From the sound of things, Joseph Benavidez decided to retire from mixed martial arts competition some time ago, but he only just recently made the decision official with the UFC.
The news was revealed on Wednesday, that the four-time flyweight title challenger had been removed from the UFC roster and rankings—sparking questions about whether this was a release or retirement. It would turn out to be the latter, with an initial report of Benavidez’s decision to hang up his gloves – via Nolan King and Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie – confirmed by the fighter’s wife and ESPN broadcast team member Megan Olivi.