The last two men to fight freshly-minted UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson will now collide. According to MMAWeekly, Joseph Benavidez (Pictured) will battle Ian McCall at UFC 156.
Benavidez had rattled off four straight wins prior to dropping a split decision defeat to Johnson in the finals of the Octagon’s four-man 125-pound tournament.
McCall was considered as the planet’s top flyweight when the UFC asked him to join their promotion. After posting a highly controversial majority draw against Johnson in the tourney semifinals, he lost a convincing decision in their immediate rematch.
Where Benavidez vs. McCall ends up on the card will depend upon how the February 2nd roster rounds out.
Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada hosts the festivities.
Here are the athletes expected to perform on Super Bowl Saturday:
Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian McCall
Erick Silva vs. Jay Hieron
Jon Fitch vs. Demian Maia
Rashad Evans vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
Alistair Overeem vs. Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva
Frankie Edgar vs. Jose Aldo (UFC featherweight champion)