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Friday, Feb 28, 2020

UFC Norfolk: Joseph Benavidez is Just Fine Not Having to Fight Henry Cejudo Again

Joseph Benavidez (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Joseph Benavidez could win the UFC’s flyweight title on Saturday without defeating the last man to hold it, soon to be former champ-champ, Henry Cejduo. But, recently the perennial contender outlined why he’s just fine not fighting Cejudo again.

Benavidez (28-5) is booked to face Deiveson Figueiredo (17-1) in the headliner of UFC Norfolk, which will crown the promotion’s new 125 champ. Cejudo has decided to focus on his reign as the UFC’s bantamweight champ and decided he would not defend the flyweight belt.

While recently discussing whether he’s disappointed he’s not getting a chance to fight Cejudo again, Benavidez said this (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“No, honestly not at all. “It’s honestly refreshing. This is like, beautiful. We’re in a quiet place. It’s peaceful, like a quiet town; we’re right by the beach. It’s just low-key. It’s nice. I think it would just be a circus with ‘Triple C,’ and not to mention, I already beat him and fought him, and the goal is to win a title, not to beat a guy you’ve already beat. Like that’s the last thing you want to do, honestly. The only thing that’s appealing is the title, not him. So it’s always been about the title, not fighting him again.

“I think it would be harder if it was ‘DJ’ or something or someone that beat me. It’s like, ‘Ah, I’m never going to beat them, but at least I’m getting the title opportunity.’ I already beat the guy, and it was up to him to not come try and avenge a loss and not put up a fight and do something else, so it’s easy for me when I already have a win over him.”

Benavidez fought Cejudo back in 2016 at the TUF 24 Finale, and worked his way to a split decision win over the decorated wrestler.

posted by FCF Staff @ 7:00 am
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