Jussier Formiga should return to the UFC in September against Benavidez, in Brazil

Jussier formiga He is the first Brazilian scheduled for the September 4th event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook

Once considered the best flyweight in the world, the native of Rio de Janeiro Jussier formiga He already knows an opponent and a date to try to make his UFC record positive. The Nova União fighter will face the former challenger Joseph Benavidez on September 4th, in an event that will probably be held in Brazil.

Formiga debuted in the UFC in 2012 in a fight that was worthy of the title of challenger to the champion Demetrious Johnson. At the time, the Brazilian was no match for John Dodson, who knocked him out and challenged him for the belt. Jussier recovered at UFC No Combate 2, held in May, in Jaraguá do Sul, when he beat Chris Cariaso by unanimous decision.

The Potiguar's opponent has a more respectable history in the largest organization in the world. A former WEC bantamweight challenger, Benavidez dropped down a category and competed in the tournament that defined the athletes who would fight for the inaugural flyweight title. The American knocked out the Japanese Yasuhiro Urushitani, but fell in front of Demetrious Johnson at the final. Joe-B bounced back with wins over Ian McCall (who previously defeated Formiga) and Darren Uyenoyama.

The duel has not yet been made official by the UFC, but was confirmed by a report from Combate.com with representatives of the organization. The news had initially been given by Lancenet. The September 4th event, which does not yet have a defined city, will be the third edition of the new UFC On FOX Sports 1 series.