A rematch of highly ranked flyweights is headed to UFC ESPN +1 card in Brooklyn, New York as former two-time title challenger and #3 ranked Joseph Benavidez (26-5 MMA, 13-3 UFC) takes on #8 ranked Dustin Ortiz (19-7 MMA, 8-5 UFC) on January 19.
The duo met for the first time back in November 2014 where Benavidez defeated Ortiz via decision. This time however don’t let the weight fool you as both Benavidez and Ortiz are coming out of first round knockouts. Benavidez recently got things back on winning ways with a first round knockout of prospect Alex Perez at TUF 28 Finale in November.
Joseph Benavidez (@JoeJitsu) vs. Dustin Ortiz (@DustinOrtizMMA) added to UFC on ESPN+ 1 in Brooklyn, New York (January 19th) via @NewsdaySports #UFC #MMA #UFCFightNight143 pic.twitter.com/Gk72exQVXn
— Farah Hannoun (@Farah_Hannoun) December 15, 2018
Ortiz on the other hand is on a three-fight winning streak with two first round knockouts. His latest one being in July when he knocked out Matheus Nicolau courtesy of a head kick. His knockout of Hector Sandoval back in August 2017 holds the record for the fastest knockout in the history of UFC’s flyweight division. Ortiz will definitely look to stun the former title challenger.
The winner of this bout is definitely right up there for the title shot. However with bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw making the cut to flyweight to take on the division’s champion Henry Cejudo in a super fight, will be preferred first. Also with the rumours of flyweight division being scrapped, has the winner in a confusing state. However whatever the future holds, the winner will definitely carry some momentum going on.
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