Joseph Benavidez

By FCF Staff

It appears perennial contender Joseph Benavidez has his next opponent, as the flyweight will reportedly fight Jussier “Formiga” da Silva on September 4th. According to a report from the Brazilian publication Combate.com, sources close to the UFC have relayed the two will meet at the event, which is expected to be a UFC on FOX Sports 1 card in Brazil. The venue and location for the card has not been confirmed yet, and the UFC has not made any official announcement regarding the reported bout.

“Formiga” (15-2) is coming off a unanimous decision win over Chris Cariaso at UFC on FX 8 on May 18th, after being stopped in his Octagon debut by Jon Dodson last October. The noted grappler had won five straight heading into first UFC appearance.

Benavidez (18-3) knocked out Darren Uyenoyama in his last outing at UFC on FOX 7 in April, to follow up on a UD victory he scored over Ian McCall in February. The only man to defeat the Team Alpha Male fighter in his last five fights is current flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson. Benavidez’s other two pro defeats both occurred versus reigning bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz.