UFC 225 Results: Sergio Pettis defeats Joseph Benavidez (Highlights)

A key flyweight bout between former title challenger Joseph Benavidez and perennial division contender Sergio Pettis took place during tonight’s UFC 225 Fight Pass prelims from Chicago.

Joseph Benavidez entered the contest with a record of 25-4, while his opponent Sergio Pettis sported a record of 16-3 overall.

Round one begins and Benavidez lands a hard low kick to start. He tags Pettis with four more low kicks and then charges in with a big punch. Pettis avoids the hard shot and lands a beautiful counter right that wobbles Joe. Another big shots from Pettis and Benavidez is in all sorts of trouble. Pettis charges forward but Benavidez uses Sergio’s momentum to shoot in and score a much needed takedown. Joe is working from full guard. Pettis scrambles and gets back up to his feet. Benavidez is looking to land power shots but Pettis continues to avoid and counter with precision. The horn sounds to end round one.

HE TAGGED HIM!@SergioPettis is going straight to work. #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/tQ88WIeNn6

— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2018

Round two begins and Benavidez once again goes back to the low kicks that gave him early success in round one. Joe attempts a takedown and he is deep on it. Sergio somehow manages to stay on his feet. He catches Benavidez with a nice combination. Joe eats it and continues to come forward. Benavidez continues to work for takedown but he continues to be denied by Pettis. Joe with a low kick followed by a punch. Pettis circles and then misses with a head kick. Joe continues to press the action but the horn sounds to end round two.

Round three begins and Joe lands a spinning back fist just seconds into the round. Pettis did not like that and circles out. Joe is pressing forward but once again Sergio catches him with a beautifully timed counter right hand. Benavidez comes forward with a combination. Pettis avoids the shots and then lands another right hand over the top. Joe shoots in for a takedown but Pettis is not having it. We are back to striking and Joe lands a front kick to the body of Pettis. Sergio paws with his jab and then lands a nice knee to the body as Joe is coming in. Benavidez is looking for a takedown but Sergio locks in a guillotine choke. Joe escapes the hold and presses him up against the cage. Pettis breaks free and then lands a low kick. Benavidez once again shoots in and scores a takedown. Pettis immediately scrambles back up to his feet. Benavidez lands a right hand and then another punch behind it. Pettis fires back with a nice kick and then the horn sounds to end round three.

OKAY JOE B! @JoeJitsu #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/nOVLahDyU0

— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2018

Sergio Pettis defeats Joseph Benavidez via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)