The UFC flyweight division has a new No. 1 contender. Joseph Benavidez defeated Jussier Formiga in the co-main event at UFC Minneapolis on Saturday night. This was actually a rematch of their previous fight at UFC Fight Night in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, back in 2013, which Benavidez won by first-round TKO.
A winner of two straight and eight of his last night, Benavidez showed off his diverse skillset in his impressive victory of Formiga, who had come into the fight as a winner of four straight.
Both fighters actually came out aggressive early on and while Benavidez did seemingly land more punches, it was actually Formiga who drew first blood by opening up a cut above Benavidez's left eye. Although Benavidez did seem bothered by the cut, it didn't actually impact his performance.
Some skilling scrambling technique and smart positioning ultimately helped set up a devastating headkick that stunned Formiga long enough to allow Benavidez to open up with a flurry of punches that sent the Brazilian to the canvas.
With the win, Joseph Benavidez is now the new No. 1 contender in the flyweight division. It sets up
another rematch in which Benavidez will face current champion Henry Cejudo. The two previously met in 2016 at The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champion Finale, which Benavidez won by split decision (Cejudo was deducted one point in the first round due to repeated low blows).
Benavida didn't mince words when asked about his probable next fight.
Unfortunately, the flyweight title fight will likely be on hold for a while. Henry Cejudo r
ecently underwent shoulder surgery to repair an injury he suffered in the first round of his bantamweight title fight earlier this month (which he won to become a double champ). The injury will keep him out for at least the rest of 2019.