Benavidez: ‘It doesn’t make sense to call anybody out”

Joseph Benavidez put on arguably one of the most spectacular performances of his MMA career this past weekend when he defeated Dustin Ortiz via unanimous decision.

Benavidez utilized his speed to batter Ortiz over the course of three rounds, rocking him multiple times in the process.

He spoke at the post-fight press conference to discuss why it doesn’t make sense for him to call people out.

“In the position, I’m in, No. 2 in the world, it doesn’t make sense to call anybody out. Like, ‘Oh, I’m going to fight that guy. He’s ranked No. 10.’ That does nothing for you. So most of the fights, I’m comfortable with. I’m not going to have a ton to gain from them, but I’ve got to get in these little battles and things that motivate me, like beating him worse than anyone, just using it as a thing to get better.”

“The only thing I’m really not pleased with is not getting the finish. I’m pleased with the fight in that way because you take a positive out of it. You go in there, you fight 15 minutes, you see all the places you need to improve, and that’s just a nice test, going 15 minutes with such a tough guy like Dustin. He definitely made me better tonight, so that’s a positive.”

What do you think PENNation? Who do you want to see Joseph Benavidez fight next?