On June 29th, two-time UFC flyweight title challenger and fashion icon Joseph Benavidez is expected to face the division’s number one contender, Jussier Formiga.
The now 34-year-old Benavidez has come a long way since his debut on the world stage for Japan’s DREAM in 2008. Nearly ten years at Sacramento’s Team Alpha Male saw Benavidez develop into an powerful striker and an energetic grappler. Under the tutelage of Duane “Bang” Ludwig, Benavidez refined his approach on the feet and transformed into the craftiest and most complete version of himself yet.
Over three years removed from Benavidez’s departure from Team Alpha Male, he still shows aptitude as a heavy-handed counter puncher, but the signature “Bang Muay Thai” style has clearly faded.