Benavidez Beats Martinez
At WEC 37 to Remain Undefeated

Words courtesy of WEC

WEC Fans got their first glimpse of Benavidez, the No Fear Energy backed fighter who faced the stiffest test of his career in Martinez. As you would expect from a guy who trains with Urijah Faber, Benavidez was high-energy and assertive throughout, attacking with three- and four-punch combinations and sprinkling in a flying knee, low kicks and loads of front kicks to the chest and mid-section. Martinez repeatedly fought for takedowns, and Benavidez usually stuffed them, save for a Martinez takedown late in the first round.

Though both men have wrestling backgrounds, the fight predominately played out on their feet and it was Benavidez who repeatedly got the better of their exchanges. One of Benavidez’ best moments happened late in the first when he connected on a combination and followed it up with a front kick to Martinez’ face.

Later in the first Benavidez landed another combination and topped it off with a headlock to a throw for the takedown. In round two Martinez seemed to be waiting, hoping to counterpunch Benavidez and land a big shot. Benavidez continued to attack with combinations that didn’t land flush or hurt Martinez but likely made an impression with the judges. Round three was more of the same, though Martinez heated up in the final minute, teeing off with a flurry of punches that forced Benavidez to retreat for the first time. But it was too little too late as the judges awarded Benavidez a unanimous decision in his WEC debut.

“It’s always my game plan to go out there as hard as I can,” said Benavidez, now 9-0. “Danny is a tough guy. I expected it to be my toughest fight. It was my first that went to a decision and every fight will be tough now.”