Joseph Benavidez

Joseph Benavidez

Joseph Rolando Benavidez is an American martial artist and was born on the 31st of July 1984. He fight in the Flyweight division in the UFC.born July 31, 1984) is an American mixed martial artist. He is a staple of Team Alpha Male.

Benavidez was born in Texas and is of Mexican descent, he started boxing and kickboxing in high school. He won many championships in kickboxing before he started wrestling at 16 years old. In 2000 he became state champion in New Mexico.

Joseph Benavidez – Photo by Mazdak Cavian/MMAnytt

Joseph Benavidez’s career before the UFC

Joseph Benavidez made his MMA debut in June of 2006, winning by submission. He went on to win his first 10 fights, most notably beating Jeff Curran at WEC 40. He faced Dominick “The Dominator” Cruz at WEC 42 but rebounded from the loss with two straight wins to get another shot at Cruz, who at the time was WEC Bantamweight Champion.

The rematch didn’t go Benavidez’ way as he lost by decision. He won one more fight before the WEC folded into the UFC.

Joseph Benavidez vs. Demetrious Johnson

Joseph Benavidez faced off against Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson at UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort. The fight was very close but Benavidez ultimately lost the fight by split decision.

Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson – Photo by J.P. MOCZULSKI / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Benavidez won three straight fights against such top competition as Ian McCall and Jussier Formiga.

He got a second crack at “Mighty Mouse”, only to get knocked out after two minutes of the first round.

After getting knocket out by Johnson has been knocking off contenders one by one, in his current streak he has beaten Henry Cejudo, Tim Elliott, John Moraga and Dustin Ortiz.