David Berding-USA TODAY Sports
Joseph Benavidez will get his third opportunity to win Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) gold this Saturday night (Feb. 29), as he faces Deiveson Figueiredo for the vacant flyweight title at UFC Fight Night 169 inside Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia on ESPN+.
Before then, let’s take a stroll down memory lane to his most recent victory against Jussier Formiga. The two men mixed it up for the second time this past June at UFC on ESPN 3. With a win over Formiga in his back pocket, Benavidez came in with tremendous confidence after knocking him out six years prior.
From the jump, both men meant business, as they exchanged strikes throughout the first five minutes, with Jussier landing some solid shots, busting up Joseph’s eye and taking his back on a couple of occasions. Round two was much of the same, as Formiga was not letting up one bit.
With 30 seconds left in the second round, however, Benavidez landed a solid kick to the face that rocked Formiga. The momentum dropped Joseph, who bounced right back up to rock Formiga once again with a right hand. Smelling blood, Benavidez unleashed a 13-strike combination that ultimately forced the referee to put an end to the fight.
The win was Benavidez’s third straight, and nine of 10 overall, which put him in line for another shot at the promotion’s flyweight title. Will he get it done this time around?
To see the entire UFC Fight Night 169: “Benavidez vs Figueirdo” fight card click here.