Benavidez Prefers PPV Bouts To TV Bouts
Posted on 11 Jun 2012
by MMAScoops.com Staff

Joseph Benavidez recently spoke with MMAjunkie about his upcoming title shot against Demetrious Johnson, preferring to be on PPV over a TV event and more. Check out the highlights:

On watching the Demetrious Johnson vs. Ian McCall fight: "I don't really get nervous when I fight, but everyone at the FUEL TV studios said they were watching the fight and that I was just pacing back and forth. I get to fight the next guy for a world title, and (it was), 'Wow, this is all becoming a reality.' It was all coming together. When 'Mighty Mouse' finally won, I was happy for him. I like 'Mighty Mouse' a lot. I think he's worked his way through a lot of tough guys at bantamweight. But it was kind of hard because I couldn't really celebrate. I had to gain my composure back quickly because of the show."

On finding out who he would face for the flyweight title: "It was a great relief. When I realized (in March) I'm going to have to wait so long, and I'm not going to get paid, it was a little frustrating. But I didn't use it as a waiting period; I used it as time to get better."

On preferring to fight on a PPV over a card on FOX, F/X or FUEL TV: "I'm not going to be hurt in any way if I don't headline. I'd honestly like to co-main event a really big fight that people are going to watch for sure. I'd like it to be somewhere in America, California – just so my family can go to watch me."

On whether Johnson is the top-ranked flyweight in the UFC: "I guess he could (be No. 1). If I'm No. 1 or McCall's No. 1 or 'Mighty Mouse' is No. 1, it doesn't matter till the tournament is over. It's always great to be considered No. 1, but any time I'm not, it just gives me more drive. I was ranked ahead of Demetrious at (135), so why wouldn't I be ranked ahead of him now? But we'll find out soon."