Joseph Benavidez made himself the unquestioned top contender for Henry Cejudo’s men’s flyweight title.
After facing adversity early in the fight, Benavidez rallied to earn a TKO victory over Jussier Formiga, in the co-main event of UFC Minneapolis.
After the fight Benavidez called out Cejudo. Of course, Cejudo recently underwent surgery, and will be out of action for several months. Additionally, it remains to be seen, if Cejudo will continue to fight at flyweight, or defend his newly won bantamweight title.
Full fight report via Cole Henry:
Joseph Benavidez vs. Jussier Formiga (Flyweight)
Round 1: Benavidez connects with a kick to the body to break the ice! Calf kick lands for Benavidez. Benavidez is out landing Formiga by a large margin so far. Formiga connects with a big right hand and then a high kick! Good round for Benavidez overall but he got hit with a few big shots. Formiga turned it up late but Benavidez never lost his composure. Watching the replay it appears as though one of the punches landed by Formiga was an eye poke. (10-9 Benavidez)
Round 2: Formiga connects with a straight right! He shoots and takes Benavidez down! Benavidez scrambles and takes top position! Formiga recovers half guard, but Benavidez is working to pass. Formiga has recovered guard and worked back to his feet. Benavidez connects with a jab. Benavidez lands to the body and head! He follows it up with a high kick! Benavidez connects with a left hook and an uppercut! Formiga is covering up! Formiga has hit the ground! Benavidez is pouring it on and this fight is over!
Result: Joseph Benavidez def. Jussier Formiga via TKO (Punches) Round 2, 4:47
Analysis: Great fight. Benavidez really deserves a shot at the World Championship. If they are going to keep the flyweight division, Benavidez is absolutely next in line.
Watch the finish here:
The Dapper Scrapper!
Emphasis on SCRAPPER tonight! #UFCMinneapolis pic.twitter.com/AadPkCdBpF
— UFC (@ufc) June 30, 2019
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