Not like this.
Joseph Benavidez knows he’s never getting within title shot range again following his fourth failed attempt to capture the UFC flyweight title at UFC Fight Night 172, but the fourteen-year MMA veteran isn’t willing to hang up the gloves just yet.
Benavidez was submitted by Deiveson Figueiredo in the first round of the main event, but this was no ordinary submission loss. Figueiredo dropped Benavidez multiple times and choked him unconscious. It was, by all metrics, a complete thrashing — arguably the most lopsided defeat of Benavidez’ career.
Speaking to reporters at the UFC Fight Night post-fight press conference, a highly emotional Benavidez explained why he won’t retire following his latest loss.