Joseph Benavidez last competed at UFC Fight Night Brooklyn, defeating Dustin Ortiz by unanimous decision.
Demetrious Johnson was the first UFC Flyweight Champion and all his “brilliance” is what may have hurt the flyweight division in the long run according to Benavidez.
“I think a lot of it has to do with just the brilliance of DJ crippled the division forever,” Benavidez said during a post-fight scrum (via Bloody Elbow). “People didn’t love him, so maybe they didn’t love the rest of everything. I think that’s all people knew, and people didn’t enjoy him as much as they probably should have.”
Johnson and Benavidez fought twice, with Johnson winning at UFC 152 and at UFC On Fox 9. Johnson also holds the record for the most title defenses under the UFC banner and was the first ever UFC Flyweight Champion.
Benavidez knows that there are a lot of quality flyweights inside and outside of the UFC right now that could make an impact, but they all need a chance.
“But there’s a whole world of guys out there, guys training right now. Future champions, future stars and let’s give everybody a chance,” says Benavidez.
Mighty Mouse has now moved onto One Championship, while Henry Cejudo is the current king of the flyweight division.
