Ryan Benoit
Other namesBaby Face
Birth dateAugust 25, 1989 (age 37)
Birth placeSan Diego, California, U.S.
Height5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
Weight lb125
Weight classBantamweight
Flyweight
Reach in68+1/2
Reach footnote[1]
Fighting out ofDallas, Texas, United States
TeamOctagon MMA
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Diogo Araujo[2]
Years active2009–present
Mma kowin8
Mma subwin1
Mma decwin1
Mma subloss2
Mma decloss6
Sherdog48566

Ryan Benoit (born August 25, 1989) is an American mixed martial artist and bare knuckle boxer who competes in the Flyweight division. A professional competitor since 2009, he is currently signed to the BKFC and has competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Shark Fights, and the MFC.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Benoit began training in 2007 and made his professional MMA debut in May 2009.[3] He fought extensively in his native United States and amassed a record of 7-2 before joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Benoit made his promotional debut against fellow newcomer Josh Sampo on November 30, 2013 at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale. He lost the back-and-forth fight via rear-naked choke submission late in the second round.[4] Despite the loss, Benoit won a Fight of the Night bonus award for the bout.[5]

Benoit was expected to face Ray Borg on June 28, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 44.[6] However, due to an injury, Benoit was replaced by promotional newcomer Shane Howell.[7]

Benoit faced Sergio Pettis on March 14, 2015 at UFC 185.[8] After a first round in which Pettis seemed to have the upper hand, Benoit dropped Pettis with a left hook and finished him off with a flurry of ground and pound in the second round.[9] Benoit received criticism from fans for kicking Pettis after the referee had separated the two fighters. Benoit immediately apologized for his behavior, claiming he had let his emotions get the better of him. Dana White later stated in the UFC 185 post fight press conference that the UFC wouldn't take any disciplinary actions towards Benoit, due to his immediate regret shown regarding the incident.[10]

Benoit faced Ben Nguyen on November 15, 2015 at UFC 193.[11] He lost the fight via submission in the first round.

Benoit next faced Fredy Serrano on July 30, 2016 at UFC 201.[12] He won the fight via split decision.[13]

Benoit faced Brandon Moreno on December 3, 2016 at The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale.[14] He lost the fight via split decision.[15]

Benoit faced Ashkan Mokhtarian on November 19, 2017 at UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Tybura.[16] At the weight-ins, Benoit weight in at 129 pounds, 3 pounds over the flyweight upper limit of 126 pounds. The bout proceeded at a catchweight and Benoit forfeited 20% of his purse to Mokhtarian.[17] Benoit won the fight via knockout due to a head kick in the third round.[18]

On January 5, 2018 it was announced that Benoit had signed a new, four-fight contract with UFC.[19]

Benoit was expected to face Roberto Sanchez on September 8, 2018 at UFC 228.[20] However, Benoit pulled out of the fight in late August for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Jarred Brooks.[21]

Benoit faced Alateng Heili in a bantamweight bout on December 21, 2019 at UFC Fight Night 165.[22] He lost the fight via split decision.[23]

Benoit was expected to face Tyson Nam on June 13, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Eye vs. Calvillo.[24] However, Benoit withdrew from the event for an unknown reason and was replaced by Zarrukh Adashev.[25]

Benoit faced Tim Elliott on July 16, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs. Ige.[26] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[27]

On September 3, 2020, Benoit along with Roman Dolidze, were granted temporary licenses following special hearings by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after they had recurring issues with the long-term metabolite of Turinabol pulsing in their system in trace amounts, long after ingestion. Both Benoit and Dolidze have already been suspended by USADA, the UFC's anti-doping partner. Neither were facing a violation in Nevada, but the UFC wanted to get ahead of a potential issue. This was after USADA added a threshold for the presence of the M3 metabolite of DHCMT. If a test result is below 100 picograms per milliliter of the substance, it is no longer considered a violation, but an atypical finding -- provided there is no evidence of new ingestion or performance-enhancing effects. Benoit and Dolidze were granted temporary licenses to compete beginning Dec. 1 following a six-month period of bimonthly testing by USADA. For Benoit, the process already cost him more than one year of his career after he originally tested positive for low levels of DHCMT (oral turinabol) starting on Nov. 11, 2018. At the time, Benoit tested positive for 30 picograms per mL at the time. [28]

Benoit was scheduled to face Zarrukh Adashev on May 8, 2021 at UFC on ESPN 24.[29] At the weigh-ins, Benoit weighed in at 129 pounds, three pounds over the flyweight non-title fight limit. His bout with Adashev was cancelled by the Nevada State Athletic Commission due to health concerns.[30] The pair was rebooked at UFC on ESPN 28 on July 31, 2021.[31] Benoit lost the fight via unanimous decision.[32]

On August 21, 2021, it was announced Benoit was released by the UFC.[33]

On October 20, 2021, The Nevada Athletic Commission suspended Benoit nine months retroactive to a positive urine sample collected on July 31. Benoit was flagged for modafinil, more commonly known as provigil. In addition to his suspension, Benoit faced a total of $3,445.36 in fines and legal fees. He was eligible to return on April 1, 2022.[34]

Championships and achievements

Mixed martial arts record

|Loss |align=center|10–8 |Zarrukh Adashev |Decision (unanimous) |UFC on ESPN: Hall vs. Strickland |July 31, 2021 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |- |Loss |align=center|10–7 |Tim Elliott |Decision (unanimous) |UFC on ESPN: Kattar vs. Ige |July 16, 2020 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | |- |Loss |align=center|10–6 |Alateng Heili |Decision (split) |UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. The Korean Zombie |December 21, 2019 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Busan, South Korea |Bantamweight bout. |- |Win |align=center|10–5 |Ashkan Mokhtarian |KO (head kick) |UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Tybura |November 19, 2017 |align=center|3 |align=center|2:38 |Sydney, Australia |Catchweight (129 lb) bout; Benoit missed weight. |- |Loss |align=center|9–5 |Brandon Moreno |Decision (split) |The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions Finale |December 3, 2016 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |- |Win |align=center|9–4 |Fredy Serrano |Decision (split) |UFC 201 |July 30, 2016 |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Atlanta, Georgia, United States | |- | Loss | align=center| 8–4 | Ben Nguyen | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 193 | November 15, 2015 | align=center| 1 | align=center| 2:35 | Melbourne, Australia | |- | Win | align=center| 8–3 | Sergio Pettis | TKO (punches) | UFC 185 | March 14, 2015 | align=center| 2 | align=center| 1:34 | Dallas, Texas, United States | |- | Loss | align=center| 7–3 | Josh Sampo | Submission (rear-naked choke) | The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate Finale | November 30, 2013 | align=center| 2 | align=center| 4:31 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Flyweight debut; Sampo missed weight (127.5 lb). Fight of the Night. |- | Win | align=center| 7–2 | Cody Fuller | TKO (punches) | Legacy FC 24 | October 11, 2013 | align=center| 1 | align=center| 4:53 | Dallas, Texas, United States | Catchweight (130 lb) bout. |- | Loss | align=center| 6–2 | Anthony Birchak | Decision (unanimous) | MFC 37 | May 10, 2013 | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | |- | Win | align=center| 6–1 | Joseph Sandoval | TKO (punches) | Legacy FC 16 | December 14, 2012 | align=center| 1 | align=center| 1:02 | Dallas, Texas, United States | |- | Win | align=center| 5–1 | Randy Villarreal | TKO (punches) | Legacy FC 13 | August 16, 2012 | align=center| 1 | align=center| 1:35 | Dallas, Texas, United States | |- | Win | align=center| 4–1 | Cody Williams | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Legacy FC 11 | May 11, 2012 | align=center| 2 | align=center| 2:52 | Houston, Texas, United States | |- | Win | align=center| 3–1 | Matt Espinoza | TKO (punches) | Shark Fights 14: Horwich vs. Villefort | March 11, 2011 | align=center| 2 | align=center| 2:14 | Lubbock, Texas, United States | |- | Loss | align=center| 2–1 | Tim Snyder | Decision (majority) | SWC 11: Fury | June 19, 2010 | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | Frisco, Texas, United States | |- | Win | align=center| 2–0 | Davis Sylvester | TKO (punches) | KOK 7: Judgement Day | August 29, 2009 | align=center| 2 | align=center| 2:41 | Austin, Texas, United States | |- | Win | align=center| 1–0 | LeJerrian Lindley | TKO (punches) | Xtreme Knockout 4 | May 9, 2009 | align=center| 1 | align=center| 2:09 | Arlington, Texas, United States | |-

[36]

Bare knuckle boxing record

|- |Loss |align=center|0–1 |John Dodson |KO (punch) |BKFC 28 |August 27, 2022 |align=center|1 |align=center|0:40 |Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States |

See also

References

  1. ^ "Fight Card - UFC 185 Pettis vs. dos Anjos". UFC. Retrieved March 8, 2015.
  2. ^ "What an incredible journey it has been. (...)". November 23, 2024. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  3. ^ "Ryan Benoit - Official UFC® Fighter Profile". UFC. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
  4. ^ Ben Fowlkes (November 30, 2013). "TUF 18 Finale results: Joshua Sampo taps out fellow newcomer Ryan Benoit". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  5. ^ Staff (December 1, 2013). "TUF 18 Finale fighter bonuses: Ryan Benoit scores $100,000 in odd twist on fight of the night". MMAweekly.com. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  6. ^ Staff (2014-06-06). "Ryan Benoit vs. Ray Borg added to UFC Fight Night 44 in San Antonio". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-03-08.
  7. ^ John Morgan (2014-06-18). "Ryan Benoit out at UFC Fight Night 44, Ray Borg now meets Shane Howell". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-03-08.
  8. ^ C.J. Tuttle (2015-01-08). "Sergio Pettis returns to flyweight, faces Ryan Benoit at UFC 185 in Dallas". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  9. ^ Tim Burke (2015-03-14). "UFC 185 prelims results: Benoit upsets Pettis". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2015-03-14.
  10. ^ Steven Marrocco and John Morgan (2015-03-15). "Despite late kick to Sergio Pettis' pants, Dana White all good with Ryan Benoit". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-03-16.
  11. ^ Staff (2015-09-03). "UFC 193 adds Ryan Benoit vs. Ben Nguyen". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  12. ^ Rob Tatum (2015-07-21). "Ray Borg Injured, Fredy Serrano Now Meets Ryan Benoit at UFC 201". combatpress.com. Retrieved 2016-07-21.
  13. ^ Steven Marrocco (2015-05-24). "UFC 201 results: Ryan Benoit takes split call from unorthodox Fredy Serrano". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-05-24.
  14. ^ Danny Segura (2016-10-26). "Brandon Moreno vs. Ryan Benoit added to TUF 24 Finale in December". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2016-10-26.
  15. ^ Ben Fowlkes (2016-12-03). "TUF 24 Finale results: Brandon Moreno survives knockdown, takes split call from Ryan Benoit". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  16. ^ Dann Stupp (2017-08-16). "Ryan Benoit vs. Ashkan Mokhtarian added to UFC Fight Night 121 in Australia". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-08-16.
  17. ^ "UFC Fight Night 121 official weigh-in results: Headliner set, but four fighters heavy". MMAjunkie. 2017-11-18. Retrieved 2017-11-18.
  18. ^ "UFC Fight Night 121 results: Patient Ryan Benoit KOs Ashkan Mokhtarian with head kick in third". MMAjunkie. 2017-11-19. Retrieved 2017-11-19.
  19. ^ Ariel Helwani (January 5, 2018). "Ryan Benoit signs new four-fight contract with UFC". mmafighting.com.
  20. ^ Mark Francescutti (2018-07-18). "UFC 228 in Dallas bouts revealed". sportsday.dallasnews.com. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
  21. ^ Marcel Dorff (2018-09-02). ""The Monkey God" Jarred Brooks tackles "6 days notice" fight against Roberto Sanchez" (in Dutch). mmadna.nl. Retrieved 2018-09-02.
  22. ^ DNA, MMA (November 6, 2019). "Aziatisch onderonsje tussen Kyung Ho Kang en Pingyuan Liu ingepland voor UFC Busan". Retrieved 2019-11-06.
  23. ^ Anderson, Jay (2019-12-21). "UFC Busan Results: Alateng Heili Takes Split Decision Over Ryan Benoit". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-12-22.
  24. ^ DNA, MMA (May 24, 2020). "Flyweight partij tussen Ryan Benoit en Tyson Nam toegevoegd aan UFC evenement op 13 juni". Retrieved 2020-05-25.
  25. ^ "With Ryan Benoit out of UFC on ESPN 10, Zarrukh Adashev steps in to fight Tyson Nam". MMA Junkie. June 9, 2020. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  26. ^ Mike Heck (2020-06-18). "UFC announces full lineups for July events on 'Fight Island,' including four title fights". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-06-18.
  27. ^ Doherty, Dan (2020-07-16). "UFC Fight Island 1 Results: Tim Elliott Wins High-Paced Fight Over Ryan Benoit". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-07-16.
  28. ^ "Four UFC fighters suspended, fined for drug tests". ESPN.com. 3 September 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  29. ^ "UFC adds Ryan Benoit vs. Zarrukh Adashev to May 8 event". MMA Junkie. 2021-02-11. Retrieved 2021-02-12.
  30. ^ Mike Bohn and Ken Hathaway (2021-05-07). "UFC on ESPN 24 video: Ryan Benoit held upright on scale for scary weigh-in; fight canceled". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2021-05-07.
  31. ^ "Ryan Benoit medically cleared for flyweight return; Zarrukh Adashev fight rebooked for UFC on ESPN 27". MMA Junkie. 2021-07-05. Retrieved 2021-07-06.
  32. ^ Anderson, Jay (2021-07-31). "UFC Vegas 33 Results: Zarrukh Adashev Compromises Ryan Benoit's Leg Early, Wins Decision". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-08-01.
  33. ^ "UFC parts way with Ryan Benoit, Yancy Medeiros, and others". MMA Junkie. 2021-08-21. Retrieved 2021-08-21.
  34. ^ "NAC suspends Ryan Benoit for 9 months after testing positive for sleep apnea drug". MMA Junkie. 2021-10-20. Retrieved 2021-10-20.
  35. ^ Gerbasi, Thomas (December 21, 2015). "10 Best – Biggest UFC Upsets of 2015". UFC
  36. ^ Sherdog.com. "Ryan". Sherdog. Retrieved 2021-08-22.