Who Is Joseph Benavidez? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on July 31, 1984, Joseph Benavidez is a prominent American mixed martial artist known for his impactful career in the UFC. As of 2025, Joseph celebrates his 41st birthday. He has established himself as a notable figure in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions, known for his impressive skillset and sportsmanship.
Benavidez began training in martial arts at a young age, eventually making his professional MMA debut in 2006. Over the years, he has garnered acclaim for his grappling and striking techniques, making several appearances in title fights against elite competitors.
| Occupation | Martial Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 31, 1984 |
| Age | 41 Years |
| Birth Place | San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Joseph Benavidez's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Joseph Benavidez stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). Throughout his career, he has maintained a competitive fight weight of around 125 lbs (57 kg) in the flyweight division. His athletic build is complemented by his rigorous training regimen, which has enabled him to excel in mixed martial arts.
Benavidez fought Deiveson Figueiredo for the vacant UFC Flyweight Championship at UFC Fight Night 169 on February 29, 2020. At the weigh-ins on February 28, Figueiredo missed weight, weighing in at 127.5 pounds and became ineligible to win the Flyweight championship. In addition, Figueiredo was fined 30 percent of his purse which went to Benavidez. Benavidez lost the fight by TKO in round two.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Joseph Benavidez is happily engaged to former UFC fighter and television personality Megan Olivi. The couple has been a source of inspiration for many fans, often sharing snippets of their relationship on social media. They enjoy a supportive and loving partnership, frequently attending events and training together. While they do not have children yet, fans are eagerly awaiting any news regarding their future.
Benavidez grew up with his single mother and two brothers. He attended Las Cruces High School, where he began training in Boxing and Wrestling. in which he became a New Mexico State champion. He continued to wrestle for one semester at William Penn University before dropping out.
From college onwards Benavidez struggled with alcohol and drug abuse before becoming sober, subsequently turning his interest into mixed martial arts.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Joseph Benavidez's estimated net worth is around $2 million. His earnings come from various sources including fight purses, sponsorship deals, and endorsements. Throughout his career, Benavidez has been involved in high-profile matches that have significantly contributed to his financial standing. Additionally, his presence in the sports community has opened doors to various business ventures.
Benavidez faced Tim Elliott on April 26, 2014, at UFC 172. Benavidez won the fight in the first round via modified guillotine choke. Elliot was forced to tap with his feet as his arms were trapped by Benavidez's legs. Benavidez has called this submission the "Joa Constrictor". The win also earned Benavidez his first Performance of the Night bonus award.
Career, Business and Investments
Joseph Benavidez’s career in mixed martial arts has seen him achieve numerous accolades, including multiple title fights and wins against some of the best fighters in the sport. Transitioning into business, he is also involved in several investments, including a gym and MMA training facilities that cater to aspiring fighters.
His dedication to the sport extends beyond competition as he participates in coaching and mentoring young fighters. This has not only broadened his career but also solidified his legacy within the community.
Before joining up with Urijah Faber, Benavidez fought in smaller shows and trained while working as a screen printer in New Mexico. Hoping to eventually make a living fighting MMA, he sought out Faber on a trip to California in January 2007. Unable to find Faber's gym, he visited one in Roseville hoping to locate him.
There his fighting ability impressed the members and instructors enough (or, in Faber's words: "[he] basically beat the crap out of everyone") to refer him to Faber. This was only hours before Benavidez' flight home was due and he had to leave for the airport, unable to meet up with him.
"I had finally found him, and it was at the end of my vacation. I went to airport and my friends dropped me off; [I] was ready to go back to New Mexico and my regular life." His flight was then canceled, giving him the chance to meet up with Faber as he had hoped.
Benavidez impressed Faber enough to offer him a job at the front desk of his gym, enabling him to leave New Mexico to come train with him and his team. Benavidez then went back to New Mexico, "jammed everything into his car" and moved to California.
After fighting with smaller US-based promotions, Benavidez was offered a fight with Norifumi Yamamoto by Japanese MMA-promoter Dream in July 2008 at Dream 5. The bout was canceled only days before the fight, and Benavidez was instead matched against Junya Kodo whom he defeated by guillotine choke submission.
Social Network
Joseph Benavidez actively engages with fans across various social media platforms. You can follow him on:
- Instagram: @jbenavidez
- Twitter: @JoeB622
- Facebook: Joseph Benavidez
At the UFC 140 post-fight press conference, Dana White announced that Benavidez would be a participant in a four man tournament to crown the new newly created UFC Flyweight Championship. Benavidez faced Yasuhiro Urushitani on March 3, 2012, at UFC on FX 2 and won via TKO in the second round, earning Knockout of the Night honors for his performance.
Education
Joseph Benavidez attended the University of New Mexico, where he pursued a degree in General Studies while simultaneously honing his fighting skills. His education laid a foundation for his disciplined approach to training and competition.
Benavidez faced Wagnney Fabiano on November 11, 2010, replacing an injured Brian Bowles. Benavidez defeated Fabiano via second round submission. After an uneventful first round of striking between the two, Benavidez stung Fabiano with a left and pounced, submitting the 3rd degree black belt with a guillotine choke at 2:45 of the second round.
