Let’s play a quick game of Jeopardy. The answer is 2268. What are number of days that will have passed since Joseph Benavidez’s last UFC title shot is the question. That translates to 6 years & 2 1/2 months. Most UFC fighters careers don’t last that long. But for Joseph Benavidez (28-5) he’s getting a 3rd opportunity to win the UFC Flyweight Championship.
Benavidez 35, is seeking to become only the 3rd ever UFC Flyweight Champion. He got his 1st title opportunity against Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson on September 22, 2012 in the first ever UFC Flyweight Title fight. He came up just short losing a split decision that night. Benavidez proceeded to rattle off 3 wins and earned a 2nd title shot in a rematch against Johnson on December 15, 2013. This time Johnson made quick work of Benavidez finishing him at 2:08 of round 1 by KO.
Since losing his 2nd title fight Benavidez has gone 9-1 in the octagon. During that span he’s had several impressive wins including a victory over former UFC Flyweight Champion and current UFC Bantamweight Champion Henry Cejudo. Standing in his way of championship gold this time will be Brazil’s Deiveson “Deus Da Guerra” Figueiredo (17-1). Figueiredo 32, has been also been impressive in his UFC career going 6-1 with 4 finishes earning him his 1st title fight.
This will be Joseph “Joey Two Times” Benavidez’s 3rd shot at the UFC Flyweight Championship. He is widely considered as one of the best fighters never to win a UFC championship. It’s been a long wait but Benavidez has earned himself another title shot. A victory this Saturday would cement his place as one of the top 2 or 3 all time greatest flyweights in UFC history. Another championship fight loss however would put that all in jeopardy.
Anthony Sotelo for MMAInformed
