Joseph Benavidez News

Deiveson Figueiredo, UFC rankings
Joseph Benavidez

Missing weight cost Deiveson Figueiredo a lot more than just the UFC flyweight title

Natasha Hooper - March 2, 2020

Deiveson Figueiredo lost a lot more than just the UFC flyweight title after missing weight for his victory over Joseph Benavidez at UFC Norfolk. In the main event of the UFC Norfolk, the Brazilian flyweight challenged the MMA veteran Joseph Benavidez. The athletes were fighting for the 125-pound title since it was relinquished by Henry Cejudo earlier this year. Despite having a previous victory over Cejudo in 2016, Benavidez failed to take home the flyweight gold against Figueiredo. In the second round, the Brazilian connected with a clean right hand that sent Benavidez crashing to the canvas.

Joseph Benavidez, UFC Norfolk
UFC

Joseph Benavidez releases statement following KO loss at UFC Norfolk

Adam D Martin - March 1, 2020

UFC flyweight contender Joseph Benavidez has released a statement following a devastating KO loss to Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event of UFC Norfolk. In his third bid to win the UFC flyweight crown, Benavidez was knocked out by Figueiredo in brutal fashion in the second round of their headlining bout. However, because Figueiredo missed weight he was not eligible to win the flyweight title, making a Benavidez loss unfortunate on so many levels. Benavidez is one of the best fighters in flyweight history, but his legacy will never be complete without a title.

Joseph Benavidez
Megan Olivi

VIDEO | Megan Olivi reacts after husband Joseph Benavidez suffers TKO loss at UFC Norfolk

Christopher Taylor - February 29, 2020

Megan Olivi was cageside to watch her husband Joseph Benavidez take on Deivedson Figueiredo for the UFC’s vacant flyweight title this evening in Virginia. The highly anticipated matchup served as the headliner of UFC Norfolk, but only Benavidez was eligible to take home the 125-pound strap, this after Figueiredo missed weight by 2.5lbs on Friday.

Joseph Benavidez, UFC on ESPN+ 30
Joseph Benavidez

Joseph Benavidez reacts following "nightmare" loss to Deiveson Figueiredo

Chris Taylor - February 29, 2020

Flyweight standout Joseph Benavidez received his third crack at 125-pound gold this evening when he squared off with Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Norfolk. ‘Joe-Jitsu’ was the only man eligible to take home the promotions vacant flyweight world title, this after Figueiredo missed the title fight weight limit by 2.5lbs on Friday.

Deiveson Figueiredo
Joseph Benavidez

Pros react after Deiveson Figueiredo TKO's Joseph Benavidez at UFC Norfolk

Chris Taylor - February 29, 2020

Joseph Benavidez collided with Deiveson Figueiredo in the headliner of tonight’s UFC Norfolk event with the opportunity to capture the promotional gold. Benavidez and Figueiredo were supposed to be fighting for the promotions vacant 125-pound title. However, after the Brazilian missed weight by 2.5lbs on Friday, only ‘Joe-Jitsu’ was left eligible to take home the belt this evening.

Deiveson Figueiredo, UFC rankings
Joseph Benavidez

UFC Norfolk Results: Deiveson Figueiredo KO's Joseph Benavidez (Video)

Chris Taylor - February 29, 2020

Joseph Benavidez has another chance to capture UFC gold when he squares off with Deiveson Figueiredo in the headliner of tonight’s UFC Norfolk event. Benavidez and Figueiredo were supposed to be fighting for the promotions vacant 125-pound title. However, after the Brazilian missed weight by 2.5lbs on Friday, now only ‘Joe-Jitsu’ is eligible to take home the belt.

Joseph Benavidez, Deiveson Figueiredo, UFC on ESPN+ 30
Joseph Benavidez

UFC Norfolk: 'Benavidez vs. Figueiredo' Results and Highlights

Chris Taylor - February 29, 2020

Joseph Benavidez has another chance to capture UFC gold when he squares off with Deiveson Figueiredo in the headliner of tonight’s UFC Norfolk event. Benavidez and Figueiredo were supposed to be fighting for the promotions vacant 125-pound title. However, after the Brazilian missed weight by 2.5lbs on Friday, now only ‘Joe’Jitsu’ is eligible to take home the belt.

Conor McGregor, Megan Olivi
Joseph Benavidez

Conor McGregor sends a message to Joseph Benavidez ahead of UFC Norfolk

Chris Taylor - February 29, 2020

Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has sent Joseph Benavidez a message of support ahead of his title opportunity at UFC Norfolk. The former two-time flyweight title challenger, Benavidez (28-5 MMA), will square off with Deiveson Figueiredo (17-1 MMA) for the promotions vacant 125-pound title in this evenings main event.

Joseph Benavidez, Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo

Joseph Benavidez explains why he doesn’t have to defeat Henry Cejudo in order to validate flyweight title

Natasha Hooper - February 28, 2020

Joseph Benavidez recently explained why he doesn’t need to beat Henry Cejudo to be worthy of the flyweight title. This weekend at UFC Norfolk, Benavidez will face Deiveson Figueiredo for the flyweight strap. The 125-pound belt is up for grabs ever since Henry Cejudo was stripped of the title. 

Joseph Benavidez, Deiveson Figueiredo, UFC on ESPN+ 30
Exclusive MMA Interviews

UFC Norfolk | Pro fighters make their picks for Joseph Benavidez vs. Deiveson Figueiredo title fight

Cole Shelton - February 27, 2020

In the main event of UFC Norfolk, the vacant flyweight title is on the line as Joseph Benavidez battles Deiveson Figueiredo. Heading into the fight, Benavidez is a slight -145 favorite while the Brazilian is a +115 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The majority are leaning towards Joseph Benavidez finally becoming a UFC champion but they realize how dangerous Deiveson Figueiredo is.

Deiveson Figueiredo, UFC rankings
Exclusive MMA Interviews

Deiveson Figueiredo plans to finish Joseph Benavidez inside two rounds and send him into retirement

Cole Shelton - February 27, 2020

Deiveson Figueiredo is confident he will become the UFC’s flyweight champion on Saturday. In the main event of UFC Norfolk, Figueiredo will battle Joseph Benavidez for the vacant flyweight title. When the Brazilian got the news that he would be fighting for the belt he knew it meant he could finally achieve his goal of being a UFC champion.

Joseph Benavidez, UFC on ESPN+ 30
Joseph Benavidez

VIDEO | Joseph Benavidez taps out Ryan Seacrest with a guillotine choke

Natasha Hooper - February 26, 2020

Joseph Benavidez has proven his guillotine chokes aren’t reserved for just fighters. The flyweight joined the Live with Kelly and Ryan show to promote his upcoming title fight and show off some moves against Ryan Seacrest.

Joseph Benavidez, UFC on ESPN+ 30
Joseph Benavidez

Joseph Benavidez not a fan of champ-champs: 'That's something that maybe needs to change'

Mike Pendleton - February 20, 2020

The main event of UFC Norfolk on February 29 will see Joseph Benavidez get another chance at UFC flyweight gold, when he takes on Deiveson Figueiredo. The title became vacant back in December when former flyweight champion Henry Cejudo relinquished his title as he focuses on challengers in the bantamweight division. While there is history between Cejudo and Benavidez, he’s got his focus set on winning UFC gold, something he’s almost accomplished earlier in his career. During an interview with Jimmy Smith and Miesha Tate of MMA Tonight on Sirius XM, Benavidez was asked about the situation regarding the flyweight title and his former opponent Henry Cejudo.

Joseph Benavidez, Deiveson Figueiredo, UFC on ESPN+ 30
Joseph Benavidez

UFC Norfolk: 'Benavidez vs Figueiredo' Fight Card and Rumors

Natasha Hooper - January 2, 2020

Henry Cejudo claimed the nickname “Triple C” after becoming a two-division champion of the flyweight and bantamweight division, but last month, it was announced that the Olympic wrestler had released his flyweight belt, leaving top-ranked fighters Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo to battle for the 125-pound strap in 2020. Their fight for the vacant flyweight title will headline the UFC Norfolk event on February 29. It will be only the second event held by the UFC in Norfolk. The first was UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs Pettis in November 2017.

Joseph Benavidez, UFC Norfolk
UFC

Joseph Benavidez doubts Henry Cejudo ever intended to return to flyweight

Tom Taylor - December 26, 2019

Henry Cejudo has been stripped of the UFC flyweight title, clearing the way for top flyweight contenders Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo to battle for the vacant belt in the main event of UFC Norfolk on February 29. This is an opportunity Benavidez has been chasing for years.

Deiveson Figueiredo
Joseph Benavidez

Deiveson Figueiredo says he will 'kill' Joseph Benavidez at UFC Norfolk

Cole Shelton - December 23, 2019

Deiveson Figueiredo has violent intentions for Joseph Benavidez when they meet for the vacant flyweight title at UFC Norfolk. Earlier this week, BJPENN.com reported the title bout was set, and for Figueiredo, he was very surprised to discover he would be fighting for the vacant title.

Joseph Benavidez, Henry Cejudo
Jose Aldo

Joseph Benavidez rips Henry Cejudo after ‘Triple C’ calls out Jose Aldo

Natasha Hooper - December 16, 2019

Joseph Benavidez slammed Henry Cejudo for ducking a potential flyweight title fight and calling out new bantamweight contender Jose Aldo instead. Last weekend at UFC 245, Jose Aldo proved naysayers wrong by fighting on top form against Marlon Moraes— despite a significant weight cut to make the bantamweight limit.

Henry Cejudo, Dana White
Joseph Benavidez

Henry Cejudo distances himself from Joseph Benavidez title fight

Harry Kettle - October 30, 2019

UFC Bantamweight and Flyweight Champion Henry Cejudo has cast a shadow of doubt over a potential title fight between himself and Joseph Benavidez. Cejudo was last in action against Marlon Moraes back in June at UFC 238, where he was able to capture the vacant UFC Bantamweight Championship to become a two-weight world champion. The man known as “Triple C” has been active in the media ever since then, leading many to question what his next move was going to be.