Gabriel Benítez


Gabriel Benítez is a Mexican mixed martial artist. He was a contestant on , and he competes in the featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

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

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 signed by UFC.

The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 1

Benítez was selected as one of the cast members for , UFC The Ultimate Fighter TV series, under Team Cain Velasquez in April 2014.
In elimination round, Benítez submitted Diego Rivas via rear-naked choke in round 2. Benítez next faced Leonardo Morales in the semifinals and he lost by unanimous decision.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Benítez made his promotional debut on November 15, 2014 at UFC 180 against Humberto Brown. He won the first UFC win via guillotine choke in round 3.
He next faced Clay Collard on June 13, 2015 at UFC 188. He won via unanimous decision with 30-27 across the board
On his third appearance for UFC fight, Benítez took on Andre Fili on November 21, 2015 at. He lost the fight via KO in round one.
On September 17, 2016, Benítez face Sam Sicilia at. He defeated Sicilia via guillotine choke in round two.
Benítez faced Enrique Barzola, the featherweight champion of “, on May 13, 2017 at UFC 211. After three rounds fight, the judges awarded the win to Barzola with 29-28 across the score board.
Benítez faced Jason Knight on December 9, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 123. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Benítez faced Humberto Bandenay on May 19, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 129. He won the fight via knockout due to a slam and punches just 39 seconds into the first round. This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.
Benítez faced Sodiq Yusuff on August 17, 2019 at UFC 241. He lost the fight via knockout in round one.
Benítez was expected to face Lerone Murphy on March 21, 2020 at. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed.
Benítez faced Omar Antonio Morales Ferrer on May 13, 2020 at. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts