Gabriel Benítez

Gabriel Benítez (born June 15, 1988) is a Mexican mixed martial artist. He was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 1,[3] and he competes in the featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).[1]

For the Venezuelan football player, see Gabriel Alejandro Benítez.
Gabriel Benítez
Born (1988-06-15) 15 June 1988
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
Other namesMoggly
NationalityMexican
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight70 kg (154 lb; 11 st 0 lb)
DivisionFeatherweight
Reach71 in (180 cm)[1]
StyleBoxing, BJJ
Fighting out ofTijuana, Baja California, Mexico[2]
TeamAmerican Kickboxing Academy
Years active2007–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total30
Wins22
By knockout8
By submission10
By decision4
Losses8
By knockout2
By submission2
By decision4
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

Benítez was born in Tijuana, Mexico and started training in mixed martial arts when he was 18 years old.[1]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Benítez started his professional MMA career in 2007, making his debut in his home country Mexico and he amassed a record of 16-4 prior to signing with the UFC.[4]

The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 1

Benítez was selected as one of the cast members for The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 1 , UFC The Ultimate Fighter TV series,[3] under Team Cain Velasquez in April 2014.[5]

In elimination round, Benítez submitted Diego Rivas via rear-naked choke in round 2.[6] Benítez next faced Leonardo Morales in the semifinals and he lost by unanimous decision.[7][8]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Benítez made his promotional debut on November 15, 2014 at UFC 180 against Humberto Brown.[9] He won the first UFC win via guillotine choke in round 3.[10][11][12]

He next faced Clay Collard on June 13, 2015 at UFC 188. He won via unanimous decision with 30-27 across the board[13][14]

On his third appearance for UFC fight, Benítez took on Andre Fili on November 21, 2015 at UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Gastelum.[15] He lost the fight via KO in round one.[16][17][18]

On September 17, 2016, Benítez face Sam Sicilia at UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Johnson.[19] He defeated Sicilia via guillotine choke in round two.[20][21]

Benítez faced Enrique Barzola, the featherweight champion of “The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2, on May 13, 2017 at UFC 211.[22][23] After three rounds fight, the judges awarded the win to Barzola with 29-28 across the score board.[24][25]

Benítez faced Jason Knight on December 9, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 123.[26] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[27]

Benítez faced Humberto Bandenay on May 19, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 129.[28] He won the fight via knockout due to a slam and punches just 39 seconds into the first round.[29] This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.[30]

Benítez faced Sodiq Yusuff on August 17, 2019 at UFC 241.[31] He lost the fight via knockout in round one.[32]

Benítez was expected to face Lerone Murphy on March 21, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs. Edwards.[33] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed.[34]

Benítez faced Omar Morales on May 13, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira.[35] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[36]

Benítez was scheduled to face Justin Jaynes on November 14, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos.[37] The fight was canceled after Benítez tested positive for COVID-19. [38] The pairing was left intact and eventually took place on December 5, 2020 at UFC on ESPN 19.[39] He won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.[40] This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.[41]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts
  • Ultimate Fighting Championship
    • Performance of the Night (Three times) vs. Humberto Bandenay and Justin Jaynes[30]}[41]
    • Third best striking defense in UFC history (73.20%)[42]
    • Best striking defense in featherweight history (73.20%)
    • Best striking defense amongst active UFC fighters (73.20%)
    • Tenth highest rate of significant strikes landed per minute, in featherweight history (4.23)
    • Fifth best strike differential in featherweight history (1.63)[43]
  • Ultimate Warrior Challenge
    • Ultimate Warrior Challenge Featherweight Champion (One time)
  • Xtreme Kombat
    • Xtreme Kombat Featherweight Champion (One time) vs. Antonio Ramirez
  • Xtreme Fighters Latino
    • Xtreme Fighters Latino Featherweight Champion (One time) vs. Daniel Salas
  • Xplode Fight Series
    • Xplode Fight Series Featherweight Champion (One time) vs. Ryan Bixler

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
30 matches 22 wins 8 losses
By knockout 8 2
By submission 10 2
By decision 4 4
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 22–8 Justin Jaynes TKO (knee to the body and elbows) UFC on ESPN: Hermansson vs. Vettori December 5, 2020 1 4:06 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 21–8 Omar Morales Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira May 13, 2020 3 5:00 Jacksonville, Florida, United States Return to Lightweight.
Loss 21–7 Sodiq Yusuff TKO (punches) UFC 241 August 17, 2019 1 4:14 Anaheim, California, United States
Win 21–6 Humberto Bandenay KO (slam) UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Usman May 19, 2018 1 0:39 Santiago, Chile Performance of the Night.
Win 20–6 Jason Knight Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega December 9, 2017 3 5:00 Fresno, California, United States Knight was deducted one point in round 1 for biting Benítez's fingers.
Loss 19–6 Enrique Barzola Decision (unanimous) UFC 211 May 13, 2017 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States
Win 19–5 Sam Sicilia Technical Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Johnson September 17, 2016 2 1:20 Hidalgo, Texas, United States
Loss 18–5 Andre Fili KO (head kick and punches) The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale: Magny vs. Gastelum November 21, 2015 1 3:13 Monterrey, Mexico
Win 18–4 Clay Collard Decision (unanimous) UFC 188 June 13, 2015 3 5:00 Mexico City, Mexico
Win 17–4 Humberto Brown Technical Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 180 November 15, 2014 3 0:30 Mexico City, Mexico
Win 16–4 Angelo Sanchez Decision (unanimous) Orthrus Promotions: Triple A MMA 5 May 29, 2014 3 5:00 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States Featherweight debut.
Win 15–4 Rey Trujillo TKO (punches) Fresquez Productions: Havoc December 6, 2013 2 3:25 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Loss 14–4 Richard Villa Submission (heel hook) Jackson's MMA Series 11 August 10, 2013 1 0:52 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Loss 14–3 Rigo Oropeza Submission (guillotine choke) Ultimate Warrior Challenge Mexico 13 March 2, 2013 1 0:19 Tijuana, Mexico
Win 14–2 Antonio Ramirez KO (punches) Xtreme Kombat 17 September 21, 2012 1 1:48 Mexico City, Mexico
Win 13–2 Ryan Bixler TKO (punches) Xplode Fight Series: Hunted May 19, 2012 1 1:24 Valley Center, California, United States
Win 12–2 Jorge Lopez Submission (rear-naked choke) Ultimate Warrior Challenge Mexico 12 March 24, 2012 2 3:12 Tijuana, Mexico
Win 11–2 Daniel Salas Decision (unanimous) Xtreme Fighters Latino May 26, 2011 5 5:00 Mexico City, Mexico
Win 10–2 Raul Bellereza Submission (rear-naked choke) Ultimate Warrior Challenge Mexico 9 March 26, 2011 1 3:29 Tijuana, Mexico
Win 9–2 Manuel Ramos Gallareta Submission (kimura) Ultimate Warrior Challenge Mexico 5 November 28, 2010 1 1:03 Tijuana, Mexico
Win 8–2 Tito Castro TKO (punches) Ultimate Warrior Challenge Mexico 4 November 28, 2009 2 2:15 Tijuana, Mexico
Win 7–2 Shawn Major Submission (armbar) Ultimate Challenge Mexico 12 October 3, 2009 1 0:39 Tijuana, Mexico
Win 6–2 Shawn Major TKO (doctor stoppage) Ultimate Warrior Challenge Mexico 2 May 30, 2009 1 2:13 Tijuana, Mexico
Win 5–2 Kyle Olsen Submission (guillotine choke) Ultimate Warrior Challenge Mexico 1 February 28, 2009 1 1:24 Tijuana, Mexico
Loss 4–2 Yaotzin Meza Decision (unanimous) Noche de Gladiadores May 24, 2008 3 3:00 Hermosillo, Mexico
Win 4–1 Alan Mar Submission (guillotine choke) Ultimate Challenge Mexico 6 April 19, 2008 3 2:04 Tijuana, Mexico
Win 3–1 Dominic Gutierrez Submission (armbar) Tijuana Municipal Sports Institute: No Way Out April 19, 2008 1 2:31 Tijuana, Mexico
Loss 2–1 Emilio Chavez Decision (unanimous) Cage of Fire 10 November 24, 2007 3 5:00 Mexico
Win 2–0 Tomas Huerta KO (punches) Ultimate Challenge Mexico 4 November 10, 2007 1 0:00 Tijuana, Mexico
Win 1–0 Martin Perez Submission (armbar) Ultimate Challenge Mexico 2 July 28, 2007 2 0:00 Tijuana, Mexico

[44]

See also

References
  1. "Gabriel Benitez - Official UFC® Fighter Profile". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  2. "Gabriel Benitez". Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  3. "Cain Velasquez, Fabricio Werdum coach 'TUF: Latin America,' fight in November". MMAjunkie. 2014-04-29. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  4. Sherdog.com. "Gabriel". Sherdog. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  5. "Cast For TUF: 'Latin America' Revealed". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  6. "Gabriel Benitez vs Diego Rivas Fight Result UFC - The Ultimate Figh..." www.mma-core.com. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  7. "Leonardo Morales vs Gabriel Benitez Fight Result UFC - The Ultimate..." www.mma-core.com. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  8. "TUF Latinoamérica: Leonardo Morales vence al Moggly". enlapelea.com. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  9. "Humberto Brown vs. Gabriel Benitez slated for UFC 180 in Mexico City". MMAjunkie. 2014-11-08. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  10. "Gabriel Benitez vs Humberto Brown Fight Result UFC 180 - Werdum vs..." www.mma-core.com. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  11. "UFC fighter poops his pants, gets choked out". SBNation.com. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  12. "UFC 180 results: Choke-happy Gabriel Benitez finally finishes Humberto Brown". MMAjunkie. 2014-11-16. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  13. "UFC 188 results: Mexico's Gabriel Benitez batters Clay Collard for unanimous decision". MMAjunkie. 2015-06-13. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  14. "UFC 188 Results: Gabriel Benitez Grabs Unanimous Decision Win In A Tough Battle | BJPenn.com". | BJPenn.com. 2015-06-13. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  15. Sherdog.com. "Gabriel Benitez, Andre Fili to Clash at UFC Fight Night in Monterrey on Nov. 21". Sherdog. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  16. "Gabriel Benitez vs Andre Fili UFC Fight Night 78 Full Fight MMA Video". MMA-Core. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  17. Sherdog.com. "UFC Fight Night Prelims: Andre Fili Head Kick, Punches Sink Gabriel Benitez in Monterrey". Sherdog. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  18. "WATCH: Andre Fili finishes off Gabriel Benitez with vicious combination | FOX Sports". FOX Sports. 2015-11-21. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  19. "Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Johnson headlines UFC Fight Night 94 in Hidalgo, Texas – The MMA Report Podcast". themmareport.com. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  20. "Gabriel Benitez vs Sam Sicilia UFC Fight Night 94 Full Fight Part 1 MMA Video". MMA-Core. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  21. "Gabriel Benitez Puts Stubborn Sam Sicilia to Sleep (UFC Hidalgo Fight Highlights) | MMAWeekly.com". www.mmaweekly.com. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  22. "'The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America' vets Enrique Barzola and Gabriel Benitez meet at UFC 211 in Dallas". MMAjunkie. 2017-02-23. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  23. Sherdog.com. "Featherweights Gabriel Benitez, Enrique Barzola to Clash at UFC 211". Sherdog. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  24. "Gabriel Benitez vs Enrique Barzola Full Fight UFC 211 MMA Video". MMA-Core. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  25. "UFC 211 results: Enrique Barzola tops Gabriel Benitez in fun back-and-forth scrap". MMAjunkie. 2017-05-13. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  26. Staff (2017-10-16). "Jason Knight says he's fighting Gabriel Benitez at UFC Fight Night 123 in Fresno". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-10-16.
  27. "UFC Fight Night 123 results: Gabriel Benitez survives bite – yes, bite! – to dominate Jason Knight". MMAjunkie. 2017-12-10. Retrieved 2017-12-10.
  28. "Humberto Bandenay vs. Gabriel Benitez added to UFC Fight Night 129". MMAjunkie. 2018-04-11. Retrieved 2018-04-12.
  29. "UFC Fight Night 129 results: Gabriel Benitez stuns Humberto Bandenay in 39-second thriller". MMAjunkie. 2018-05-20. Retrieved 2018-05-20.
  30. "UFC Fight Night 129 bonuses: Early finishes among $50,000 winners". MMAjunkie. 2018-05-20. Retrieved 2018-05-20.
  31. Marcel Dorff (2019-06-06). "Sodiq Yusuff & Gabriel Benitez cross the stage during UFC 241 in Anaheim" (in Dutch). mmadnanl.com. Retrieved 2019-06-06.
  32. Doherty, Dan (2019-08-17). "UFC 241 Results: Sodiq Yusuff Flattens Gabriel Benitez in First Round". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-08-18.
  33. Anderson, Jay (2019-12-30). "Gabriel Benitez vs. Lerone Murphy Announced for UFC London". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-12-30.
  34. Nolan King and John Morgan (2020-03-15). "UFC postpones three events amid growing coronavirus outbreak". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
  35. DNA, MMA. "Gabriel Benitez vs. Omar Morales toegevoegd aan UFC evenement op 13 mei". Retrieved 2020-05-05.
  36. McClory, Mike (2020-05-13). "UFC Jacksonville Results: Omar Morales Earns Victory, Gabriel Benitez Boasts Nasty Injury". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  37. DNA, MMA (2020-10-07). "Gabriel Benitez treft Justin Jaynes tijdens UFC evenement op 14 november in Las Vegas". MMA DNA. Retrieved 2020-10-08.
  38. "Featherweight fight between Gabriel Benítez and Justin Jaynes canceled as Benítez tested positive". Essentially Sports.
  39. "New party attempt between Gabriel Benitez and Justin Jaynes on December 5th in Las Vegas" (in Dutch). mmadnanl.com. 2019-11-16. Retrieved 2019-11-17.
  40. Anderson, Jay (2020-12-05). "UFC Vegas 16 Results: Gabriel Benitez Knee Stuns Justin Jaynes". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  41. Dan Hiergesell (2020-12-06). "Official UFC Vegas 16 bonuses: Jordan Leavitt's KO slam leads $50K winners". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  42. "Fighter Stats". Fight Metric. Ultimate Fighting Championship. 2018-05-21. Retrieved 2018-05-21. Myles Jury 73.4%, Gabriel Benitez 73.2%, Georges St-Pierre 73.1%
  43. "Fighter Stats". Fight Metric. Ultimate Fighting Championship. Retrieved 2018-05-21.
  44. Sherdog.com. "Gabriel". Sherdog. Retrieved 2019-08-17.
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