Ben Nguyen was ready for his close-up, an Auckland clash with No. 1-ranked flyweight contender Joseph Benavidez. So when Benavidez was forced from this weekend’s bout due to injury, the 12th-ranked 125-pounder in the world was understandably crushed. But the show goes on for Ben “10,” who now faces Tim Elliott at Spark Arena.
“The change in opponent really disappointed me,” Nguyen said. “I really wanted to fight Benavidez and I was looking forward to that challenge. But Tim Elliott is also a very tough opponent; he went five rounds with the champion and won The Ultimate Fighter.