Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
UFC flyweight Joseph Benavidez has explained why he is feeling more confident about the future of the 125-pound weight class.
After months of uncertainty over the division, longtime top UFC flyweight Joseph Benavidez is feeling confident that the 125-pound weight class is in a ‘good spot.’
Demetrious Johnson’s departure to ONE Championship in October last year and the release of many fighters at 125-pounds raised serious question marks over the future of the UFC flyweight division. Talking to MMA Fighting, Benavidez said that used to be the topic of every question he answered.
“That used to be every interview, every person I ran into,” Benavidez said.
“Now it’s, “When are you fighting Cejudo, (and) when is he going to be back?’” he said. “So it’s where it’s supposed to be. Dana going out and saying exactly what is supposed to happen is the right thing.”
The aforementioned current UFC flyweight champion Henry Cejudo is expected to come back down from 135-pounds after winning the bantamweight title against Marlon Moraes to fight Benavidez next. If he is to get a title shot, Benavidez will have to wait until 2020 as Cejudo is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
“Dana has been going out and saying (I’m next), and that’s still not a sure thing,” Benavidez said. “Cejudo still has to come back from his injury, and (he) still (has to) want to cut down to 125 (pounds). But the fact that he knows, and the pressure is on for that to be the only fight to defend his title and avenge his loss, I think we’re finally in a pretty good spot.”
Benavidez (28-5) has nine wins and just one loss in his last ten UFC appearances. The self proclaimed “Joey Two Times” is currently on a three-fight winning streak, stopping Alex Perez and Jussier Formiga and winning a decision against Dustin Ortiz.