UFC
UFC 152's Joseph Benavidez doesn't need to be main event, wants to be UFC Champion
Sep 4, 2012 - 11:10:34 AM UFC 152's Joseph Benavidez doesn't need to be main event, wants to be UFC Champion

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

The UFC's first-ever Flyweight Championship bout was set to top this month's UFC 152 event, until the cancellation of UFC 151 brought UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones to the card. However, while losing his spot as a "main event" fighter wasn't ideal, Joseph Benavidez isn't bothered by the move.

"No one says, 'I want to be a UFC main event,'" Benavidez said in an interview with MMAjunkie.com. "They say, 'I want to be a UFC champion.' I still get to do that."

Not only does he get to fight for a Championship, but by having Jones on the card, it means more eyes will be on his fight against Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson as well.

"That just means that many more people will get to see me go out there and do what I do," Benavidez said. "I can showcase my talents to more people now."

"Main events will come. I'm going to be in this sport a long time. My eye is on the prize. It's not like the belt got taken away from me. That's my main goal, and this is the most important fight of my life."

With more viewers tuning in for their fight, Benavidez's opportunity to be the first fighter to hold the belt in the 125 lb. division in the UFC is something driving him further.

"It's the first-ever world title," he said. "Anyone can be a champion during their career, but only one person gets to be the first champion. There's only one George Washington."

Penick's Analysis: Benavidez has a great attitude when it comes to losing the top spot on the Sept. 22 card, but it does mean overall that more people will be tuning in for the event. That added boost to viewership will allow Benavidez or Johnson to make a big impression as they set history as the first UFC Flyweight Champion, and it could lead to bigger and better things for the victor for their next Championship fight.