It’s been a long road back to the top for Joseph Benavidez.
The two-time UFC flyweight title challenger has had to climb his way back up the ladder on numerous occasions, and it finally has paid off.
Heading into his rematch with Jussier Formiga at UFC on ESPN 3, Benavidez (28-5 MMA, 15-3 UFC) had won eight of his past nine. The two first fought in Brazil in 2013, where Benavidez scored a quick first-round finish to earn a second shot at then-UFC flyweight king Demetrious Johnson.
More than five years since their first meeting, Benavidez once again found himself in a title eliminator position when he faced Formiga for the second time.
Round 1 started with both men light on their feet, trying to find openings. Benavidez landed to the body early, with two snapping body kicks, while attacking with a calf kick, as well. With Benavidez pressing forward, Formiga was looking to time his counters. He landed a solid left, then a right, causing a cut near Benavidez’s left eye.
Benavidez changed up his approach and stacked Formiga against the cage, but Formiga was able to disengage quickly. The cut on Benavidez’s eye was visibly bothering him, and he continued to wipe blood off of his face. Formiga tried to capitalize by latching onto Benavidez’s back, but Benavidez scrambled out of it.
Round 2 started with Benavidez going right back to the body, then up top to the head, with Formiga content to sit back on the counter. Formiga then ducked under, landing a brief takedown, looking to take the back, but Benavidez was able to reverse and end up in top position.
Formiga used the cage to make his way back up to his feet, and the two continued to exchange. Benavidez continued to land calf kicks which started to hinder Formiga’s movement. Then, with less than 30 seconds remaining to the round, Benavidez landed a head kick, followed by a big overhand right that rocked Formiga, and he continued to pour it on until Formiga tumbled to the ground and the referee stopped the fight.
Benavidez returns to action Saturday in the UFC on ESPN+ 27 headliner in Norfolk, Va., when he takes on Deiveson Figueiredo for the vacant UFC 125-pound title.
