Marcos Villegas of Fight Hub TV, a friend of MMA Blaster, was recently able to catch up with 135 spark plug wrestler Joe Benavidez (14-2). Joe recently earned a unanimous decision victory at UFC 128 to begin his run in the UFC. Benavidez finished 6-2 in the WEC promotion, notching wins against Jeff Curran, Miguel Torres, Rani Yahya and Wagney Fabiano.
Benavidez explained that Ian Loveland was a little bigger than him and had a better ground game than expected. In regards to the fight being his UFC debut, Benavidez didn't feel any extra nerves, but was excited and inspired to be able to showcase his skills to a bigger crowd.
Benavidez is hoping that the UFC will adopt a 125 pound flyweight as he is ready to drop down in weight. In regards to a potential fight with his coach, training partner and friend Urijah Faber won't be happening any time soon.
Showing posts with label Joe Benavidez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joe Benavidez. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 6, 2009
WEC 40 Chicago Results
Despite a snowstorm that kept some away, I was in attendance for WEC 40. There was a solid line-up of fights and they were entertaining throughout. I had seats that were up a few rows in the lower bowl, giving me a good sight line for the event. I saw Manny Tapia, Clay Guida and Raphael Assuncao up on the concourse, but it was a little tough to get a picture.
Miguel Torres def Takeya Mizugaki via unanimous dec- Torres and Mizugaki threw punches, kicks and knees non-stop for the entire 25 minute fight. Anytime Torres looked to connect with a punch, Mizugaki landed a kick. They battled hard throughout the fight, as chants of "Torres" could be heard throughout the arena. Torres attempted to bring Mizugaki to the ground, but he was just not having any part of Torres on the ground.
*Torres and Mizugaki win Fight of the Night.
(Torres in his corner before the fight)
Joseph Benavidez def Jeff Curran via unanimous dec- Curran came out as the hometown favorite, but the crowd didn't carry him in the fight. Benavidez landed the stronger kicks and punches of the fight to get the victory. His kicks landed sharp as you could hear the smacks in the audience. The action was fast and furious, but Benavidez had Curran's number.
(Benavidez throwing a kick)
Ben Henderson def Shane Roller via TKO (strikes) R1, 1:41- This proved to be one of the only come from behind performances on the card. Roller came out strong landing a combination that dropped Henderson. Roller then locked in a guillotine, but he didn't quite have it. Henderson then got to his feet and landed a left and a right to the temple which flattened Roller. He tried to grab onto Henderson's legs, but as the punches kept coming the bout was called.
(Roller goes for the guillotine)
Raphael Assuncao def Jameel Massouh via unaninous dec- Despite giving up a few inches, Assuncao was able to dominate the fight for all rounds getting a 30-27 score on all the judges scorecards. Assuncao was able to get the better of the fight with punches and kicks, and also got takedowns and submission attempts. Massouh almost came back near the end of the fight, but it was too little, too late.
(Assuncao giving up some height)
Anthony Njokuani def Bart Palaszewski via TKO (strikes) R2, 0:27- Bart Palaszewski suffered another setback losing his second straight fight in the WEC. The first round saw Bart eat a couple punches before getting a takedown. Njokuani got up almost instantly, and started throwing more cominations. In the second, Njokuani worked his jab before landing a big right hand dropping Palaszewski.
*Njokuani wins KO of the Night.
(Njokuani finishing off Palaszewski)
Dominick Cruz def Ivan Lopez via unanimous dec- Cruz dominated the fight with punches, kicks and takedowns. Cruz had good ground and pound throughout the fight getting dominant positions. In the third round, as Lopez was shooting for a leg during a scramble, Cruz accidently kneed Lopez in the head. With Lopez on the ground reeling back and forth, the fight was called. As the ref judged it an inadvertant knee, they went to the judges cards who scored it for Cruz.
(Lopez attempting to punch Cruz)
Wagnney Fabiano def Fredson Paixao via unanimous dec- Fabiano controlled the action throughout the fight en route to a 30-27 decision. Fabiano was able to get takedowns, ground and pound, throw good leg kicks and attempt some submissions. Fabiano also opened up a cut on Paixao's head early on.
(Fabiano ground and pound)
Rani Yahya def Eddie Wineland via sub (rear-naked choke) R1, 1:07- It was not Eddie Wineland's night as Rani Yahya basically steamrolled right past him. Yahya ate an elbow on a takedown attempt, got Wineland's back, sunk in the hooks and choke and it was lights out.
*Yahya wins Submission of the Night bonus
Akitoshi Tamura def Manny Tapia via unanimous dec- This fight was a hard fought war that was much closer than the 29-28 seen on all the judges scorecards. For all three rounds, both fighters traded punches, kicks and knees. Anything that Tapia did, Tamura had an answer. The bout stayed standing the entire time with neither fighter doing a ton of damage.
(Manny Tapia taking pics with fans)
Rafael Dias def Mike Budnik via unanimous dec- In the first fight of the night, Dias was the aggressor getting takedowns at will. Budnick attempted a couple submissions, but wasn't really doing much. Dias almost had a north-south choke in the second, but it wasn't secured tight enough.
(Budnick attempting a leg lock)
Miguel Torres def Takeya Mizugaki via unanimous dec- Torres and Mizugaki threw punches, kicks and knees non-stop for the entire 25 minute fight. Anytime Torres looked to connect with a punch, Mizugaki landed a kick. They battled hard throughout the fight, as chants of "Torres" could be heard throughout the arena. Torres attempted to bring Mizugaki to the ground, but he was just not having any part of Torres on the ground.
*Torres and Mizugaki win Fight of the Night.
(Torres in his corner before the fight)
Joseph Benavidez def Jeff Curran via unanimous dec- Curran came out as the hometown favorite, but the crowd didn't carry him in the fight. Benavidez landed the stronger kicks and punches of the fight to get the victory. His kicks landed sharp as you could hear the smacks in the audience. The action was fast and furious, but Benavidez had Curran's number.
(Benavidez throwing a kick)
Ben Henderson def Shane Roller via TKO (strikes) R1, 1:41- This proved to be one of the only come from behind performances on the card. Roller came out strong landing a combination that dropped Henderson. Roller then locked in a guillotine, but he didn't quite have it. Henderson then got to his feet and landed a left and a right to the temple which flattened Roller. He tried to grab onto Henderson's legs, but as the punches kept coming the bout was called.
(Roller goes for the guillotine)
Raphael Assuncao def Jameel Massouh via unaninous dec- Despite giving up a few inches, Assuncao was able to dominate the fight for all rounds getting a 30-27 score on all the judges scorecards. Assuncao was able to get the better of the fight with punches and kicks, and also got takedowns and submission attempts. Massouh almost came back near the end of the fight, but it was too little, too late.
(Assuncao giving up some height)
Anthony Njokuani def Bart Palaszewski via TKO (strikes) R2, 0:27- Bart Palaszewski suffered another setback losing his second straight fight in the WEC. The first round saw Bart eat a couple punches before getting a takedown. Njokuani got up almost instantly, and started throwing more cominations. In the second, Njokuani worked his jab before landing a big right hand dropping Palaszewski.
*Njokuani wins KO of the Night.
(Njokuani finishing off Palaszewski)
Dominick Cruz def Ivan Lopez via unanimous dec- Cruz dominated the fight with punches, kicks and takedowns. Cruz had good ground and pound throughout the fight getting dominant positions. In the third round, as Lopez was shooting for a leg during a scramble, Cruz accidently kneed Lopez in the head. With Lopez on the ground reeling back and forth, the fight was called. As the ref judged it an inadvertant knee, they went to the judges cards who scored it for Cruz.
(Lopez attempting to punch Cruz)
Wagnney Fabiano def Fredson Paixao via unanimous dec- Fabiano controlled the action throughout the fight en route to a 30-27 decision. Fabiano was able to get takedowns, ground and pound, throw good leg kicks and attempt some submissions. Fabiano also opened up a cut on Paixao's head early on.
(Fabiano ground and pound)
Rani Yahya def Eddie Wineland via sub (rear-naked choke) R1, 1:07- It was not Eddie Wineland's night as Rani Yahya basically steamrolled right past him. Yahya ate an elbow on a takedown attempt, got Wineland's back, sunk in the hooks and choke and it was lights out.
*Yahya wins Submission of the Night bonus
Akitoshi Tamura def Manny Tapia via unanimous dec- This fight was a hard fought war that was much closer than the 29-28 seen on all the judges scorecards. For all three rounds, both fighters traded punches, kicks and knees. Anything that Tapia did, Tamura had an answer. The bout stayed standing the entire time with neither fighter doing a ton of damage.
(Manny Tapia taking pics with fans)
Rafael Dias def Mike Budnik via unanimous dec- In the first fight of the night, Dias was the aggressor getting takedowns at will. Budnick attempted a couple submissions, but wasn't really doing much. Dias almost had a north-south choke in the second, but it wasn't secured tight enough.
(Budnick attempting a leg lock)
Friday, March 13, 2009
WEC 40 Chicago - Preview
WEC 40 takes place April 5th at the UIC Pavillion in Chicago, Illinois. There is a solid lineup of fights that will take place. The undercard is stacked with Wagnney Fabiano, Eddie Wineland, Manny Tapia, Bart Palaszewski and Rafeal Dias. Expect to see some quick and exciting action.
Miguel Torres vs. Takeya Mizugaki- This fight is for the 135 pound bantam weight title. Torres (35-1, 4-0 WEC), won the BW belt at WEC 32 over Chase Beebe and has defended against Yoshiro Maeda and Manny Tapia. Torres is a relentless, creative and entertaining fighter who has an endless supply of energy. Expect him to go big in this fight in his hometown.
(Miguel Torres pictured)
Takeya Mizugaki (11-2, 0-0 WEC) is a late replacement for Brian Bowles, who had to withdraw due to injury. Mizugaki is a veteran of the Japanese Shooto and GCM promotions and is currently riding a 5 fight win streak. He was a Shooto rookie of the year in 2003.
Joseph Benavidez vs. Jeff Curran- This match sets up nice to determine a number 1 contender for the BW Title. Curran (29-10, 2-2 WEC) has had a tough past two fights losing via guillotine against Urijah Faber and a decision to Mike Thomas Brown. Curran should look to take the fight to the ground to utilize his submission game. He has fought in the UFC, IFL and Pride with big wins over Rafael Assuncao, Wagnney Fabiano, Jason Dent and Bao Quach.
(Jeff Curran pictured)
Joe Benavidez (9-0, 1-0 WEC) is an up and coming prospect who trains with Urijah Faber. Benavidez fought in local promotions before being called to fight in Dream, defeating Junya Kudo (7-2) at Dream 5. In his lone WEC fight, Benavidez seemed tenantive at times, but was crisp in his striking. He notched a unanimous victory over Danny Martinez.
(Joe Benavidez pictured)
Ben Henderson vs. Shane Roller- Ben Henderson (8-1, 1-0 WEC) has six submission victories on his resume. In his last two fights he won via decision over Diego Saraiva and won his WEC debut over Anthony Njokuani via guillotine choke. Shane Roller (5-1) is a top level wrestler with 3 submissions and 2 TKO's on the win list. Roller won his two WEC fights over Mike Budnick and Todd Moore with the guillotine choke.
Rafael Assuncao vs. Jameel Massouh- Rafeal Assuncao (12-1, 0-0 WEC) is a BJJ blackbelt that some circles put in the top ten at 145. He has 8 submission wins on his resume with victories over Joe Lauzon, Jorge Masvidal and Joe Pearson. Massouh (21-4, 0-0 WEC) has fought many times out of Wisconsin's FCC promotion. Recently, Massouh has fought in Pancrase.
UNDERCARD
Anthony Njokuani vs. Bart Palaszewski
Dominick Cruz vs. Ivan Lopez
Diego Nunes vs. Cub Swanson
Wagnney Fabiano vs. Fredson Paixao
Eddie Wineland vs. Rani Yahya
Akitoshi Tamura vs. Manny Tapia
Mike Budnik vs. Rafael Dias
Miguel Torres vs. Takeya Mizugaki- This fight is for the 135 pound bantam weight title. Torres (35-1, 4-0 WEC), won the BW belt at WEC 32 over Chase Beebe and has defended against Yoshiro Maeda and Manny Tapia. Torres is a relentless, creative and entertaining fighter who has an endless supply of energy. Expect him to go big in this fight in his hometown.
(Miguel Torres pictured)
Takeya Mizugaki (11-2, 0-0 WEC) is a late replacement for Brian Bowles, who had to withdraw due to injury. Mizugaki is a veteran of the Japanese Shooto and GCM promotions and is currently riding a 5 fight win streak. He was a Shooto rookie of the year in 2003.
Joseph Benavidez vs. Jeff Curran- This match sets up nice to determine a number 1 contender for the BW Title. Curran (29-10, 2-2 WEC) has had a tough past two fights losing via guillotine against Urijah Faber and a decision to Mike Thomas Brown. Curran should look to take the fight to the ground to utilize his submission game. He has fought in the UFC, IFL and Pride with big wins over Rafael Assuncao, Wagnney Fabiano, Jason Dent and Bao Quach.
(Jeff Curran pictured)
Joe Benavidez (9-0, 1-0 WEC) is an up and coming prospect who trains with Urijah Faber. Benavidez fought in local promotions before being called to fight in Dream, defeating Junya Kudo (7-2) at Dream 5. In his lone WEC fight, Benavidez seemed tenantive at times, but was crisp in his striking. He notched a unanimous victory over Danny Martinez.
(Joe Benavidez pictured)
Ben Henderson vs. Shane Roller- Ben Henderson (8-1, 1-0 WEC) has six submission victories on his resume. In his last two fights he won via decision over Diego Saraiva and won his WEC debut over Anthony Njokuani via guillotine choke. Shane Roller (5-1) is a top level wrestler with 3 submissions and 2 TKO's on the win list. Roller won his two WEC fights over Mike Budnick and Todd Moore with the guillotine choke.
Rafael Assuncao vs. Jameel Massouh- Rafeal Assuncao (12-1, 0-0 WEC) is a BJJ blackbelt that some circles put in the top ten at 145. He has 8 submission wins on his resume with victories over Joe Lauzon, Jorge Masvidal and Joe Pearson. Massouh (21-4, 0-0 WEC) has fought many times out of Wisconsin's FCC promotion. Recently, Massouh has fought in Pancrase.
UNDERCARD
Anthony Njokuani vs. Bart Palaszewski
Dominick Cruz vs. Ivan Lopez
Diego Nunes vs. Cub Swanson
Wagnney Fabiano vs. Fredson Paixao
Eddie Wineland vs. Rani Yahya
Akitoshi Tamura vs. Manny Tapia
Mike Budnik vs. Rafael Dias
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
WEC 37 Preview
WEC 37 will be playing prior to the Ultimate Fighter doubleheader. The event will feature a match between two of the best 135 pounders in the game with Miguel Torres putting his title on the line against Manny Tapia. Below are the announced bouts.
MAIN CARD (TELEVISED)
Champ Miguel Torres vs. Manny Tapia (BW Title)- expect a scrappy and hard fought match between these two young stars. Torres is lightning quick with excellent grappling. He also has a good muay thai game, with dangerous elbows. He has 15 wins in a row with 3 straight in the WEC. His big wins have come over Chase Beebe, Jeff Bedard, Joe Pearson, and Yoshiro Maeda in a fight of the year fight.
Tapia is known for his boxing and ground and pound offense. He will throw wild and powerful strikes, and may look for the big punch against Torres. This will be Tapia's first fight since a knee injury put him on the shelf for 12 months. His big wins have come over Antonio Banuelos, Shad Smith and Brandon Foxworth.
Brian Bowles vs. Will Ribeiro- The winner of this fight will likely move to the number one contender at 135. Bowles is 6-0, going 3-0 in the WEC so far. His three wins in the WEC came over quality fighters in Damacio Page, Marcos Galvao and Charlie Valencia. Ribeiro is 11-1 with a recent split decision win over Chase Beebe.
Wagnney Fabiano vs. Akitoshi Tamura- Fabiano (10-1) was the IFL's only 145 pound champion. He is extremely fast with a fantastic submission game. He went 6-0 in the IFL with 5 submissions and a KO over Shad Lierley. Tamura is a Shooto veteran with wins over top fighters Takeshi "Lion Takeshi" Inoue and a recent win over Ruminato Sato.
Joseph Benavidez vs. Danny Martinez- Benavidez is a strong prospect with an 8-0 record, with a recent win at Dream 5 over Junya Kudo. Martinez has a record of 12-2, with three straight wins.
Justin Haskins vs. Johny Hendricks- Johny Hendricks is a former NCAA Champion wrestler with lightning fast takedowns. Hendricks won the 2005 and 2006 championships at 165 pounds. He placed second in 2007. Haskins will want to keep the fight standing or look for a submission off his back. Haskins has a 4-1 record. Hendricks is 3-0 with two TKO's and a D'Arce choke victory.
PRELIMS (UN-TELEVISED)
Alex Karalexis vs. Bart Palaszewski- This is IFL star Bart Palaszewski's first bout in the WEC. The hard puncher will be looking for a knockout. Karalexis had three wins in the WEC before losing to Ed 9mm Ratliff.
Ricardo Barros vs. Mark Munoz
Blas Avena vs. Kevin Knabjian
Diego Nunes vs. Cole Province
Cub Swanson vs. Hirouki Takaya
Shane Roller vs. Mike Budnik
(Miguel Torres pictured)
MAIN CARD (TELEVISED)
Champ Miguel Torres vs. Manny Tapia (BW Title)- expect a scrappy and hard fought match between these two young stars. Torres is lightning quick with excellent grappling. He also has a good muay thai game, with dangerous elbows. He has 15 wins in a row with 3 straight in the WEC. His big wins have come over Chase Beebe, Jeff Bedard, Joe Pearson, and Yoshiro Maeda in a fight of the year fight.
Tapia is known for his boxing and ground and pound offense. He will throw wild and powerful strikes, and may look for the big punch against Torres. This will be Tapia's first fight since a knee injury put him on the shelf for 12 months. His big wins have come over Antonio Banuelos, Shad Smith and Brandon Foxworth.
Brian Bowles vs. Will Ribeiro- The winner of this fight will likely move to the number one contender at 135. Bowles is 6-0, going 3-0 in the WEC so far. His three wins in the WEC came over quality fighters in Damacio Page, Marcos Galvao and Charlie Valencia. Ribeiro is 11-1 with a recent split decision win over Chase Beebe.
Wagnney Fabiano vs. Akitoshi Tamura- Fabiano (10-1) was the IFL's only 145 pound champion. He is extremely fast with a fantastic submission game. He went 6-0 in the IFL with 5 submissions and a KO over Shad Lierley. Tamura is a Shooto veteran with wins over top fighters Takeshi "Lion Takeshi" Inoue and a recent win over Ruminato Sato.
Joseph Benavidez vs. Danny Martinez- Benavidez is a strong prospect with an 8-0 record, with a recent win at Dream 5 over Junya Kudo. Martinez has a record of 12-2, with three straight wins.
Justin Haskins vs. Johny Hendricks- Johny Hendricks is a former NCAA Champion wrestler with lightning fast takedowns. Hendricks won the 2005 and 2006 championships at 165 pounds. He placed second in 2007. Haskins will want to keep the fight standing or look for a submission off his back. Haskins has a 4-1 record. Hendricks is 3-0 with two TKO's and a D'Arce choke victory.
PRELIMS (UN-TELEVISED)
Alex Karalexis vs. Bart Palaszewski- This is IFL star Bart Palaszewski's first bout in the WEC. The hard puncher will be looking for a knockout. Karalexis had three wins in the WEC before losing to Ed 9mm Ratliff.
Ricardo Barros vs. Mark Munoz
Blas Avena vs. Kevin Knabjian
Diego Nunes vs. Cole Province
Cub Swanson vs. Hirouki Takaya
Shane Roller vs. Mike Budnik
(Miguel Torres pictured)
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Kid Yamamoto v. Joe Benavidez
It appears that Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto will be squaring off against Joe Benavidez on July 21st in Dream 5. Benavidez is an undefeated 135 pound fighter who fights out of Ultimate Fitness, Urijah Faber's gym. Urijah has wanted a Yamamoto fight for some time. Here are some old Kid fights.
Kid Yamamoto v. Masashi Kameda
Kid Yamamoto v. Hideki Kadowaki
Kid Yamamoto v. Masashi Kameda
Kid Yamamoto v. Hideki Kadowaki
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