ABU DHABI – Joseph Benavidez knows this could be his final shot at a UFC championship, but he still plans on competing in title fights by winning at UFC on ESPN+ 30. Benavidez (28-6 MMA, 15-4 UFC) rematches Deiveson Figueiredo for the vacant flyweight title this Saturday in the main event, his fourth attempt at becoming a UFC champ. While he found early success in Round 1 of the first fight with Figueiredo in February, things took a drastic turn when the two clashed heads, which caused a massive gash on Benavidez’s head. Figueiredo capitalized by flooring Benavidez with a big right shortly after, finishing the fight in Round 2. But Figueiredo (18-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) wasn’t crowned champ because he missed weight, and the UFC decided to book an immediate rematch, giving Benavidez new life. Benavidez, 35, didn’t mention retirement or anything of that sort Thursday during a media day with reporters, but he understands that title opportunities don’t come that easy.
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