Joseph Benavidez is a retired UFC flyweight who fought for the flyweight title 4 times, and here is everything you need to know about ‘Beefcake’, including his net worth, salary, records and endorsements
Joseph Benavidez facts
Joseph Benavidez was one of the best flyweights in the UFC. The former fighter fought a stunning 4 times for the flyweight title, and always made sure he put on a show whenever he stepped inside the Octagon.
Joseph Benavidez Net Worth and Payouts
Joseph Benavidez has a net worth of $3 million. He has earned $3.5 million in the MMA . Thanks to his successful career as a mixed martial artist.
His biggest payday in the UFC was against Jussier Formiga on the 29th of June, 2019. He earned $228,000 for his TKO win.
On debut, at UFC 128, Benavidez made $39,000 for a unanimous decision win over Ian Loveland.
Joseph Benavidez MMA career and UFC record
Joseph Benavidez made his MMA debut at Universal Fight Promotions on the 3rd of June, 2006. He earned a submission win over Brandon Shelton.
Plying his trade across different promotions, Benavidez went 10-0 up in his MMA career, within 3 years, which also saw him move to WEC.
At WEC 42, he suffered his first-ever defeat, against Dominick Cruz – unanimous decision.
Following a two-fight winning streak, he took on Cruz once again, this time in a bantamweight title match. Luck was not on Benavidez’s side, as he succumbed to a narrow split decision loss.
A year later, Benavidez made his UFC debut, against Ian Loveland, at UFC 128. He started off with a unanimous decision win.
He quickly rose through the ranks, and got himself a title shot against Demetrious Johnson at UFC 152 – a flyweight title fight for the inaugural flyweight championship.
Yet again, another split decision loss played spoilsport.
A three-fight winning streak, earned Benavidez another shot at the title. This time he was knocked out by Johnson.
‘Beefcake’ bounced back with 6 wins on the trot, which included victories over Dustin Ortiz and Henry Cejudo.
His winning streak came to an end at UFC 225 due to a split decision loss against Sergio Pettis. Benavidez won his next three fights to earn a flyweight title shot again.
This time he fought back-to-back title fights, the first match he ended up losing to Deiveson Figueiredo via. TKO. However, Figueiredo missed weight and hence there had to be a rematch for the title.
In the rematch, Benavidez was once again beaten, this time via. submission.
His last fight was against Askar Askarov at UFC 259 in March 2021.
On the 15th of September, 2021, Benavidez announced his retirement from the sport of mixed martial arts. He bowed out with a record of 28 wins and 8 losses, having fought for the UFC flyweight title, four times.
Joseph Benavidez Family, Personal Life and Endorsements
Joseph Benavidez was born on the 31st of July, 1984 in San Antonio, Texas. Not much is known about his parents.
He is married to UFC reporter Megan Olivi since 2015. The couple do not have any children as of now.
Benavidez endorses a nutrition brand Kill Cliff. He is an entrepreneur after retiring from the UFC. Benavidez owns a gym and restaurant.
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