The UFC’s flyweight division had to deal with the implications of having a champ-champ before. But, if Joseph Benavidez secures the flyweight title at UFC Fight Island 2, his sole focus will be defending that belt.

Benavidez has “pride” in the flyweight division

The 35-year-old Benavidez is going to battle Deiveson Figueiredo for the vacant flyweight title on Saturday. The two fought for that belt back in February. But, since Figueiredo missed weight, he was ineligible to win the belt.

The Brazilian fighter stopped Benavidez in round two, but on account of him missing weight, and an uncalled, headbutt that occurred right before the fight’s finish, the UFC booked a rematch.

Well, the last man to hold the flyweight title was Henry Cejudo. The decorated wrestler defended the belt once, by stopping T.J. Dillashaw in January, 2019.

But, after Cejudo also secured the bantamweight title last June, by finishing Marlon Moraes, he never returned to 125 pounds and the title was vacated. More recently, Cejudo announced he was retiring, but that hasn’t stopped him from driving for a shot at the featherweight title as well.

On account of the fact Benavidez fought at 135 before, and competed for the WEC belt, some might wonder if he has a champ-champ run in mind as well. But, it seems pretty clear that’s not the case (quote via MMA Junkie).

“I just want to fight the best guy in my division,” Benavidez said, before referring to Cejudo’s habit of jokingly, calling out women champs. “I don’t want to fight another weight class or another gender or anything like that. I just know I would literally want to fight the best in my division.

I have so much pride for the flyweights. I fought for the first title in this division. I was actually the first to win in this division, first knockout. I think I’m pretty synonymous with flyweights.”

Benavidez says this is his last title shot, but not his final title fight

At this stage of Benavidez’s career, he seems to understand that if he loses to Figueiredo again, another title shot run might not happen. But, the well rounded fighter sounds very confident he’s going to win UFC gold.

“Even with the last title fight, I thought that was my last title fight, so this one definitely is as far as title attempt,” Benavidez said.

I win it, obviously you have title defenses and stuff, but yeah I thought this was my last shot.

“I fought 10 fights to get here for my second one. I had an ACL surgery, ran through 10 guys in the process, in a process of however many years, so I don’t know if that’s in the cards again.

So, yeah, I look at it as probably the last title attempt I’m gonna have but not the last title fight.”

It’s going to be fascinating to see if Benavidez can add a UFC title to his resume. Even if he doesn’t, there’s no question he’s one of the best flyweights the game has seen.

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