Joseph Benavidez realizes UFC on ESPN+ 30 is probably his last title shot – but not his last title fight

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. After he was knocked out in his rematch against then UFC flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson in 2013, it took Benavidez nine wins in six years to get another title opportunity.

So he does view UFC on ESPN+ 30 as his likely final shot but still expects to compete in championship fights, since he plans on getting his hand raised.

“Even with the last title fight, I thought that was my last title fight, so this one definitely is as far as title attempt,” Benavidez said. “I win it, obviously you have title defenses and stuff, but yeah I thought this was my last shot.

“I fought 10 fights to get here for my second one. I had an ACL surgery, ran through 10 guys in the process, in a process of however many years, so I don’t know if that’s in the cards again. So, yeah, I look at it as probably the last title attempt I’m gonna have but not the last title fight.”

Should Benavidez emerge victorious on Saturday, don’t expect him to chase dual champ status like many fighters recently have. He was there when the division started in the UFC and expects the rest of his career to play out at 125 pounds.

“I just want to fight the best guy in my division,” Benavidez said. “I don’t want to fight another weight class or another gender or anything like that. I just know I would literally want to fight the best in my division. I have so much pride for the flyweights. I fought for the first title in this division. I was actually the first to win in this division, first knockout. I think I’m pretty synonymous with flyweights.”