By Jason Groves, Las Cruces Sun-News, N.M.
LAS CRUCES — Coming off the worse loss of his career, Joseph Benavidez returned home to Las Cruces to spend the holidays with his family.
For the second time of his career, Benavidez lost to flyweight world champion Demetrious Johnson. This time it was a 2:52 into their title fight on Dec. 14, 2013 in Sacramento, Calif.
“It wasn’t one of those fights where it was a learning experience where I got to go out and see the holes in my game, I just got caught,” Benavidez said. “It was more a test of my confidence and my faith. It showed me how great my fans, my family and supporters are. It was right before the holidays. It showed me that there are more important things.”
Benavidez is 6-2 in the UFC with both losses coming to Johnson. He returns to action for the first time since the loss in the preliminary card of Saturday’s UFC 172 at Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, Md.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Watch UFC 172 prelims Saturday on Sportsnet 360 starting at 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. PST
Johnson and Benavidez are the top two fighters in the UFC’s newest weight class, but fighters like Elliott (10-4-1) are still trying to make their mark.
“I think it’s shaping up and it’s building steam,” Benavidez said. “There is not a lack of talent at all. It’s just more recognition and that comes with time. It’s been around the shortest so talent is not as well known. When it’s only been around for two years, it takes time to develop stars and title contenders.”
While Benavidez is firmly entrenched at No. 2 in the division, Elliott is ranked No. 8.
Elliott is 2-2 in his last four fights, coming off a three-round decision loss to Ali Bagautinov in November of 2013.
“I consider him top tier in the weight class,” Benavidez said. “His only losses are to title contenders John Dawson and (Bagutinov). Elliott lost both of them by split decision in fights he could have won. Nobody has really beat him up too bad. He’s a guy who goes out there and he’s a tough night for anyone. He keeps a good pace. Our two styles make for an exciting fight.”
The Benavidez fight is the last of the free, four-fight preliminary card that airs on Fox Sports 1 starting at 6 p.m.
“Everyone I fight is bigger than me so that’s not different,” Benavidez said. “The main thing with Elliott is he doesn’t necessarily do what you expect. He has his own off rhythm style. He has super pace. That’s good for me. I’ve had trouble with guys who run from me. I think it’s going to make for a good fight for me and for the fans.”