Joseph Benavidez earned his shot at redemption.
Catapulted back into contendership by three commanding victories, the surging Alpha Male product is scheduled to challenge UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson once more in the main event of November’s TUF 18 Finale.
MMAFighting.com’s Ariel Helwani announced the news on Wednesday’s edition of UFC Tonight.
Johnson and Benavidez fought last September in the finals of the UFC’s inaugural four-man flyweight tournament. After 25 lightning fast minutes, Johnson emerged with not only a split decision win, but also the first UFC flyweight strap.
Johnson (18-2-1) has since defended his belt twice on free TV, edging John Dodson in UFC on FOX 6’s ‘Fight of the Night,’ and submitting John Moraga with a slick fifth-round armbar to pocket UFC on FOX 8’s ‘Submission of the Night’ bonus.
Benavidez (19-3), on the other hand, picked up the pieces and strung together a trio of impressive victories, beginning with February’s decision over Ian McCall and culminating in consecutive knockouts of Darren Uyenoyama and Jussier Formiga.
Benavidez, along with the entire Team Alpha Male crew, sit an undefeated 14-0 thus far in 2013 since adding Duane “Bang” Ludwig as head coach.
TUF 18 Finale takes place November 30, 2013 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV. The card is expected to feature both 135-pound male and female TUF 18 finals, along with a lightweight rematch between Gray Maynard and Nate Diaz.