Joseph Benavidez Believes Henry Cejudo Didn’t Earn a Title Shot

Speaking at the post fight press conference for UFC Fight Night 82 (via MMAjunkie), Joseph Benavidez talked about the newly announced flyweight title fight between Demetrious Johnson and challenger Henry Cejudo. Benavidez has previously lost to Johnson in title bouts twice, but he’s currently on a five-fight winning streak. Benavidez defeated Zach Makovsky at last night’s fight card by unanimous decision.

Speaking on Cejudo getting a title shot against Johnson, Benavidez stated: “He hasn’t beat the top guys. Even in his last fight, when he beat a guy that wasn’t right at the top, no one after that fight was like, ‘Oh, I can’t wait to see that guy fight for the title.’ That’s what it comes down to, basically.’

He added, “… That’s how I felt about it – that he didn’t earn it.”

Demetrious Johnson is set to face Henry Cejudo for the title at UFC 197. The fight card is set for April 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.