Benavidez: Only fight I want is vs. Johnson

The UFC has struggled to find someone to fight the best pound for pound fighter in the sport, Demetrious Johnson. They created the 24th season of The Ultimate Fighter to generate one by having 16 regional champions battle at the Finale for a title shot. That ended up with an excellent fight. The two TUF 24 teams were coached by Joseph Benavidez and former Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo. The winner is expected to get the next title shot at ‘Mighty Mouse’.

The fight between Benavidez and Cejudo was a compelling, angry of flurries thrown at lightning speed. As almost always in this sport, there was also some controversy.

The two were exchanging so wildly that just one minute into the fight, Benavidez inadvertently kicked Cejudo straight in the groin. Referee Herb Dean spoke clearly to the fighter and said he understood that it was unintentional, but that he had to control his kicks, and that if he did it again, he would take a point away.

One more minute later, Benavidez kicked Cejudo even more squarely in the groin, and Dean took the point away. Fighters have gotten away with worse, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

The scoring, however, was a little wacky.

Judge Marcos Rosales scored every round 10-9 for Cejudo. With the one point deduction, that was 29-27 for Cejudo.

Judge Glenn Trowbrige scored every round 10-9 for Benavidez. With the one point deduction, that was 30-26 for Benavidez.

Judge Derek Cleary scored Round 1 for Cejudo, and Rounds 2 and 3 for Benavidez. With the one point deduction, that was 29-27 for Benavidez.

Even without the one point deduction, Benavidez would have won. Never the less, Cejudo thought the deduction was not merited.

Do I think it’s fair? I’ve seen people get hit in the balls and I’ve seen people get eye gouged and not have points get taken away, said Cejudo as transcribed by Tristen Critchfield for Sherdog. As much as I don’t like Joe, I didn’t mean to hit him in the balls.

Regardless of intent, the balls of course still got hit. Benavidez however was entirely respectful after the fight.

Henry really brought it,” he said. “I am the type of fighter that I always know what I could’ve done better, but I’m really happy with my performance and with the win. The kicks to the groin hurt and the judges took a point away, but it didn’t really change the outcome or the scores. I’m glad that the point deduction didn’t change the outcome of the fight because that’s not how I want to win. I feel I was the more dominant fighter tonight and obviously I proved that.

Now all Benavidez wants is a trilogy fight with Johnson. Their first fight was for the inaugural UFC flyweight title, and Johnson won via split decision, at UFC 152 in 2012. Benavidez fought his way back into contention but was stopped via KO in the first at UFC on Fox 9 in 2013.

Benavidez has only lost four times, twice to Johnson, and twice to bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz. He and Cruz are no longer in the same division, but Benavidez sorely wants to fight Mighty Mouse again.

The only fight I want now is Demetrious Johnson, said Benavidez. DJ and I could fight one million times and it would be one million great, world class competitions. I wouldn’t accept anyone else. That’s the fight.”