Joseph Benavidez will finally get another shot at fighting for a world title, as he takes on Demetrious Johnson at UFC 152 this weekend for the inaugural flyweight championship.
It’s been a while since we’ve seen Benavidez in the top contender role, having not fought for a title since losing a split decision to bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz at WEC 50 in August of 2010. But with four straight wins since that loss, it may just be time for the Team Alpha Male product to wear some gold.
Even before dropping down to flyweight, Benavidez was rolling through the 135 lb. division in both the WEC and the UFC, with his only adversity coming against Cruz. Now that he’s at his natural weight class, Benavidez will be a dominant force at 125.
In the opening round of the UFC flyweight tournament, Benavidez showed just how fast and powerful he is fighting in this division by TKOing Yasuhiro Urushitani 11 seconds into the second round.
Against Johnson, Benavidez will once again have a power advantage. His striking is crisp and on point, a scary combination considering his relatively heavy hands.
This power advantage will also aid Benavidez‘s wrestling, which is also technically superior to “Mighy Mouse’s”.
Johnson’s only real edge is in his speed. If Benavidez can slow him down with powerful leg kicks, and beat him up against the cage and on the ground, that should slow down “Mighy Mouse” enough to let Benavidez unload.
At the end of the day, it will be Benavidez who walks out of the Octagon as the UFC’s first flyweight champ.
Be sure to like me on Facebook or follow @MattJuulMMA.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com