About Joseph Benavidez
When Joseph Benavidez fights, spectators anticipate a flurry of activity. We’re talking about a man who can take someone down with a number of lightning-quick takedowns or connect with them with his incredibly quick hands. And up until recently, we seen him engaging in combat with opponents who were significantly larger than himself. Expect some newfound strength as you compete now in the flyweight division.
Here is his story.
- Date of Birth: Joseph Benavidez was born on July 31, 1984 in San Antonio, Texas.
- Training Camp and Fighting Organization: Benavidez trains with Alpha Male in Sacramento, California. He fights for the UFC.
Early Martial Arts and Athletic Training
Benavidez was active in sports since a young age and was a member of the Las Cruces High School football team that won two state titles. He earned a letter in four seasons of varsity wrestling, earning the state championship at 103 pounds as a sophomore. After graduating from high school, Benavidez wrestled for a year at William Penn University before quitting to go back to New Mexico.
Initial MMA Career
Benavidez’s first known professional fight took place on June 3, 2006 for Universal Fight Promotions, despite rumors that he may have competed in a few illegal MMA matches along the road. By using Kimura in the second round, he defeated Brandon Shelton in his debut. Benavides really had an 8-0 record in his early career before being signed by the WEC, winning one match in the DREAM organization.
Work for WEC
Benavidez’s fights versus Dominick Cruz, followed by everyone else, may be used to summarize his WEC career. Benavidez had a 0-2 record against Cruz, including a defeat by split decision in a contest for the WEC Bantamweight Championship. He went undefeated in five fights against opponents like as Miguel Torres (guillotine choke), Danny Martinez (decision), Jeff Curran (decision), Rani Yahya (TKO), and Wagnney Fabiano (guillotine choke). The world’s premier mixed martial arts organization then arrived at the door. UFC, that’s right.
Beginnings of the UFC and the Flyweight Competition
At UFC 128 following the merger of the WEC and the UFC, Benavidez won by decision over Ian Loveland. Then, after defeating Eddie Wineland via decision at UFC Live: Hardy vs. Lytle, he lowered his weight to flyweight, which is the weight that many thought he should have started at in the first place. There, a flyweight champion was crowned following the UFC’s first ever flyweight tournament.
