Johnson vs. Benavidez II Flyweight Title Fight Booked for TUF 18 Finale Main Event


(Pshht, whatever. Let us know when you guys weigh 400 pounds. / Photo via Getty)

Demetrious Johnson‘s first meeting with Joseph Benavidez at UFC 152 was a frantic, closely-pitched five-rounder that earned Mighty Mouse a split-decision victory and the UFC’s first-ever flyweight title. A year later, Johnson and Benavidez are still the two best 125-pounders in the UFC — so why not come back for an encore?

UFC Tonight‘s Ariel Helwani announced yesterday that Johnson vs. Benavidez II has been booked for the main event of the TUF 18 Finale, which is slated for November 30th at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. This will be the third title defense for Demetrious Johnson, who has outpointed John Dodson and submitted John Moraga with a fifth-round armbar since winning the title.

As for the challenger, Benavidez has looked more impressive with each recent outing — which is becoming a trend among Team Alpha Male fighters. Since his loss to Johnson, Benavidez has scored a decision win against Uncle Creepy, TKO’d Darren Uyenoyama, and laid a beating on Jussier Formiga. Joe B has clearly earned another shot at the belt, and he’s a markedly improved fighter compared to a year ago. Will it be enough to make the outcome any different this time?


(Pshht, whatever. Let us know when you guys weigh 400 pounds. / Photo via Getty)

Demetrious Johnson‘s first meeting with Joseph Benavidez at UFC 152 was a frantic, closely-pitched five-rounder that earned Mighty Mouse a split-decision victory and the UFC’s first-ever flyweight title. A year later, Johnson and Benavidez are still the two best 125-pounders in the UFC — so why not come back for an encore?

UFC Tonight‘s Ariel Helwani announced yesterday that Johnson vs. Benavidez II has been booked for the main event of the TUF 18 Finale, which is slated for November 30th at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. This will be the third title defense for Demetrious Johnson, who has outpointed John Dodson and submitted John Moraga with a fifth-round armbar since winning the title.

As for the challenger, Benavidez has looked more impressive with each recent outing — which is becoming a trend among Team Alpha Male fighters. Since his loss to Johnson, Benavidez has scored a decision win against Uncle Creepy, TKO’d Darren Uyenoyama, and laid a beating on Jussier Formiga. Joe B has clearly earned another shot at the belt, and he’s a markedly improved fighter compared to a year ago. Will it be enough to make the outcome any different this time?