Joseph Benavidez Signs New Four-Fight UFC Deal, Will Compete at Flyweight

Joseph Benavidez has signed a new UFC deal that will see him compete at flyweight, putting a dent in rumors the division is being scuttled. Benavidez announced the news at a media event promoting his fight with Dustin Ortiz at UFC on ESPN+ 1 (per MMAjunkie).

There has been long-standing speculation throughout the last half of 2018 that the UFC would be shuttering the flyweight division, though Benavidez said in December that “there’s still life” at flyweight. His new deal would seem to confirm that fact.

When asked if the UFC said he could be forced to move up if the division was shut down, Benavidez said, “Didn’t bring it up.”

UFC on ESPN+ 1 takes place on January 19th from Brooklyn, New York.