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| nationality = American
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Benavidez was born on July 31, 1984, in [[San Antonio]], Texas, and is of [[Mexicans|Mexican]] descent. Benavidez grew up with his single mother and two brothers.<ref name=ufcint20>{{cite AV media |author=UFC |date=February 26, 2020 |title=Joseph Benavidez full interview ahead of UFC Norfolk |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcTWaGy-b9Y |access-date=April 16, 2020}}</ref> He attended [[Las Cruces High School]], where he began training boxing. At the age of 16, he also began [[Scholastic wrestling|wrestling]], discipline in which he became a [[New Mexico|New Mexico State]] champion. He continued to wrestle for one semester at [[William Penn University]] before dropping out. From college onwards Benavidez struggled with alcohol and drug abuse before becoming sober, subsequently turning his interest into mixed martial arts.<ref name=ufcint20 />
Benavidez was born on July 31, 1984, in [[San Antonio]], Texas, and is of [[Mexicans|Mexican]] descent. Benavidez grew up with his single mother and two brothers.<ref name=ufcint20>{{cite AV media |author=UFC |date=February 26, 2020 |title=Joseph Benavidez full interview ahead of UFC Norfolk |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcTWaGy-b9Y |access-date=April 16, 2020}}</ref> He attended [[Las Cruces High School]], where he began training boxing. At the age of 16, he also began [[Scholastic wrestling|wrestling]], discipline in which he became a [[New Mexico|New Mexico State]] champion. He continued to wrestle for one semester at [[William Penn University]] before dropping out. From college onwards Benavidez struggled with alcohol and drug abuse before becoming sober, subsequently turning his interest into mixed martial arts.<ref name=ufcint20 />


After fighting in smaller shows while working as a screen printer in [[Las Cruces, New Mexico|Las Cruces]], New Mexico, he joined up with [[Urijah Faber]]'s Team Alpha Male in 2007. Benavidez has since fought in [[Dream (mixed martial arts)|Dream]], [[World Extreme Cagefighting|WEC]] and most recently the UFC. His fighting style has drawn comparisons to training partner and former [[List of WEC champions#Featherweight Championship|WEC Featherweight Champion]] [[Urijah Faber]]. On April 27, 2010, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Las Cruces proclaimed April 27 as Joseph Benavidez Day in Las Cruces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.5thround.com/34312/today-is-joseph-benavidez-day-in-las-cruces-new-mexico/|title = Today is Joseph Benavidez Day in las Cruces, New Mexico|date = April 27, 2010}}</ref>
After fighting in smaller shows while working as a screen printer in [[Las Cruces, New Mexico|Las Cruces]], New Mexico, he joined up with [[Urijah Faber]]'s Team Alpha Male in 2007. Benavidez has since fought in [[Dream (mixed martial arts)|Dream]], [[World Extreme Cagefighting|WEC]] and most recently the UFC. His fighting style has drawn comparisons to training partner and former [[List of WEC champions#Featherweight Championship|WEC Featherweight Champion]] [[Urijah Faber]]. On April 27, 2010, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Las Cruces proclaimed April 27 as Joseph Benavidez Day in Las Cruces.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.5thround.com/34312/today-is-joseph-benavidez-day-in-las-cruces-new-mexico/|title = Today is Joseph Benavidez Day in las Cruces, New Mexico|date = April 27, 2010|access-date = August 20, 2012|archive-date = July 26, 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180726203131/http://www.5thround.com/34312/today-is-joseph-benavidez-day-in-las-cruces-new-mexico/|url-status = dead}}</ref>


==Mixed martial arts career==
==Mixed martial arts career==
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===World Extreme Cagefighting===
===World Extreme Cagefighting===
Benavidez was then signed by US-based [[World Extreme Cagefighting]]. On December 3, 2008, he fought [[Danny Martinez]] at ''[[WEC 37]]'' and won by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/joseph-benavidez-vs-danny-martinez-at-wec-37-2|title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Danny Martinez at WEC 37|author=Damon Martin|publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=November 12, 2008|access-date=November 12, 2008}}</ref>
Benavidez was then signed by US-based [[World Extreme Cagefighting]]. On December 3, 2008, he fought [[Danny Martinez]] at ''[[WEC 37]]'' and won by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/joseph-benavidez-vs-danny-martinez-at-wec-37-2|title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Danny Martinez at WEC 37|author=Damon Martin|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com &#124; Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=November 12, 2008|access-date=November 12, 2008}}</ref>


Benavidez faced [[Jeff Curran]] on April 5, 2009 at [[WEC 40]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2009/01/21/jeff-curran-vs-joseph-benavidez-wec-40-fight-booked-for-chicago-april-5|title=Jeff Curran vs Joseph Benavidez WEC 40 fight booked for Chicago April 5|date=January 21, 2009|publisher=www.mmamania.com |access-date=November 21, 2009}}</ref> Benavidez dominated Curran from the opening bell with superior grappling and striking, knocking the opponent down in the first round. Curran unsuccessfully attempted an armbar in the second round and a triangle choke in the third round.<ref>{{cite web |last1=MMAWeekly.Com Staff |title=Benavidez Spoils Curran's Homecoming |url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/benavidez-spoils-currans-homecoming-2 |website=mmaweekly.com |access-date=19 February 2022 |date=5 April 2009}}</ref>
Benavidez faced [[Jeff Curran]] on April 5, 2009, at [[WEC 40]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2009/01/21/jeff-curran-vs-joseph-benavidez-wec-40-fight-booked-for-chicago-april-5|title=Jeff Curran vs Joseph Benavidez WEC 40 fight booked for Chicago April 5|date=January 21, 2009|publisher=www.mmamania.com |access-date=November 21, 2009}}</ref> Benavidez dominated Curran from the opening bell with superior grappling and striking, knocking the opponent down in the first round. Curran unsuccessfully attempted an armbar in the second round and a triangle choke in the third round.<ref>{{cite news |last1=MMAWeekly.Com Staff |title=Benavidez Spoils Curran's Homecoming |url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/benavidez-spoils-currans-homecoming-2 |newspaper=Mmaweekly.com &#124; Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |access-date=19 February 2022 |date=5 April 2009}}</ref>


Next, Benavidez faced [[Dominick Cruz]] on August 9, 2009 at [[WEC 42]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2009/05/report-joseph-benavidez-vs-dominick-cruz-set-for-wec-42-torres-vs-bowles-in-august|title=Report: Joseph Benavidez vs. Dominick Cruz set for "WEC 42: Torres vs. Bowles" in August|date=May 29, 2009|publisher=www.mmajunkie.com |access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref> He lost the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitra |first1=Anurag |title="He gave me a cut that I look at every day!" - Dominick Cruz reminisces about his history with Joseph Benavidez post-UFC 259 win |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-he-gave-cut-i-look-every-day-dominick-cruz-reminisces-history-joseph-benavidez-post-ufc-259-win |website=sportskeeda.com |access-date=19 February 2022 |date=7 March 2021}}</ref>
Next, Benavidez faced [[Dominick Cruz]] on August 9, 2009, at [[WEC 42]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2009/05/report-joseph-benavidez-vs-dominick-cruz-set-for-wec-42-torres-vs-bowles-in-august|title=Report: Joseph Benavidez vs. Dominick Cruz set for "WEC 42: Torres vs. Bowles" in August|date=May 29, 2009|publisher=www.mmajunkie.com |access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref> He lost the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitra |first1=Anurag |title="He gave me a cut that I look at every day!" - Dominick Cruz reminisces about his history with Joseph Benavidez post-UFC 259 win |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-he-gave-cut-i-look-every-day-dominick-cruz-reminisces-history-joseph-benavidez-post-ufc-259-win |website=sportskeeda.com |access-date=19 February 2022 |date=7 March 2021}}</ref>


Benavidez fought [[Brazilian jiu-jitsu]] ace [[Rani Yahya]] on December 19, 2009 at [[WEC 45]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/16663/joseph-benavidez-vs-rani-yahya-set-for-wec-45-in-december.mma|title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Rani Yahya set for WEC 45 in December|publisher=www.mmajunkie.com|access-date=October 29, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091101091223/http://mmajunkie.com/news/16663/joseph-benavidez-vs-rani-yahya-set-for-wec-45-in-december.mma|archive-date=November 1, 2009}}</ref> Benavidez won via first round TKO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/17292/after-surprising-start-from-yahya-benavidez-claims-stoppage-just-at-wec-45.mma|title=After surprising start from Yahya, Benavidez claims stoppage just at WEC 45|publisher=www.mmajunkie.com|access-date=December 20, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222093724/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17292/after-surprising-start-from-yahya-benavidez-claims-stoppage-just-at-wec-45.mma|archive-date=December 22, 2009}}</ref>
Benavidez fought [[Brazilian jiu-jitsu]] ace [[Rani Yahya]] on December 19, 2009, at [[WEC 45]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/16663/joseph-benavidez-vs-rani-yahya-set-for-wec-45-in-december.mma|title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Rani Yahya set for WEC 45 in December|publisher=www.mmajunkie.com|access-date=October 29, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091101091223/http://mmajunkie.com/news/16663/joseph-benavidez-vs-rani-yahya-set-for-wec-45-in-december.mma|archive-date=November 1, 2009}}</ref> Benavidez won via first round TKO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/17292/after-surprising-start-from-yahya-benavidez-claims-stoppage-just-at-wec-45.mma|title=After surprising start from Yahya, Benavidez claims stoppage just at WEC 45|publisher=www.mmajunkie.com|access-date=December 20, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222093724/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17292/after-surprising-start-from-yahya-benavidez-claims-stoppage-just-at-wec-45.mma|archive-date=December 22, 2009}}</ref>


Benavidez defeated former [[List of WEC champions#Bantamweight Championship|WEC Bantamweight Champion]] [[Miguel Torres (fighter)|Miguel Torres]] on March 6, 2010 at [[WEC 47]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/17373/miguel-torres-vs-joseph-benavidez-set-for-wec-47-likely-to-determine-no-1-contender.mma |title=Miguel Torres vs. Joseph Benavidez set for WEC 47, likely to determine No. 1 contender |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=December 31, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102005444/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17373/miguel-torres-vs-joseph-benavidez-set-for-wec-47-likely-to-determine-no-1-contender.mma |archive-date=January 2, 2010 }}</ref> He dominated the former Bantamweight Champion before opening a huge cut on Torres' forehead and submitting the bloodied Torres via guillotine choke.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/358606-wecs-joseph-benavidez-knocks-out-critics-and-taps-out-miguel-torres|title=WEC: Joseph Benavidez knocks out critics and taps out Miguel Torres|publisher=bleacherreport.com|date=March 7, 2010}}</ref>
Benavidez defeated former [[List of WEC champions#Bantamweight Championship|WEC Bantamweight Champion]] [[Miguel Torres (fighter)|Miguel Torres]] on March 6, 2010, at [[WEC 47]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/17373/miguel-torres-vs-joseph-benavidez-set-for-wec-47-likely-to-determine-no-1-contender.mma |title=Miguel Torres vs. Joseph Benavidez set for WEC 47, likely to determine No. 1 contender |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=December 31, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102005444/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17373/miguel-torres-vs-joseph-benavidez-set-for-wec-47-likely-to-determine-no-1-contender.mma |archive-date=January 2, 2010 }}</ref> He dominated the former Bantamweight Champion before opening a huge cut on Torres' forehead and submitting the bloodied Torres via guillotine choke.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/358606-wecs-joseph-benavidez-knocks-out-critics-and-taps-out-miguel-torres|title=WEC: Joseph Benavidez knocks out critics and taps out Miguel Torres|publisher=bleacherreport.com|date=March 7, 2010}}</ref>


===Bantamweight title shot and beyond===
===Bantamweight title shot and beyond===
Benavidez fought [[Dominick Cruz]] in a rematch for the [[List of WEC champions#Bantamweight Championship|WEC Bantamweight Championship]] on August 18, 2010 at [[WEC 50]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/cruz-vs-benavidez-for-the-title-in-august-2 |title=Cruz vs Benavidez For The Title In August |publisher=MMAweekly.com |date=June 8, 2010}}</ref> Benavidez lost to Cruz for a second time via split decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/08/18/wec-50-dominick-cruz-beats-joseph-benavidez |title=WEC 50: Dominick Cruz beats Joseph Benavidez|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=August 18, 2010}}</ref>
Benavidez fought [[Dominick Cruz]] in a rematch for the [[List of WEC champions#Bantamweight Championship|WEC Bantamweight Championship]] on August 18, 2010, at [[WEC 50]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://mmaweekly.com/cruz-vs-benavidez-for-the-title-in-august-2 |title=Cruz vs Benavidez For The Title In August |newspaper=Mmaweekly.com &#124; Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAweekly.com |date=June 8, 2010}}</ref> Benavidez lost to Cruz for a second time via split decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/08/18/wec-50-dominick-cruz-beats-joseph-benavidez |title=WEC 50: Dominick Cruz beats Joseph Benavidez|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=August 18, 2010}}</ref>


Benavidez faced [[Wagnney Fabiano]] on November 11, 2010, replacing an injured [[Brian Bowles (fighter)|Brian Bowles]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Bowles-Injured-Benavidez-Probable-Replacement-for-WEC-52-27343| title=Bowles Injured; Benavidez Probable Replacement for WEC 52|publisher=sherdog.com| date=October 7, 2010}}</ref> Benavidez defeated Fabiano via second round submission. After an uneventful first round of striking between the two, Benavidez stung Fabiano with a left and pounced, submitting the 3rd degree black belt with a guillotine choke at 2:45 of the second round.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Benavidez-uses-Joe-Jitsu-to-submit-Fabiano-at-?urn=mma-284768&time=1291412470| title=Benavidez uses 'Joe-Jitsu' to submit Fabiano at WEC 52|publisher=sports.yahoo.com| date=November 11, 2010}}</ref>
Benavidez faced [[Wagnney Fabiano]] on November 11, 2010, replacing an injured [[Brian Bowles (fighter)|Brian Bowles]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Bowles-Injured-Benavidez-Probable-Replacement-for-WEC-52-27343| title=Bowles Injured; Benavidez Probable Replacement for WEC 52|publisher=sherdog.com| date=October 7, 2010}}</ref> Benavidez defeated Fabiano via second round submission. After an uneventful first round of striking between the two, Benavidez stung Fabiano with a left and pounced, submitting the 3rd degree black belt with a guillotine choke at 2:45 of the second round.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Benavidez-uses-Joe-Jitsu-to-submit-Fabiano-at-?urn=mma-284768&time=1291412470| title=Benavidez uses 'Joe-Jitsu' to submit Fabiano at WEC 52|publisher=sports.yahoo.com| date=November 11, 2010}}</ref>
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On October 28, 2010, [[World Extreme Cagefighting]] merged with the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma |title=UFC and WEC set to merge in 2011; events to air on Versus and Spike TV |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=October 28, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525095952/http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma |archive-date=May 25, 2012 }}</ref>
On October 28, 2010, [[World Extreme Cagefighting]] merged with the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma |title=UFC and WEC set to merge in 2011; events to air on Versus and Spike TV |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=October 28, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525095952/http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma |archive-date=May 25, 2012 }}</ref>


In his UFC debut, Benavidez faced [[Ian Loveland]] on March 19, 2011 at [[UFC 128]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21974/ufc-128-gets-three-more-contests-including-joseph-benavidez-vs-ian-loveland.mma |title=UFC 128 gets three more contests, including Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian Loveland |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=January 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711171317/http://mmajunkie.com/news/21974/ufc-128-gets-three-more-contests-including-joseph-benavidez-vs-ian-loveland.mma |archive-date=July 11, 2012 }}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/3/20/2062217/ufc-128-recap-results-joseph-benavidez-vs-ian-loveland |title=UFC 128 Recap Results: Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian Loveland |publisher=bloodyelbow.com|date=March 20, 2011}}</ref>
In his UFC debut, Benavidez faced [[Ian Loveland]] on March 19, 2011, at [[UFC 128]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21974/ufc-128-gets-three-more-contests-including-joseph-benavidez-vs-ian-loveland.mma |title=UFC 128 gets three more contests, including Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian Loveland |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=January 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711171317/http://mmajunkie.com/news/21974/ufc-128-gets-three-more-contests-including-joseph-benavidez-vs-ian-loveland.mma |archive-date=July 11, 2012 }}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/3/20/2062217/ufc-128-recap-results-joseph-benavidez-vs-ian-loveland |title=UFC 128 Recap Results: Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian Loveland |publisher=bloodyelbow.com |date=March 20, 2011 |access-date=May 21, 2015 |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006075201/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/3/20/2062217/ufc-128-recap-results-joseph-benavidez-vs-ian-loveland |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Benavidez next fought [[Eddie Wineland]] on August 14, 2011 at [[UFC on Versus 5]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/5/24/2188897/joseph-benavidez-vs-eddie-wineland-fight-set-for-ufc-on-versus-5-on|title=Joseph Benavidez vs Eddie Wineland fight set for UFC on Versus 5 on Aug. 14 |publisher=mmamania.com|date=May 24, 2011}}</ref> Benavidez defeated Wineland by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-on-versus-5-play-by-play-joseph-benavidez-vs-eddie-wineland |title= UFC on Versus 5 Play-by-Play: Joseph Benavidez vs. Eddie Wineland |publisher=MMAweekly.com |date=August 14, 2011}}</ref>
Benavidez next fought [[Eddie Wineland]] on August 14, 2011, at [[UFC on Versus 5]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/5/24/2188897/joseph-benavidez-vs-eddie-wineland-fight-set-for-ufc-on-versus-5-on|title=Joseph Benavidez vs Eddie Wineland fight set for UFC on Versus 5 on Aug. 14 |publisher=mmamania.com|date=May 24, 2011}}</ref> Benavidez defeated Wineland by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-on-versus-5-play-by-play-joseph-benavidez-vs-eddie-wineland |title= UFC on Versus 5 Play-by-Play: Joseph Benavidez vs. Eddie Wineland |newspaper= Mmaweekly.com &#124; Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAweekly.com |date=August 14, 2011}}</ref>


====2012====
====2012====
At the [[UFC 140]] post-fight press conference, Dana White announced that Benavidez would be a participant in a four man tournament to crown the new newly created [[UFC Flyweight Championship]]. Benavidez faced [[Yasuhiro Urushitani]] on March 3, 2012 at [[UFC on FX 2]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/26499/ufc-adds-flyweights-johnson-vs-mccall-benavidez-vs-urushitani-at-ufc-on-fx-2.mma |title=UFC adds flyweights: Johnson vs. McCall, Benavidez vs. Urushitani at UFC on FX 2 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=December 11, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107201557/http://mmajunkie.com/news/26499/ufc-adds-flyweights-johnson-vs-mccall-benavidez-vs-urushitani-at-ufc-on-fx-2.mma |archive-date=January 7, 2012 }}</ref> and won via TKO in the second round, earning ''Knockout of the Night'' honors for his performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2012/03/ufc-on-fx-2-results-joseph-benavidez-vs-yasuhiro-urushitani|title=UFC on FX 2 results: Benavidez TKOs Urushitani, headed to flyweight-tourney final|date=March 3, 2012|publisher=MMAjunkie.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27681/ufc-on-fx-2-bonuses-awards.mma |title=UFC on FX 2 bonuses: Benavidez, Kampmann, Johnson, McCall $50K awards |date=March 3, 2012 |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109214317/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27681/ufc-on-fx-2-bonuses-awards.mma |archive-date=November 9, 2012 }}</ref>
At the [[UFC 140]] post-fight press conference, Dana White announced that Benavidez would be a participant in a four man tournament to crown the new newly created [[UFC Flyweight Championship]]. Benavidez faced [[Yasuhiro Urushitani]] on March 3, 2012, at [[UFC on FX 2]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/26499/ufc-adds-flyweights-johnson-vs-mccall-benavidez-vs-urushitani-at-ufc-on-fx-2.mma |title=UFC adds flyweights: Johnson vs. McCall, Benavidez vs. Urushitani at UFC on FX 2 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=December 11, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107201557/http://mmajunkie.com/news/26499/ufc-adds-flyweights-johnson-vs-mccall-benavidez-vs-urushitani-at-ufc-on-fx-2.mma |archive-date=January 7, 2012 }}</ref> and won via TKO in the second round, earning ''Knockout of the Night'' honors for his performance.<ref name="UFCFX2">{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2012/03/ufc-on-fx-2-results-joseph-benavidez-vs-yasuhiro-urushitani|title=UFC on FX 2 results: Benavidez TKOs Urushitani, headed to flyweight-tourney final|date=March 3, 2012|publisher=MMAjunkie.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27681/ufc-on-fx-2-bonuses-awards.mma |title=UFC on FX 2 bonuses: Benavidez, Kampmann, Johnson, McCall $50K awards |date=March 3, 2012 |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109214317/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27681/ufc-on-fx-2-bonuses-awards.mma |archive-date=November 9, 2012 }}</ref>


Benavidez faced [[Demetrious Johnson (fighter)|Demetrious Johnson]] on September 22, 2012 at [[UFC 152]] for the inaugural UFC Flyweight Championship. In an incredibly closely contested fight that contained nonstop action at a frenetic pace, he lost the fight in via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2012/09/ufc-152-results-joseph-benavidez-vs-demetrious-johnson|title=UFC 152 results: Demetrious Johnson edges Joseph Benavidez, claims flyweight title|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=September 23, 2012}}</ref>
Benavidez faced [[Demetrious Johnson (fighter)|Demetrious Johnson]] on September 22, 2012, at [[UFC 152]] for the inaugural UFC Flyweight Championship. In an incredibly closely contested fight that contained nonstop action at a frenetic pace, he lost the fight in via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2012/09/ufc-152-results-joseph-benavidez-vs-demetrious-johnson|title=UFC 152 results: Demetrious Johnson edges Joseph Benavidez, claims flyweight title|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=September 23, 2012}}</ref>


====2013====
====2013====
Benavidez faced [[Ian McCall (fighter)|Ian McCall]] on February 2, 2013 at [[UFC 156]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/flyweights-jospeh-benavidez-vs-ian-mccall-on-tap-for-ufc-156-in-february|title=Flyweights Jospeh<sup>[sic]</sup> Benavidez vs. Ian McCall on tap for UFC 156 in February|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=December 4, 2012}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brand |first1=Jeremy |title=Joseph Benavidez takes the judges nod against Ian McCall |url=https://mmasucka.com/2013/02/02/joseph-benavidez-takes-judges-nod-ian-mccall/ |website=mmasucka.com |access-date=19 February 2022 |date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
Benavidez faced [[Ian McCall (fighter)|Ian McCall]] on February 2, 2013, at [[UFC 156]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/flyweights-jospeh-benavidez-vs-ian-mccall-on-tap-for-ufc-156-in-february|title=Flyweights Jospeh<sup>[sic]</sup> Benavidez vs. Ian McCall on tap for UFC 156 in February|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=December 4, 2012}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brand |first1=Jeremy |title=Joseph Benavidez takes the judges nod against Ian McCall |url=https://mmasucka.com/2013/02/02/joseph-benavidez-takes-judges-nod-ian-mccall/ |website=mmasucka.com |access-date=19 February 2022 |date=2 February 2013}}</ref>


Benavidez then faced [[Darren Uyenoyama]] on April 20, 2013 at [[UFC on Fox 7]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1556628-joseph-benavidez-will-return-against-darren-uyenoyama-at-ufc-on-fox-7|title=Joseph Benavidez Will Return Against Darren Uyenoyama at UFC on FOX 7|publisher=bleacherreport.com| author=Matt Molgaard |date=March 6, 2013 |access-date=March 6, 2013}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO in the second round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/04/ufc-on-fox-7-resultsphotos-joseph-benavidez-vs-darren-uyenoyama|title=UFC on FOX 7 results/photos: Joseph Benavidez body shot stops Darren Uyenoyama|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|access-date=April 20, 2013|date=April 20, 2013}}</ref>
Benavidez then faced [[Darren Uyenoyama]] on April 20, 2013, at [[UFC on Fox 7]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1556628-joseph-benavidez-will-return-against-darren-uyenoyama-at-ufc-on-fox-7|title=Joseph Benavidez Will Return Against Darren Uyenoyama at UFC on FOX 7|publisher=bleacherreport.com| author=Matt Molgaard |date=March 6, 2013 |access-date=March 6, 2013}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO in the second round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/04/ufc-on-fox-7-resultsphotos-joseph-benavidez-vs-darren-uyenoyama|title=UFC on FOX 7 results/photos: Joseph Benavidez body shot stops Darren Uyenoyama|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|access-date=April 20, 2013|date=April 20, 2013}}</ref>


Benavidez faced [[Jussier Formiga]] on September 4, 2013 at [[UFC Fight Night 28]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/06/report-joseph-benavidez-vs-jussier-formiga-targeted-for-ufc-on-fox-sports-1-3 |title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Jussier Formiga targeted for UFC on FOX Sports 1 3 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=June 21, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625005720/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/06/report-joseph-benavidez-vs-jussier-formiga-targeted-for-ufc-on-fox-sports-1-3 |archive-date=June 25, 2013 }}</ref> He won the fight by TKO in round 1 after dropping Formiga with a knee to the body and following up with punches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-fight-night-28-results-joseph-benavidez-crushes-jussier-formiga-back-in-title-contention|title=UFC Fight Night 28 Results: Joseph Benavidez crushes Jussier Formiga, back in title contention|publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=September 4, 2013}}</ref>
Benavidez faced [[Jussier Formiga]] on September 4, 2013, at [[UFC Fight Night 28]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/06/report-joseph-benavidez-vs-jussier-formiga-targeted-for-ufc-on-fox-sports-1-3 |title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Jussier Formiga targeted for UFC on FOX Sports 1 3 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=June 21, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625005720/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/06/report-joseph-benavidez-vs-jussier-formiga-targeted-for-ufc-on-fox-sports-1-3 |archive-date=June 25, 2013 }}</ref> He won the fight by TKO in round 1 after dropping Formiga with a knee to the body and following up with punches.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-fight-night-28-results-joseph-benavidez-crushes-jussier-formiga-back-in-title-contention|title=UFC Fight Night 28 Results: Joseph Benavidez crushes Jussier Formiga, back in title contention|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com &#124; Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=September 4, 2013}}</ref>


A rematch with [[Demetrious Johnson (fighter)|Demetrious Johnson]] was expected for November 30, 2013 at [[The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate#The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale|The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/09/joseph-benavidez-meets-ufc-flyweight-champ-demetrious-johnson-at-tuf-18-finale|title=Joseph Benavidez meets UFC flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson at TUF 18 Finale|work=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=September 18, 2013 |access-date=September 18, 2013}}</ref> However the bout was shifted to December 14, 2013 at [[UFC on Fox 9]] after that event's headliner was postponed due to injury.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/11/10/pettis-thomson-off-ufc-on-fox-9-johnson-benavidez-shifts-to-main-event/|title=Pettis-Thomson off UFC on FOX 9, Johnson-Benavidez shifts to main event|work=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=November 10, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013}}</ref> Benavidez lost via knockout in the first round, the first time he has been stopped in his MMA career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/12/ufc-on-fox-9-results-photos-demetrious-johnson-vs-joseph-benavidez|title=UFC on FOX 9 results, photos: Demetrious Johnson KOs Joseph Benavidez in first|work=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=December 14, 2013 |access-date=December 14, 2013}}</ref>
A rematch with [[Demetrious Johnson (fighter)|Demetrious Johnson]] was expected for November 30, 2013, at [[The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate#The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale|The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/09/joseph-benavidez-meets-ufc-flyweight-champ-demetrious-johnson-at-tuf-18-finale|title=Joseph Benavidez meets UFC flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson at TUF 18 Finale|work=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=September 18, 2013 |access-date=September 18, 2013}}</ref> However the bout was shifted to December 14, 2013, at [[UFC on Fox 9]] after that event's headliner was postponed due to injury.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/11/10/pettis-thomson-off-ufc-on-fox-9-johnson-benavidez-shifts-to-main-event/|title=Pettis-Thomson off UFC on FOX 9, Johnson-Benavidez shifts to main event|work=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=November 10, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013}}</ref> Benavidez lost via knockout in the first round, the first time he has been stopped in his MMA career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/12/ufc-on-fox-9-results-photos-demetrious-johnson-vs-joseph-benavidez|title=UFC on FOX 9 results, photos: Demetrious Johnson KOs Joseph Benavidez in first|work=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=December 14, 2013 |access-date=December 14, 2013}}</ref>


====2014====
====2014====
Benavidez faced [[Tim Elliott]] on April 26, 2014 at [[UFC 172]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2014/2/3/5374530/joseph-benavidez-vs-tim-elliott-booked-ufc-172-april-26-baltimore-mma|title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Tim Elliott booked for UFC 172 on April 26 in Baltimore|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Jesse Holland|access-date=February 3, 2014|date=February 3, 2014}}</ref> Benavidez won the fight in the first round via modified guillotine choke.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/04/ufc-172-results-and-photos-joseph-benavidez-makes-timothy-elliott-tap-out-with-his-feet|title=UFC 172 results and photos: Joseph Benavidez makes Timothy Elliott tap out with his feet|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|access-date=April 26, 2014|date=April 26, 2014}}</ref> Elliot was forced to tap with his feet as his arms were trapped by Benavidez's legs. Benavidez has called this submission the "Joa Constrictor". The win also earned Benavidez his first ''Performance of the Night'' bonus award.<ref name="Matt Erickson">{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/04/ufc-172-bonuses-gomi-vallie-flagg-benavidez-beal-win-50000|title=UFC 172 bonuses: Gomi, Vallie-Flagg, Benavidez, Beal win $50,000|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|access-date=April 27, 2014|date=April 27, 2014}}</ref>
Benavidez faced [[Tim Elliott]] on April 26, 2014, at [[UFC 172]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2014/2/3/5374530/joseph-benavidez-vs-tim-elliott-booked-ufc-172-april-26-baltimore-mma|title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Tim Elliott booked for UFC 172 on April 26 in Baltimore|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Jesse Holland|access-date=February 3, 2014|date=February 3, 2014}}</ref> Benavidez won the fight in the first round via modified guillotine choke.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/04/ufc-172-results-and-photos-joseph-benavidez-makes-timothy-elliott-tap-out-with-his-feet|title=UFC 172 results and photos: Joseph Benavidez makes Timothy Elliott tap out with his feet|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|access-date=April 26, 2014|date=April 26, 2014}}</ref> Elliot was forced to tap with his feet as his arms were trapped by Benavidez's legs. Benavidez has called this submission the "Joa Constrictor". The win also earned Benavidez his first ''Performance of the Night'' bonus award.<ref name="Matt Erickson">{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/04/ufc-172-bonuses-gomi-vallie-flagg-benavidez-beal-win-50000|title=UFC 172 bonuses: Gomi, Vallie-Flagg, Benavidez, Beal win $50,000|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|access-date=April 27, 2014|date=April 27, 2014}}</ref>


Benavidez faced [[Dustin Ortiz]] on November 22, 2014 at [[UFC Fight Night 57]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/8/27/6075347/mma-news-joseph-benavidez-vs-dustin-ortiz-ufc-fight-night-austin|title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Dustin Ortiz slated for UFC Fight Night in Austin|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Mookie Alexander|access-date=August 27, 2014|date=August 27, 2014}}</ref> Benavidez won the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/11/ufc-fight-night-57-results-joseph-benavidez-rolls-past-dustin-ortiz-for-decision-sweep|title=UFC Fight Night 57 results: Joseph Benavidez rolls past Dustin Ortiz for decision sweep|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=November 22, 2014|access-date=November 22, 2014}}</ref>
Benavidez faced [[Dustin Ortiz]] on November 22, 2014, at [[UFC Fight Night 57]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/8/27/6075347/mma-news-joseph-benavidez-vs-dustin-ortiz-ufc-fight-night-austin|title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Dustin Ortiz slated for UFC Fight Night in Austin|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Mookie Alexander|access-date=August 27, 2014|date=August 27, 2014|archive-date=August 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829095508/http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/8/27/6075347/mma-news-joseph-benavidez-vs-dustin-ortiz-ufc-fight-night-austin|url-status=dead}}</ref> Benavidez won the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/11/ufc-fight-night-57-results-joseph-benavidez-rolls-past-dustin-ortiz-for-decision-sweep|title=UFC Fight Night 57 results: Joseph Benavidez rolls past Dustin Ortiz for decision sweep|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=November 22, 2014|access-date=November 22, 2014}}</ref>


====2015====
====2015====
Benavidez faced [[John Moraga]] on May 23, 2015 at [[UFC 187]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/2/18/8066331/ufc-187-rounds-out-main-card-with-fights-between-andrei-arlovski|title=UFC 187 rounds out main card with fights between Andrei Arlovski-Travis Browne, John Moraga-Joseph Benavidez|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=MMA Fighting Newswire|access-date=February 18, 2015|date=February 18, 2015}}</ref> Benavidez won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/05/ufc-187-results-joseph-benavidez-sweeps-john-moraga-in-reckless-wild-slugfest|title=UFC 187 results: Joseph Benavidez sweeps John Moraga in 'reckless,' wild slugfest|publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Steven Marrocco|access-date=May 23, 2015|date=May 23, 2015}}</ref>
Benavidez faced [[John Moraga]] on May 23, 2015, at [[UFC 187]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/2/18/8066331/ufc-187-rounds-out-main-card-with-fights-between-andrei-arlovski|title=UFC 187 rounds out main card with fights between Andrei Arlovski-Travis Browne, John Moraga-Joseph Benavidez|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=MMA Fighting Newswire|access-date=February 18, 2015|date=February 18, 2015}}</ref> Benavidez won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/05/ufc-187-results-joseph-benavidez-sweeps-john-moraga-in-reckless-wild-slugfest|title=UFC 187 results: Joseph Benavidez sweeps John Moraga in 'reckless,' wild slugfest|publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Steven Marrocco|access-date=May 23, 2015|date=May 23, 2015}}</ref>


Benavidez was briefly linked to a bout against former Olympic Gold Medalist [[Henry Cejudo]] on September 5, 2015 at [[UFC 191]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmasucka.com/2015/07/11/joseph-benavidez-takes-on-henry-cejudo-in-september/|title=Joseph Benavidez takes on Henry Cejudo in September|publisher=mmasucka.com|author=Jeremy Brand|date=July 11, 2015|access-date=July 11, 2015}}</ref> However, the fight never materialized. In turn, Benavidez faced [[Ali Bagautinov]] on October 3, 2015 at [[UFC 192]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/08/ufc-192-adds-joseph-benavidez-vs-ali-bagautinov-rose-namajunas-vs-angela-hill|title=UFC 192 adds Joseph Benavidez vs. Ali Bagautinov.|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=August 17, 2015|access-date=August 17, 2015}}</ref> Benavidez won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/10/ufc-192-results-joseph-benavidez-beats-ali-bagautinov-by-decision-hears-it-from-crowd|title=UFC 192 results: Joseph Benavidez beats Ali Bagautinov by decision|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=October 3, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015}}</ref>
Benavidez was briefly linked to a bout against former Olympic Gold Medalist [[Henry Cejudo]] on September 5, 2015, at [[UFC 191]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmasucka.com/2015/07/11/joseph-benavidez-takes-on-henry-cejudo-in-september/|title=Joseph Benavidez takes on Henry Cejudo in September|publisher=mmasucka.com|author=Jeremy Brand|date=July 11, 2015|access-date=July 11, 2015}}</ref> However, the fight never materialized. In turn, Benavidez faced [[Ali Bagautinov]] on October 3, 2015, at [[UFC 192]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/08/ufc-192-adds-joseph-benavidez-vs-ali-bagautinov-rose-namajunas-vs-angela-hill|title=UFC 192 adds Joseph Benavidez vs. Ali Bagautinov.|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=August 17, 2015|access-date=August 17, 2015}}</ref> Benavidez won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/10/ufc-192-results-joseph-benavidez-beats-ali-bagautinov-by-decision-hears-it-from-crowd|title=UFC 192 results: Joseph Benavidez beats Ali Bagautinov by decision|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=October 3, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015}}</ref>


====2016====
====2016====
Benavidez faced [[Zach Makovsky]] on February 6, 2016 at [[UFC Fight Night 82]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/01/joseph-benavidez-vs-zach-makovsky-added-to-ufc-196|title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Zach Makovsky added to UFC 196|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=January 7, 2016|access-date=January 7, 2016}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/02/ufc-fight-night-82-results-joseph-benavidez-runs-streak-to-5-tops-zach-makovsky|title=UFC Fight Night 82 results: Joseph Benavidez runs streak to 5, tops Zach Makovsky|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=February 6, 2016|access-date=February 6, 2016}}</ref>
Benavidez faced [[Zach Makovsky]] on February 6, 2016, at [[UFC Fight Night 82]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/01/joseph-benavidez-vs-zach-makovsky-added-to-ufc-196|title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Zach Makovsky added to UFC 196|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=January 7, 2016|access-date=January 7, 2016}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/02/ufc-fight-night-82-results-joseph-benavidez-runs-streak-to-5-tops-zach-makovsky|title=UFC Fight Night 82 results: Joseph Benavidez runs streak to 5, tops Zach Makovsky|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=February 6, 2016|access-date=February 6, 2016}}</ref>


In May 2016, the UFC announced that Benavidez would be one of the coaches, opposite [[Henry Cejudo]] on [[The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions|The Ultimate Fighter 24]]. The pairing faced each other on December 3, 2016 at [[The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions#The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale|The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale]].<ref name="TUF24">{{cite news|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Joseph-Benavidez-Henry-Cejudo-to-Serve-as-Coaches-on-The-Ultimate-Fighter-24-104813|title=Joseph Benavidez, Henry Cejudo to serve as coaches on 'The Ultimate Fighter 24'|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=May 11, 2016|access-date=May 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/Flyweights-to-be-featured-on-Season-24-of-TUF|title=Flyweights to be featured on The Ultimate Fighter Season 24|publisher=ufc.com|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=May 11, 2016|access-date=May 11, 2016}}</ref> Benavidez won the back and forth fight via split decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/18197417/joseph-benavidez-edges-henry-cejudo-ufc-tuf-24-finale-mma|title=Joseph Benavidez edges Henry Cejudo at TUF 24 Finale|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=December 3, 2016|access-date=December 3, 2016}}</ref>
In May 2016, the UFC announced that Benavidez would be one of the coaches, opposite [[Henry Cejudo]] on [[The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions|The Ultimate Fighter 24]]. The pairing faced each other on December 3, 2016, at [[The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions#The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale|The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale]].<ref name="TUF24">{{cite news|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Joseph-Benavidez-Henry-Cejudo-to-Serve-as-Coaches-on-The-Ultimate-Fighter-24-104813|title=Joseph Benavidez, Henry Cejudo to serve as coaches on 'The Ultimate Fighter 24'|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=May 11, 2016|access-date=May 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/Flyweights-to-be-featured-on-Season-24-of-TUF|title=Flyweights to be featured on The Ultimate Fighter Season 24|publisher=ufc.com|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=May 11, 2016|access-date=May 11, 2016}}</ref> Benavidez won the back and forth fight via split decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/18197417/joseph-benavidez-edges-henry-cejudo-ufc-tuf-24-finale-mma|title=Joseph Benavidez edges Henry Cejudo at TUF 24 Finale|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=December 3, 2016|access-date=December 3, 2016}}</ref>


====2017====
====2017====
[[File:Joseph Benavidez in 2017.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|left| Joseph_Benavidez_in_2017]]
[[File:Joseph Benavidez in 2017.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|left| Joseph Benavidez in 2017]]


Benevidez was expected to face [[Ben Nguyen]] on June 11, 2017 at [[UFC Fight Night 110]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Joseph Benavidez to face Ben Nguyen at UFC Fight Night 110 in New Zealand|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Joseph-Benavidez-to-Face-Ben-Nguyen-at-UFC-Fight-Night-110-in-New-Zealand-119169|website=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=March 23, 2017|access-date=March 23, 2017}}</ref> However, Benavidez pulled out of the fight on May 10 with a knee injury and was replaced by [[Tim Elliott]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/tim-elliott-replaces-joseph-benavidez-faces-ben-nguyen-at-ufc-fight-night-in-new-zealand-051017|title=Tim Elliott replaces Joseph Benavidez, faces Ben Nguyen at UFC Fight Night in New Zealand|work=foxsports.com|author=Damon Martin|access-date=May 10, 2017|date=May 10, 2017}}</ref>
Benevidez was expected to face [[Ben Nguyen]] on June 11, 2017, at [[UFC Fight Night 110]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Joseph Benavidez to face Ben Nguyen at UFC Fight Night 110 in New Zealand|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Joseph-Benavidez-to-Face-Ben-Nguyen-at-UFC-Fight-Night-110-in-New-Zealand-119169|website=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=March 23, 2017|access-date=March 23, 2017}}</ref> However, Benavidez pulled out of the fight on May 10 with a knee injury and was replaced by [[Tim Elliott]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/tim-elliott-replaces-joseph-benavidez-faces-ben-nguyen-at-ufc-fight-night-in-new-zealand-051017|title=Tim Elliott replaces Joseph Benavidez, faces Ben Nguyen at UFC Fight Night in New Zealand|work=foxsports.com|author=Damon Martin|access-date=May 10, 2017|date=May 10, 2017}}</ref>


====2018====
====2018====
Benavidez faced [[Sergio Pettis]] on June 9, 2018 at [[UFC 225]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Joseph-Benavidez-Returns-from-Knee-Injury-Meets-Sergio-Pettis-at-UFC-225-in-Chicago-132615|title=Joseph Benavidez returns from knee injury, meets Sergio Pettis at UFC 225 in Chicago|website=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=February 26, 2018|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref> He lost the back and forth fight via split decision.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/06/ufc-225-results-sergio-pettis-clips-joseph-benavidez-early-battles-to-split-decision-win|title=UFC 225 results: Sergio Pettis clips Joseph Benavidez early, battles to split-decision win|date=June 9, 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=June 10, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>
Benavidez faced [[Sergio Pettis]] on June 9, 2018, at [[UFC 225]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Joseph-Benavidez-Returns-from-Knee-Injury-Meets-Sergio-Pettis-at-UFC-225-in-Chicago-132615|title=Joseph Benavidez returns from knee injury, meets Sergio Pettis at UFC 225 in Chicago|website=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=February 26, 2018|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref> He lost the back and forth fight via split decision.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/06/ufc-225-results-sergio-pettis-clips-joseph-benavidez-early-battles-to-split-decision-win|title=UFC 225 results: Sergio Pettis clips Joseph Benavidez early, battles to split-decision win|date=June 9, 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=June 10, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>


Benavidez was expected to face [[Ray Borg]] on November 10, 2018 at [[UFC Fight Night 139]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/08/07/joseph-benavidez-ray-borg-denver-ufc/|title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Ray Borg slated for Denver UFC Fight Night in November|publisher=denverpost.com|author=Joe Nguyen|date= August 7, 2018|access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> However on November 7, 2018 it was reported that the bout was cancelled due to undisclosed medical issue for Borg.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/11/7/18072922/ray-borg-vs-joseph-benavidez-scratched-ufc-denver-medical-issues-mma-news|title=Ray Borg vs. Joseph Benavidez scratched from UFC Denver due to 'medical issues' for Borg|work=Bloody Elbow|access-date=November 8, 2018}}</ref>
Benavidez was expected to face [[Ray Borg]] on November 10, 2018, at [[UFC Fight Night 139]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/08/07/joseph-benavidez-ray-borg-denver-ufc/|title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Ray Borg slated for Denver UFC Fight Night in November|publisher=denverpost.com|author=Joe Nguyen|date= August 7, 2018|access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> However on November 7, 2018, it was reported that the bout was cancelled due to undisclosed medical issue for Borg.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/11/7/18072922/ray-borg-vs-joseph-benavidez-scratched-ufc-denver-medical-issues-mma-news|title=Ray Borg vs. Joseph Benavidez scratched from UFC Denver due to 'medical issues' for Borg|work=Bloody Elbow|access-date=November 8, 2018|archive-date=November 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108041647/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/11/7/18072922/ray-borg-vs-joseph-benavidez-scratched-ufc-denver-medical-issues-mma-news|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Benavidez faced [[Alex Perez (fighter)|Alex Perez]] on November 30, 2018 at [[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters#The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale|The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/11/joseph-benavidez-meets-alex-perez-ultimate-fighter-28-finale-ufc-ray-borg|title=Joseph Benavidez quickly rebooked, meets Alex Perez at TUF 28 Finale|date=November 9, 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=November 10, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> He won the fight via technical knockout out in round one.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/11/tuf-28-finale-results-joseph-benavidez-scores-two-tko-finishes-of-alex-perez|title=TUF 28 Finale results: Joseph Benavidez scores two TKO finishes of Alex Perez|date=December 1, 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=December 1, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> This win earned him the [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]] award.<ref name="MMAmania.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2018/12/1/18120769/tuf-28-finale-official-bonus-winners-dos-anjos-usman-munhoz-benavidez-mma-fox-knockout-submission|title=TUF 28 Finale Bonuses! Benavidez's TKO Leads $50K Winners|work=MMAmania.com|access-date=December 1, 2018}}</ref>
Benavidez faced [[Alex Perez (fighter)|Alex Perez]] on November 30, 2018, at [[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters#The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale|The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/11/joseph-benavidez-meets-alex-perez-ultimate-fighter-28-finale-ufc-ray-borg|title=Joseph Benavidez quickly rebooked, meets Alex Perez at TUF 28 Finale|date=November 9, 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=November 10, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> He won the fight via technical knockout out in round one.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/11/tuf-28-finale-results-joseph-benavidez-scores-two-tko-finishes-of-alex-perez|title=TUF 28 Finale results: Joseph Benavidez scores two TKO finishes of Alex Perez|date=December 1, 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=December 1, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> This win earned him the [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]] award.<ref name="MMAmania.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2018/12/1/18120769/tuf-28-finale-official-bonus-winners-dos-anjos-usman-munhoz-benavidez-mma-fox-knockout-submission|title=TUF 28 Finale Bonuses! Benavidez's TKO Leads $50K Winners|work=MMAmania.com|access-date=December 1, 2018}}</ref>


====2019====
====2019====
Benavidez was briefly scheduled to face [[Deiveson Figueiredo]] on January 19, 2019 at [[UFC on ESPN+ 1|UFC Fight Night 143]].<ref name="changes">{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/12/multiple-ufc-233-fights-get-new-dates-locations-after-jan-26-card-scratched|title=Multiple UFC 233 fights get new dates, locations after Jan. 26 card scratched|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=December 12, 2018|access-date=December 12, 2018}}</ref> However, the promotion clarified plans indicating that the pairing was off and that Benavidez would be an alternate for the headliner bout in the event that either [[Henry Cejudo]] or [[T.J. Dillashaw]] would be forced from the main event.<ref name="flyweight">{{Cite news|url=http://uk.ufc.com/news/2019-Fight-Updates|title=2019 fight updates|publisher=ufc.com|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 13, 2018|access-date=December 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/12/ufc-joseph-benavidez-backup-henry-cejudo-tj-dillashaw-title-fight-espn|title=Joseph Benavidez named Cejudo-Dillashaw backup for UFC on ESPN+ 1; fight vs. Figueiredo off|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=December 13, 2018|access-date=December 13, 2018}}</ref> Subsequently, Benavidez indicated that he would like to compete on the card, so while being an alternate for the headliner, a rematch with [[Dustin Ortiz]] took place at the event.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/ufc-brooklyn-joseph-benavidez-dustin-ortiz-1.24585281|title=UFC Brooklyn: Joseph Benavidez to face Dustin Ortiz in flyweight bout at Barclays Center|website=newsday.com|author=Ryan Gerbasi|date=December 14, 2018|access-date=December 20, 2018}}</ref> Benavidez would win the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/1/19/18190184/ufc-brooklyn-results-joseph-benavidez-earns-decision-over-dustin-ortiz|title=UFC Brooklyn results: Joseph Benavidez earns decision over Dustin Ortiz|website=MMAFighting.com|author=Dave Doyle|date=January 19, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2019}}</ref> Benavidez signed a new, four-fight contract with the UFC before the fight with Ortiz.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Flyweight-Contender-Joseph-Benavidez-Signs-New-FourFight-Deal-with-UFC-148017|title=Flyweight Contender Joseph Benavidez Signs New Four-Fight Deal with UFC|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=January 9, 2019|publisher=sherdog.com}}</ref>
Benavidez was briefly scheduled to face [[Deiveson Figueiredo]] on January 19, 2019, at [[UFC on ESPN+ 1|UFC Fight Night 143]].<ref name="changes">{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/12/multiple-ufc-233-fights-get-new-dates-locations-after-jan-26-card-scratched|title=Multiple UFC 233 fights get new dates, locations after Jan. 26 card scratched|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=December 12, 2018|access-date=December 12, 2018}}</ref> However, the promotion clarified plans indicating that the pairing was off and that Benavidez would be an alternate for the headliner bout in the event that either [[Henry Cejudo]] or [[T.J. Dillashaw]] would be forced from the main event.<ref name="flyweight">{{Cite news|url=http://uk.ufc.com/news/2019-Fight-Updates|title=2019 fight updates|publisher=ufc.com|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 13, 2018|access-date=December 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/12/ufc-joseph-benavidez-backup-henry-cejudo-tj-dillashaw-title-fight-espn|title=Joseph Benavidez named Cejudo-Dillashaw backup for UFC on ESPN+ 1; fight vs. Figueiredo off|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=December 13, 2018|access-date=December 13, 2018}}</ref> Subsequently, Benavidez indicated that he would like to compete on the card, so while being an alternate for the headliner, a rematch with [[Dustin Ortiz]] took place at the event.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/ufc-brooklyn-joseph-benavidez-dustin-ortiz-1.24585281|title=UFC Brooklyn: Joseph Benavidez to face Dustin Ortiz in flyweight bout at Barclays Center|website=newsday.com|author=Ryan Gerbasi|date=December 14, 2018|access-date=December 20, 2018}}</ref> Benavidez would win the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/1/19/18190184/ufc-brooklyn-results-joseph-benavidez-earns-decision-over-dustin-ortiz|title=UFC Brooklyn results: Joseph Benavidez earns decision over Dustin Ortiz|website=MMAFighting.com|author=Dave Doyle|date=January 19, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2019}}</ref> Benavidez signed a new, four-fight contract with the UFC before the fight with Ortiz.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Flyweight-Contender-Joseph-Benavidez-Signs-New-FourFight-Deal-with-UFC-148017|title=Flyweight Contender Joseph Benavidez Signs New Four-Fight Deal with UFC|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=January 9, 2019|publisher=sherdog.com}}</ref>


Benavidez faced [[Jussier Formiga]] in a rematch on June 29, 2019 at [[UFC on ESPN 3]].<ref name="fouradded">{{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/vier-gevechten-bekend-gemaakt-voor-ufc-minneapolis-inclusief-formiga-vs-benavidez-2/|title=Four fights announced for UFC Minneapolis including Benavidez vs. Formiga 2|author=Marcel Dorff|publisher=mmadnanl.com|date=April 10, 2019|access-date=April 10, 2019|language=nl}}</ref> He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/06/29/ufc-minneapolis-results-joseph-benavidez-tkos-jussier-formiga-rematch/|title=UFC Minneapolis Results: Joseph Benavidez TKO's Jussier Formiga in Rematch|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=June 29, 2019|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=June 30, 2019}}</ref> This fight earned him the [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|''Performance of the Night'']] award.<ref name="gate&attendance">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/6/30/20123934/ufc-minneapolis-post-fight-bonuses-francis-ngannou-smashes-junior-dos-santos-in-potn-win|title=UFC Minneapolis bonuses: Ngannou smashes dos Santos in POTN win|author=Stephie Haynes|date=June 30, 2019|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|access-date=June 30, 2019}}</ref> After the fight, in the post-fight interview, he declared himself "Joey Two Times".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Alexander K. |title=Joseph Benavidez explains why 'Joey Two Times' should be next for Henry Cejudo: 'It's like a prophecy' |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/6/30/20260114/joseph-benavidez-explains-why-joey-two-times-should-be-next-for-henry-cejudo-its-like-a-prophecy |website=mmafighting.com |access-date=19 February 2022 |date=30 June 2019}}</ref>
Benavidez faced [[Jussier Formiga]] in a rematch on June 29, 2019, at [[UFC on ESPN 3]].<ref name="fouradded">{{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/vier-gevechten-bekend-gemaakt-voor-ufc-minneapolis-inclusief-formiga-vs-benavidez-2/|title=Four fights announced for UFC Minneapolis including Benavidez vs. Formiga 2|author=Marcel Dorff|publisher=mmadnanl.com|date=April 10, 2019|access-date=April 10, 2019|language=nl}}</ref> He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/06/29/ufc-minneapolis-results-joseph-benavidez-tkos-jussier-formiga-rematch/|title=UFC Minneapolis Results: Joseph Benavidez TKO's Jussier Formiga in Rematch|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=June 29, 2019|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=June 30, 2019}}</ref> This fight earned him the [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|''Performance of the Night'']] award.<ref name="gate&attendance">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/6/30/20123934/ufc-minneapolis-post-fight-bonuses-francis-ngannou-smashes-junior-dos-santos-in-potn-win|title=UFC Minneapolis bonuses: Ngannou smashes dos Santos in POTN win|author=Stephie Haynes|date=June 30, 2019|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=December 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231032104/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/6/30/20123934/ufc-minneapolis-post-fight-bonuses-francis-ngannou-smashes-junior-dos-santos-in-potn-win|url-status=dead}}</ref> After the fight, in the post-fight interview, he declared himself "Joey Two Times".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Alexander K. |title=Joseph Benavidez explains why 'Joey Two Times' should be next for Henry Cejudo: 'It's like a prophecy' |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/6/30/20260114/joseph-benavidez-explains-why-joey-two-times-should-be-next-for-henry-cejudo-its-like-a-prophecy |website=mmafighting.com |access-date=19 February 2022 |date=30 June 2019}}</ref>


====2020====
====2020====
Benavidez fought [[Deiveson Figueiredo]] for the vacant [[UFC Flyweight Championship]] at [[UFC Fight Night 169]] on February 29, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc/report-joseph-benavidez-vs-deiveson-figueiredo-title-fight-targeted-to-headline-ufc-norfolk/|title=Report: Joseph Benavidez vs. Deiveson Figueiredo title fight targeted to headline UFC Norfolk|work=BJPenn.com|date=December 19, 2019|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref> At the weigh-ins on February 28, Figueiredo missed weight, weighing in at 127.5 pounds and became ineligible to win the Flyweight championship. In addition, Figueiredo was fined 30 percent of his purse which went to Benavidez.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/02/deiveson-figueiredo-misses-weight-ufc-on-espn-plus-27-norfolk-title-fight-benavidez-video|title=Deiveson Figueiredo misses weight; only Joseph Benavidez eligible for title at UFC on ESPN+ 27|work=MMAJunkie.com|date=February 28, 2020}}</ref> Benavidez lost the fight by TKO in round two.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/02/29/ufc-norfolk-results-deiveson-figueiredo/|title=UFC Norfolk Results: Deiveson Figueiredo Ends Joseph Benavidez's UFC Title Hopes|last=Fuentes|first=Jon|date=February 29, 2020|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref>
Benavidez fought [[Deiveson Figueiredo]] for the vacant [[UFC Flyweight Championship]] at [[UFC Fight Night 169]] on February 29, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc/report-joseph-benavidez-vs-deiveson-figueiredo-title-fight-targeted-to-headline-ufc-norfolk/|title=Report: Joseph Benavidez vs. Deiveson Figueiredo title fight targeted to headline UFC Norfolk|work=BJPenn.com|date=December 19, 2019|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref> At the weigh-ins on February 28, Figueiredo missed weight, weighing in at 127.5 pounds and became ineligible to win the Flyweight championship. In addition, Figueiredo was fined 30 percent of his purse which went to Benavidez.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/02/deiveson-figueiredo-misses-weight-ufc-on-espn-plus-27-norfolk-title-fight-benavidez-video|title=Deiveson Figueiredo misses weight; only Joseph Benavidez eligible for title at UFC on ESPN+ 27|work=MMAJunkie.com|date=February 28, 2020|access-date=February 28, 2020|archive-date=March 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311085329/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/02/deiveson-figueiredo-misses-weight-ufc-on-espn-plus-27-norfolk-title-fight-benavidez-video|url-status=dead}}</ref> Benavidez lost the fight by TKO in round two.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/02/29/ufc-norfolk-results-deiveson-figueiredo/|title=UFC Norfolk Results: Deiveson Figueiredo Ends Joseph Benavidez's UFC Title Hopes|last=Fuentes|first=Jon|date=February 29, 2020|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref>


Benavidez rematched with [[Deiveson Figueiredo]] for the vacant [[UFC Flyweight Championship]] at [[UFC Fight Night 172]] on July 19, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Figueiredo vs. Benavidez 2 voor vacante titel + Pantoja vs. Askarov, waarschijnlijk "Fight Island"|date=May 23, 2020|url=https://mmadna.nl/figueiredo-vs-benavidez-2-voor-vacante-titel-pantoja-vs-askarov-waarschijnlijk-fight-island/|language=en-US|access-date=May 25, 2020}}</ref> On July 11, 2020, Figueiredo tested positive for COVID-19. According to Figueiredo's manager, the bout had yet to be officially removed and Figueiredo was administered a second COVID-19 test on July 12, 2020 where the result would be back on July 13, 2020 to determined if Figueiredo was free to fight.<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 11, 2020|title=Figueiredo tests positive before UFC main event|url=https://www.espn.com.au/mma/story/_/id/29443075/deiveson-figueiredo-tests-positive-coronavirus-ahead-ufc-main-event|access-date=July 11, 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref> Figueiredo passed multiple COVID-19 tests, clearing the fight to proceed as the main event.<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 17, 2020|title=Deiveson Figueiredo passes multiple COVID-19 tests, cleared to leave quarantine ahead of weigh-ins|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/7/17/21328086/deiveson-figueiredo-passes-multiple-covid-19-tests-cleared-fight-joseph-benavidez-vacant-ufc-belt|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=mmafighting.com|language=en}}</ref> Benavidez lost the fight via a technical submission in round one.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fuentes|first=Jon|date=July 18, 2020|title=UFC Fight Island 2 Results: Deiveson Figueiredo Destroys Joseph Benavidez To Win Vacant Flyweight Title|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/07/18/ufc-fight-island-2-results-figueiredo-vs-benavidez/|access-date=July 19, 2020|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>
Benavidez rematched with [[Deiveson Figueiredo]] for the vacant [[UFC Flyweight Championship]] at [[UFC Fight Night 172]] on July 19, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Figueiredo vs. Benavidez 2 voor vacante titel + Pantoja vs. Askarov, waarschijnlijk "Fight Island"|date=May 23, 2020|url=https://mmadna.nl/figueiredo-vs-benavidez-2-voor-vacante-titel-pantoja-vs-askarov-waarschijnlijk-fight-island/|language=en-US|access-date=May 25, 2020}}</ref> On July 11, 2020, Figueiredo tested positive for COVID-19. According to Figueiredo's manager, the bout had yet to be officially removed and Figueiredo was administered a second COVID-19 test on July 12, 2020, where the result would be back on July 13, 2020, to determined if Figueiredo was free to fight.<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 11, 2020|title=Figueiredo tests positive before UFC main event|url=https://www.espn.com.au/mma/story/_/id/29443075/deiveson-figueiredo-tests-positive-coronavirus-ahead-ufc-main-event|access-date=July 11, 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref> Figueiredo passed multiple COVID-19 tests, clearing the fight to proceed as the main event.<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 17, 2020|title=Deiveson Figueiredo passes multiple COVID-19 tests, cleared to leave quarantine ahead of weigh-ins|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/7/17/21328086/deiveson-figueiredo-passes-multiple-covid-19-tests-cleared-fight-joseph-benavidez-vacant-ufc-belt|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=mmafighting.com|language=en}}</ref> Benavidez lost the fight via a technical submission in round one.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fuentes|first=Jon|date=July 18, 2020|title=UFC Fight Island 2 Results: Deiveson Figueiredo Destroys Joseph Benavidez To Win Vacant Flyweight Title|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/07/18/ufc-fight-island-2-results-figueiredo-vs-benavidez/|access-date=July 19, 2020|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>


====2021====
====2021====
Benavidez faced off against [[Askar Askarov]] on March 6, 2021 at [[UFC 259]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/12/ufc-259-joseph-benavidez-vs-askar-askarov-booked|title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Askar Askarov booked for UFC 259 on March 6|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref> At the weigh-ins, Askar weighed in at 127 pounds, one pound over the flyweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at a catchweight and Askarov was fined a percentage of his individual purse, which went to Benavidez.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/ufc-259-jan-blachowicz-israel-adesanya-weigh-in-results-live-video-stream|title=UFC 259: Three title fights, 15 bouts overall official – with one miss|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=March 5, 2021|access-date=March 5, 2021}}</ref> Benavidez lost the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=March 6, 2021|title=UFC 259 Results: Askar Askarov Earns Decision Over Veteran Joseph Benavidez|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/03/06/ufc-259-results-joseph-benavidez-vs-askar-askarov/|access-date=March 7, 2021|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>
Benavidez faced off against [[Askar Askarov]] on March 6, 2021, at [[UFC 259]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/12/ufc-259-joseph-benavidez-vs-askar-askarov-booked|title=Joseph Benavidez vs. Askar Askarov booked for UFC 259 on March 6|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref> At the weigh-ins, Askar weighed in at 127 pounds, one pound over the flyweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at a catchweight and Askarov was fined a percentage of his individual purse, which went to Benavidez.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/ufc-259-jan-blachowicz-israel-adesanya-weigh-in-results-live-video-stream|title=UFC 259: Three title fights, 15 bouts overall official – with one miss|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=March 5, 2021|access-date=March 5, 2021}}</ref> Benavidez lost the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=March 6, 2021|title=UFC 259 Results: Askar Askarov Earns Decision Over Veteran Joseph Benavidez|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/03/06/ufc-259-results-joseph-benavidez-vs-askar-askarov/|access-date=March 7, 2021|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>


In September 2021, Benavidez announced that he was retiring from MMA.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-15|title=Four-time UFC title challenger Joseph Benavidez retires from MMA|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/09/ufc-news-joseph-benavidez-retires|access-date=2021-09-15|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref>
In September 2021, Benavidez announced that he was retiring from MMA.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-15|title=Four-time UFC title challenger Joseph Benavidez retires from MMA|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/09/ufc-news-joseph-benavidez-retires|access-date=2021-09-15|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref>
Line 137: Line 136:
===Mixed martial arts===
===Mixed martial arts===
*'''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
*'''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Knockout of the Night]] (One time) {{small|vs. [[Yasuhiro Urushitani]]}}
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Knockout of the Night]] (One time) {{small|vs. [[Yasuhiro Urushitani]]}}<ref name="UFCFX2"/>
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]] (Three times) {{small|vs. [[Tim Elliott]], [[Alex Perez (fighter)|Alex Perez]] and [[Jussier Formiga]]}}<ref name="Matt Erickson"/><ref name="MMAmania.com"/><ref name="gate&attendance"/>
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]] (Three times) {{small|vs. [[Tim Elliott]], [[Alex Perez (fighter)|Alex Perez]] and [[Jussier Formiga]]}}<ref name="Matt Erickson"/><ref name="MMAmania.com"/><ref name="gate&attendance"/>
**Most wins in the UFC Flyweight division (13, tied with [[Demetrious Johnson (fighter)|Demetrious Johnson]])<ref name=records19>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/06/ufc-on-espn-3-post-event-facts-demian-maia-most-ufc-wins-record-history|title=UFC on ESPN 3 post-event facts: Demian Maia passes Georges St-Pierre, Michael Bisping on wins list|author=Mike Bohn|date=June 30, 2019|publisher=mmajunkie.com}}</ref>
**Tied ([[Demetrious Johnson]] & [[Alexandre Pantoja]]) for [[List_of_UFC_records#Most_wins_-_By_division|most wins in UFC Flyweight division history]] (13)<ref name="ufcflw">{{cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=FLW|title=UFC Flyweight - Leaders|author=UFC|date=December 7, 2024|publisher=ufc.com}}</ref>
**Most fights in the UFC Flyweight division (19)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-259-pre-event-facts-israel-adesanyas-champ-champ-attempt-comes-with-a-twist|title=UFC 259 pre-event facts: Israel Adesanya's champ-champ attempt comes with a twist|author=Mike Bohn|work=[[MMAjunkie.com]]|date=March 3, 2021}}</ref>
**[[List_of_UFC_records#Most_bouts_-_By_division|Most bouts in UFC Flyweight division history]] (19)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-259-pre-event-facts-israel-adesanyas-champ-champ-attempt-comes-with-a-twist|title=UFC 259 pre-event facts: Israel Adesanya's champ-champ attempt comes with a twist|author=Mike Bohn|work=[[MMAjunkie.com]]|date=March 3, 2021}}</ref>
**Most knockout wins in the UFC Flyweight division (five)<ref name=records19 />
**[[List_of_UFC_records#Most_knockouts_-_By_division|Most knockouts in UFC Flyweight division history]] (5)<ref name="ufcflw"/>
**Tied ([[Tim Elliott]]) for most decision wins in UFC Flyweight division history (7)<ref name="ufcflw"/>
**Fourth longest win streak in UFC Flyweight division history (6)<ref name="ufcflw"/>
**Tied ([[Brandon Moreno]]) for fourth most finishes in UFC Flyweight division history (6)<ref name="ufcflw"/>
*'''[[World Extreme Cagefighting]]'''
*'''[[World Extreme Cagefighting]]'''
**[[List of WEC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] (One time) {{small|vs. [[Dominick Cruz]]}}
**[[List of WEC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] (One time) {{small|vs. [[Dominick Cruz]]}}

Latest revision as of 03:16, 15 December 2024

Joseph Benavidez
Benavidez at UFC Fight Night 143 in New York, United States on January 20, 2019
BornJoseph Rolando Benavidez
(1984-07-31) July 31, 1984 (age 40)
San Antonio, Texas, U.S.[1]
Height5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)
Weight125 lb (57 kg; 8.9 st)
DivisionFlyweight (2012–2021)
Bantamweight (2006–2011)
Featherweight (2008)
Reach65 in (165 cm)[2][3]
Fighting out ofSacramento, California, U.S.[5]
TeamTeam Alpha Male (2007–2016)[6]
Elevation Fight Team (2016)[6]
Xtreme Couture (2016–2021)[6]
RankBrown prajied in Muay Thai under Duane Ludwig
Years active2006–2021
Mixed martial arts record
Total36
Wins28
By knockout8
By submission9
By decision11
Losses8
By knockout2
By submission1
By decision5
SpouseMegan Olivi
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Joseph Rolando Benavidez (born July 31, 1984) is an American former professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the Flyweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Background

[edit]

Benavidez was born on July 31, 1984, in San Antonio, Texas, and is of Mexican descent. Benavidez grew up with his single mother and two brothers.[7] He attended Las Cruces High School, where he began training boxing. At the age of 16, he also began wrestling, discipline in which he became a New Mexico State champion. He continued to wrestle for one semester at William Penn University before dropping out. From college onwards Benavidez struggled with alcohol and drug abuse before becoming sober, subsequently turning his interest into mixed martial arts.[7]

After fighting in smaller shows while working as a screen printer in Las Cruces, New Mexico, he joined up with Urijah Faber's Team Alpha Male in 2007. Benavidez has since fought in Dream, WEC and most recently the UFC. His fighting style has drawn comparisons to training partner and former WEC Featherweight Champion Urijah Faber. On April 27, 2010, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Las Cruces proclaimed April 27 as Joseph Benavidez Day in Las Cruces.[8]

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

Team Alpha Male

[edit]

Before joining up with Urijah Faber, Benavidez fought in smaller shows and trained while working as a screen printer in New Mexico. Hoping to eventually make a living fighting MMA, he sought out Faber on a trip to California in January 2007. Unable to find Faber's gym, he visited one in Roseville hoping to locate him. There his fighting ability impressed the members and instructors enough (or, in Faber's words: "[he] basically beat the crap out of everyone")[9] to refer him to Faber. This was only hours before Benavidez' flight home was due and he had to leave for the airport, unable to meet up with him.[9]

"I had finally found him, and it was at the end of my vacation. I went to airport and my friends dropped me off; [I] was ready to go back to New Mexico and my regular life."[9]

His flight was then canceled, giving him the chance to meet up with Faber as he had hoped. Benavidez impressed Faber enough to offer him a job at the front desk of his gym, enabling him to leave New Mexico to come train with him and his team. Benavidez then went back to New Mexico, "jammed everything into his car" and moved to California.[9] After fighting with smaller US-based promotions, Benavidez was offered a fight with Norifumi Yamamoto by Japanese MMA-promoter Dream in July 2008 at Dream 5.[9] The bout was canceled only days before the fight,[9] and Benavidez was instead matched against Junya Kodo whom he defeated by guillotine choke submission.

World Extreme Cagefighting

[edit]

Benavidez was then signed by US-based World Extreme Cagefighting. On December 3, 2008, he fought Danny Martinez at WEC 37 and won by unanimous decision.[10]

Benavidez faced Jeff Curran on April 5, 2009, at WEC 40.[11] Benavidez dominated Curran from the opening bell with superior grappling and striking, knocking the opponent down in the first round. Curran unsuccessfully attempted an armbar in the second round and a triangle choke in the third round.[12]

Next, Benavidez faced Dominick Cruz on August 9, 2009, at WEC 42.[13] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[14]

Benavidez fought Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Rani Yahya on December 19, 2009, at WEC 45.[15] Benavidez won via first round TKO.[16]

Benavidez defeated former WEC Bantamweight Champion Miguel Torres on March 6, 2010, at WEC 47.[17] He dominated the former Bantamweight Champion before opening a huge cut on Torres' forehead and submitting the bloodied Torres via guillotine choke.[18]

Bantamweight title shot and beyond

[edit]

Benavidez fought Dominick Cruz in a rematch for the WEC Bantamweight Championship on August 18, 2010, at WEC 50.[19] Benavidez lost to Cruz for a second time via split decision.[20]

Benavidez faced Wagnney Fabiano on November 11, 2010, replacing an injured Brian Bowles.[21] Benavidez defeated Fabiano via second round submission. After an uneventful first round of striking between the two, Benavidez stung Fabiano with a left and pounced, submitting the 3rd degree black belt with a guillotine choke at 2:45 of the second round.[22]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

[edit]

2011

[edit]

On October 28, 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.[23]

In his UFC debut, Benavidez faced Ian Loveland on March 19, 2011, at UFC 128.[24] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[25]

Benavidez next fought Eddie Wineland on August 14, 2011, at UFC on Versus 5.[26] Benavidez defeated Wineland by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).[27]

2012

[edit]

At the UFC 140 post-fight press conference, Dana White announced that Benavidez would be a participant in a four man tournament to crown the new newly created UFC Flyweight Championship. Benavidez faced Yasuhiro Urushitani on March 3, 2012, at UFC on FX 2[28] and won via TKO in the second round, earning Knockout of the Night honors for his performance.[29][30]

Benavidez faced Demetrious Johnson on September 22, 2012, at UFC 152 for the inaugural UFC Flyweight Championship. In an incredibly closely contested fight that contained nonstop action at a frenetic pace, he lost the fight in via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46).[31]

2013

[edit]

Benavidez faced Ian McCall on February 2, 2013, at UFC 156.[32] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[33]

Benavidez then faced Darren Uyenoyama on April 20, 2013, at UFC on Fox 7.[34] He won the fight via TKO in the second round.[35]

Benavidez faced Jussier Formiga on September 4, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 28.[36] He won the fight by TKO in round 1 after dropping Formiga with a knee to the body and following up with punches.[37]

A rematch with Demetrious Johnson was expected for November 30, 2013, at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale.[38] However the bout was shifted to December 14, 2013, at UFC on Fox 9 after that event's headliner was postponed due to injury.[39] Benavidez lost via knockout in the first round, the first time he has been stopped in his MMA career.[40]

2014

[edit]

Benavidez faced Tim Elliott on April 26, 2014, at UFC 172.[41] Benavidez won the fight in the first round via modified guillotine choke.[42] Elliot was forced to tap with his feet as his arms were trapped by Benavidez's legs. Benavidez has called this submission the "Joa Constrictor". The win also earned Benavidez his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[43]

Benavidez faced Dustin Ortiz on November 22, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 57.[44] Benavidez won the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision.[45]

2015

[edit]

Benavidez faced John Moraga on May 23, 2015, at UFC 187.[46] Benavidez won the fight via unanimous decision.[47]

Benavidez was briefly linked to a bout against former Olympic Gold Medalist Henry Cejudo on September 5, 2015, at UFC 191.[48] However, the fight never materialized. In turn, Benavidez faced Ali Bagautinov on October 3, 2015, at UFC 192.[49] Benavidez won the fight via unanimous decision.[50]

2016

[edit]

Benavidez faced Zach Makovsky on February 6, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 82.[51] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[52]

In May 2016, the UFC announced that Benavidez would be one of the coaches, opposite Henry Cejudo on The Ultimate Fighter 24. The pairing faced each other on December 3, 2016, at The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale.[53][54] Benavidez won the back and forth fight via split decision.[55]

2017

[edit]
Joseph Benavidez in 2017

Benevidez was expected to face Ben Nguyen on June 11, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 110.[56] However, Benavidez pulled out of the fight on May 10 with a knee injury and was replaced by Tim Elliott.[57]

2018

[edit]

Benavidez faced Sergio Pettis on June 9, 2018, at UFC 225.[58] He lost the back and forth fight via split decision.[59]

Benavidez was expected to face Ray Borg on November 10, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 139.[60] However on November 7, 2018, it was reported that the bout was cancelled due to undisclosed medical issue for Borg.[61]

Benavidez faced Alex Perez on November 30, 2018, at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale.[62] He won the fight via technical knockout out in round one.[63] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[64]

2019

[edit]

Benavidez was briefly scheduled to face Deiveson Figueiredo on January 19, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 143.[65] However, the promotion clarified plans indicating that the pairing was off and that Benavidez would be an alternate for the headliner bout in the event that either Henry Cejudo or T.J. Dillashaw would be forced from the main event.[66][67] Subsequently, Benavidez indicated that he would like to compete on the card, so while being an alternate for the headliner, a rematch with Dustin Ortiz took place at the event.[68] Benavidez would win the fight via unanimous decision.[69] Benavidez signed a new, four-fight contract with the UFC before the fight with Ortiz.[70]

Benavidez faced Jussier Formiga in a rematch on June 29, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 3.[71] He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round.[72] This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.[73] After the fight, in the post-fight interview, he declared himself "Joey Two Times".[74]

2020

[edit]

Benavidez fought Deiveson Figueiredo for the vacant UFC Flyweight Championship at UFC Fight Night 169 on February 29, 2020.[75] At the weigh-ins on February 28, Figueiredo missed weight, weighing in at 127.5 pounds and became ineligible to win the Flyweight championship. In addition, Figueiredo was fined 30 percent of his purse which went to Benavidez.[76] Benavidez lost the fight by TKO in round two.[77]

Benavidez rematched with Deiveson Figueiredo for the vacant UFC Flyweight Championship at UFC Fight Night 172 on July 19, 2020.[78] On July 11, 2020, Figueiredo tested positive for COVID-19. According to Figueiredo's manager, the bout had yet to be officially removed and Figueiredo was administered a second COVID-19 test on July 12, 2020, where the result would be back on July 13, 2020, to determined if Figueiredo was free to fight.[79] Figueiredo passed multiple COVID-19 tests, clearing the fight to proceed as the main event.[80] Benavidez lost the fight via a technical submission in round one.[81]

2021

[edit]

Benavidez faced off against Askar Askarov on March 6, 2021, at UFC 259.[82] At the weigh-ins, Askar weighed in at 127 pounds, one pound over the flyweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at a catchweight and Askarov was fined a percentage of his individual purse, which went to Benavidez.[83] Benavidez lost the fight via unanimous decision.[84]

In September 2021, Benavidez announced that he was retiring from MMA.[85]

Personal life

[edit]

Benavidez is married to UFC reporter Megan Olivi.[86]

Championships & accomplishments

[edit]

Mixed martial arts

[edit]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
36 matches 28 wins 8 losses
By knockout 8 2
By submission 9 1
By decision 11 5
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 28–8 Askar Askarov Decision (unanimous) UFC 259 March 6, 2021 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Catchweight (127 lb) bout; Askarov missed weight.
Loss 28–7 Deiveson Figueiredo Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Figueiredo vs. Benavidez 2 July 19, 2020 1 4:48 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates For the vacant UFC Flyweight Championship.
Loss 28–6 Deiveson Figueiredo TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Benavidez vs. Figueiredo February 29, 2020 2 1:54 Norfolk, Virginia, United States For the vacant UFC Flyweight Championship. Figueiredo missed weight (127.5 lb) and became ineligible to win the title.
Win 28–5 Jussier Formiga TKO (head kick and punches) UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. dos Santos June 29, 2019 2 4:47 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 27–5 Dustin Ortiz Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Dillashaw January 19, 2019 3 5:00 Brooklyn, New York, United States
Win 26–5 Alex Perez TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters Finale November 30, 2018 1 4:21 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 25–5 Sergio Pettis Decision (split) UFC 225 June 9, 2018 3 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Win 25–4 Henry Cejudo Decision (split) The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions Finale December 3, 2016 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Cejudo was deducted one point in round 1 due to repeated low blows.
Win 24–4 Zach Makovsky Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson February 6, 2016 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 23–4 Ali Bagautinov Decision (unanimous) UFC 192 October 3, 2015 3 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 22–4 John Moraga Decision (unanimous) UFC 187 May 23, 2015 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 21–4 Dustin Ortiz Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Swanson November 22, 2014 3 5:00 Austin, Texas, United States
Win 20–4 Tim Elliott Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 172 April 26, 2014 1 4:08 Baltimore, Maryland, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 19–4 Demetrious Johnson KO (punch) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Benavidez 2 December 14, 2013 1 2:08 Sacramento, California, United States For the UFC Flyweight Championship.
Win 19–3 Jussier Formiga TKO (knee to the body and punches) UFC Fight Night: Teixeira vs. Bader September 4, 2013 1 3:07 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Win 18–3 Darren Uyenoyama TKO (body punches) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez April 20, 2013 2 4:50 San Jose, California, United States
Win 17–3 Ian McCall Decision (unanimous) UFC 156 February 2, 2013 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 16–3 Demetrious Johnson Decision (split) UFC 152 September 22, 2012 5 5:00 Toronto, Ontario, Canada For the inaugural UFC Flyweight Championship. UFC Flyweight tournament final.
Win 16–2 Yasuhiro Urushitani TKO (punches) UFC on FX: Alves vs. Kampmann March 3, 2012 2 0:11 Sydney, Australia Flyweight debut. UFC Flyweight tournament semifinal. Knockout of the Night.
Win 15–2 Eddie Wineland Decision (unanimous) UFC Live: Hardy vs. Lytle August 14, 2011 3 5:00 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Win 14–2 Ian Loveland Decision (unanimous) UFC 128 March 19, 2011 3 5:00 Newark, New Jersey, United States
Win 13–2 Wagnney Fabiano Submission (guillotine choke) WEC 52 November 11, 2010 2 2:45 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 12–2 Dominick Cruz Decision (split) WEC 50 August 18, 2010 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States For the WEC Bantamweight Championship.
Win 12–1 Miguel Torres Submission (guillotine choke) WEC 47 March 6, 2010 2 2:57 Columbus, Ohio, United States Submission of the Night.
Win 11–1 Rani Yahya TKO (punches) WEC 45 December 19, 2009 1 1:35 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 10–1 Dominick Cruz Decision (unanimous) WEC 42 August 9, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 10–0 Jeff Curran Decision (unanimous) WEC 40 April 5, 2009 3 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Win 9–0 Danny Martinez Decision (unanimous) WEC 37 December 3, 2008 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 8–0 Junya Kodo Submission (guillotine choke) Dream 5 July 21, 2008 1 2:42 Osaka, Japan Catchweight (139 lb) bout.
Win 7–0 Maurice Eazel Submission (rear-naked choke) PFC 8: A Night of Champions May 8, 2008 1 1:02 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 6–0 Jason Georgianna Submission (guillotine choke) PFC 6: No Retreat, No Surrender January 17, 2008 2 0:38 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 5–0 Rocky Del Monte Submission (triangle choke) Independent Event June 1, 2007 2 N/A Lakeport, California, United States
Win 4–0 Carlos Lovio TKO (punches) Bring it On: Under Destruction April 28, 2007 1 N/A Oxnard, California, United States
Win 3–0 Justin Smitley TKO (doctor stoppage) Warrior Cup 2 April 7, 2007 3 2:18 Stockton, California, United States
Win 2–0 Ramon Rodriguez Submission (triangle choke) Border Warz October 14, 2006 2 2:33 Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Win 1–0 Brandon Shelton Submission (kimura) Universal Fight Promotions June 3, 2006 2 N/A Mescalero, New Mexico, United States

[90]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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