/Valet Gimmick Talk52:11 - Closing & Goodbye

New year, new risks, and life-changing moves you won’t see coming. Welcome back to Identity Crisis as CJ Perry, Miro, and Johnny Saba kick off 2026 with massive announcements, bold New Year’s resolutions, and raw conversations that set the tone for their biggest year yet.

Miro unveils Catch Academy, his groundbreaking professional wrestling school opening in Nashville, Tennessee, built to train kids and adults with an affordable, real-world system focused on psychology, storytelling, and fundamentals. CJ Perry shocks fans by officially stepping into stand-up comedy, announcing her first live show in Los Angeles on March 26 and embracing the grind of starting over in front of live crowds.

The trio also gets deeply personal, opening up about CJ and Miro’s IVF journey, sharing emotional highs and lows, faith, and hope, before diving into heated 2026 WWE Championship predictions, the greatest wrestling finishers of all time, and powerful insights on discipline, legacy, and chasing lifelong dreams.

If you love WWE, AEW, wrestling training, comedy, IVF stories, or personal growth, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Follow Us:

• INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/identitycrisispodcast
• TIKTOK ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@identitycrisispodcast
• SPOTIFY ➤ https://open.spotify.com/show/2jpWn23wgVjNADo8Ua48TH

MIRO:

• INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/tobemiroX ➤ https://www.x.com/tobemiro
• TIKTOK ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@rusevtok
• YOUTUBE- @ToBeMiroTV

CJ :

• INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/thecjperry
• TIKTOK ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@cjperry
• tiktok X ➤ https://x.com/TheCJPerry

JONATHAN:

INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmsaba

This Podcast is Produced by CJ Perry, Jonathan Saba, Ryan Lu, & Passes, Production Assistant Minna, And Show Writer Paul O’Brien. Production and Post by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Editing by Rainbow Creative About

Welcome to Identity Crisis - a new podcast by WWE Legend CJ Perry and Hollywood producer Jonathan Saba. Here we separate the person from the persona, the schtick from the clicks, and get to unfiltered conversations about perception, reinvention, with some unlicensed intervention - hosted by two professional fakers who've made a living playing the part.

UFC featherweight contender Giga Chikadze joins CJ Perry and Jonathan Saba on the Identity Crisis podcast! Giga opens up about the brutal Calvin Kattar war, the "Giga Kick," and what it might look like if he were to fight Miro?!

Days before his fight against Kevin Vallejos, "The Giga Chad" himself, Giga Chikadze. The Georgian kickboxing legend and UFC star shares the incredible story of how he badgered Dana White and Sean Shelby to get his shot in the Octagon, culminating in a career-defining run.

Giga gets real about the physical toll of his "Fight of the Year" contender against Calvin Kattar, revealing the extent of his injuries and the mutual respect shared in the hospital afterward. He also discusses his strict Orthodox Christian fasting routine, comparing notes with CJ on her husband Miro’s extreme weight cuts. Plus, Giga talks about opening his new striking gym in Orange County, his "Knockout Cancer" charity honoring his late mother, and why he finally unleashed "The Giga Show" heel persona.

Follow Giga Chikadze - https://www.instagram.com/knockoutcancer

Follow Us:

INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/identitycrisispodcast

TIKTOK ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@identitycrisispodcast

SPOTIFY ➤ https://open.spotify.com/show/2jpWn23wgVjNADo8Ua48TH

CJ :

INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/thecjperry

TIKTOK ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@cjperrytiktok

X ➤ https://x.com/TheCJPerry

JONATHAN:

INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmsaba

This Podcast is Produced by CJ Perry, Jonathan Saba, Ryan Lu, & Passes, Production Assistant Minna, And Show Writer Paul O’Brien. Production and Post by Rainbow Creative with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Editing by Nathan Wheatley at Rainbow Creative.

00:00 - Intro & "The Giga Chad"

01:26 - Hypothetical Fight: Giga vs. Miro

07:01 - How Giga Forced His Way into the UFC

19:23 - The "Draw" Mistake: A Ruined Celebration

23:56 - The Calvin Kattar War: Injuries & Aftermath

27:21 - The "Post-Fight Blues" & Dopamine Crashes

31:56 - Opening a Striking Gym in Orange County

35:15 - "The Giga Show": Creating a Heel Persona

40:04 - Real Life Beefs & Street Fights

CJ and Johnny sit down with a force of nature—Cameron (Ariane Andrew). She’s the former WWE standout who flipped reality TV fame into a blueprint for reinvention, survived the internet’s harshest critics, and built a brand powered by grit, charisma, and unapologetic ambition. Her story doesn’t just inspire—it hits like a finisher.

In this episode, Cameron reveals:

• How she went from reality TV hopeful to WWE standout
• The truth about handling online hate, criticism, and public scrutiny
• Breaking generational cycles through mental health, family, and personal growth
• Why storytelling is the heart of wrestling-and how she mastered it
• Her mission behind launching Pound Town Wrestling to elevate new talent

Inside scoop on her new movie “Onyx” (now streaming on BET+ and Amazon Prime)

Raw behind-the-scenes moments, career lessons, and the mindset that keeps her evolving

Whether you love wrestling, reality TV, entertainment hustle, or just a damn good comeback story, this episode you will see Cameron’s real, unfiltered, and wildly inspiring story.

Follow Cameron (Ariane Andrew):

• @ArianeAndrew

Check out Pound Town Wrestling:

• https://poundtownwrestling.com/
• @poundtownwrestling

Watch “Onyx” on BET+ and Amazon Prime: https://bit.ly/4inkTSM

Follow Us:

• INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/identitycrisispodcast
• TIKTOK ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@identitycrisispodcast
• SPOTIFY ➤ https://open.spotify.com/show/2jpWn23wgVjNADo8Ua48TH

CJ :

• INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/thecjperry
• TIKTOK ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@cjperrytiktok
• X ➤ https://x.com/TheCJPerry

JONATHAN:

• INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmsaba

RYAN LU

• INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/e.mo.tions/
• YOUTUBE ➤https://www.youtube.com/@e.mo.tionsYT

This Podcast is Produced by CJ Perry, Jonathan Saba, Ryan Lu, & Passes, Production Assistant Minna, And Show Writer Paul O’Brien. Production and Post by Rainbow Creative with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Editing by Rainbow Creative + DH Agency

For this week’s episode of Identity Crisis, CJ brings TikTok’s favourite menace, Chase DeMoor, to the studio.

With Hollywood insider Johnathan Saba stirring the pot, things get fast and fun quickly, as a reality-TV heel meets pro-wrestling heel to break down Chase’s habit of going viral for all the wrong (right) reasons! This is a jam-packed episode about fighting, frolics, and finding love… on camera.”

From his rise on Netflix’s "Too Hot to Handle" to his headline-making moments in Misfits Boxing, Chase breaks down what it really takes to become a “likable villain,” survive influencer fame, and build a massive personal brand in today’s social media-driven world.

🔥 In this episode, Chase DeMoor reveals:

• Behind-the-scenes secrets from Too Hot to Handle

• How he crafted his controversial but viral online persona

• The truth about influencer boxing and Misfits Boxing

• His mindset going into a fight with Andrew Tate

• The crossover between combat sports, entertainment, and social media growth

Whether you’re into reality TV, combat sports, influencer drama, or the business of becoming an internet personality, this is one episode you don’t want to miss!

Follow Our Guests, Host, & The Show!

Follow Us:

INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/identitycrisispodcast

TIKTOK ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@identitycrisispodcast

SPOTIFY ➤ https://open.spotify.com/show/2jpWn23wgVjNADo8Ua48TH

CJ :

INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/thecjperry

TIKTOK ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@cjperrytiktok

X ➤ https://x.com/TheCJPerry

CHASE

TIKTOK ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@chasedemoor?lang=en

INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/chasedemoor/

YOUTUBE ➤ https://www.youtube.com/@chasedemoor.

JONATHAN:

INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmsaba

RYAN LU

INSTAGRAM ➤ https://www.instagram.com/e.mo.tions/

YOUTUBE ➤https://www.youtube.com/@e.mo.tionsYT

This Podcast is Produced by CJ Perry, Jonathan Saba, Ryan Lu, & Passes, Production Assistant Minna, And Show Writer Paul O’Brien. Production and Post by ⁠Rainbow Creative⁠ with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Editing by Rainbow Creative + DH Agency

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro & Chase’s journey

5:00 – Reality TV & the “heel” persona

15:00 – Boxing, influencer life, and staying relevant

30:00 – Upcoming fights & Andrew Tate

40:00 – CJ Puts You Over! WWE, Emmys, and the future of entertainment

About Identity Crisis:

Welcome to Identity Crisis - a new podcast by WWE Legend CJ Perry and Hollywood producer Jonathan Saba. Here we separate the person from the persona, the schtick from the clicks, and get to unfiltered conversations about perception, reinvention, with some unlicensed intervention - hosted by two professional fakers who've made a living playing the part.

For the debut episode of Identity Crisis, WWE Legend CJ Perry dives straight into the deep end with her husband Miro.. Alongside Hollywood producer and co-host Jonathan Saba, CJ and Miro get brutally honest about everything from LuluLemon to workouts, to Jonathan's manhood, to CJ and Miro's almost divorce... then reconciliation... then divorce again? Episode 1 is half marriage therapy, half wrestling confessional, and 100% unmissable!