Benavidez is in tears and rules out immediate retirement after defeat: 'I don't want to stop like this'

J. Benavidez (photo) gets emotional at a press conference after losing to D. Figueiredo. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC

Challenger for the flyweight belt (up to 56,7kg.) this Saturday (18th), in Abu Dhabi, Joseph Benavidez could not contain his emotion and was moved to tears when talking about the defeat suffered by Deiveson Figueiredo No. UFC Fight Island 2. In a press conference held after the show, the North American spoke about the setback and ruled out immediate retirement.

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“I am grateful for the opportunity. It's a blessing to be able to do that, just from the fighting side. I thank my coaches who took time away from their families to be here with me. They were trapped in a hotel for weeks,” said a very emotional Joseph.

At 35 years old, this was the fourth UFC belt fight in the American's career. The athlete showed maturity by stating that this was probably his last chance to win a title with the company. Benavidez, however, ruled out retiring immediately and revealed his plan for the future.

“It's very difficult to talk about that after a fight. My goal in this sport has always been to be the best, the champion. I knew my last fight was my last chance to win the title. It wasn't due to some circumstances, but that certainly was (the last). I didn't get into this sport for any other reason than to be the best. I was close. It's been a crazy, incredible journey and I'm not going to retire like this”, said the fighter through tears.

Joseph then explained how he intends to end his career in MMA. For the fighter, now, the important thing is to end his career with a positive result.

“Nothing is guaranteed in this sport. I won't get another shot at the belt. I just want to go out with one more fight and, after this, there's nothing left for me to do. I'm not going to beat 10 more guys again. In my head, I would win the belt and defend it until I lost. After that, fight again. If I lose, fight again, until I win”, he concluded.

This weekend, Jospeh reached the mark of 35 appearances as a professional in mixed martial arts. In the sport since 2006, the North American has won on 28 occasions and been beaten on seven.