By TXMMA Staff | Photos by Mike Calimbas (Texas Sports Photography)
Ryan “Babyface” Benoit joins Will Campuzano on UFC Flyweight Roster
He always knew he’d make it and now he’s there.
The UFC signed Ryan Benoit to a deal that was announced yesterday with the McKinney, TX based fighter making his debut on short notice this month when he takes on highly touted Missouri native Josh Sampo at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale scheduled for Nov. 30.
“Babyface” will be making his way to the octagon having gone 7-2 in his pro career thus far. Ryan Benoit has gone undefeated during a sting with Texas-based Legacy Fighting Championship, most recently besting Cody Fuller by first round TKO in his last bout at Legacy FC 24. Prior to that he beat Joseph Sandoval, Randy Villarreal, and Cody Williams for the organization. His only loss over the past two years was to Anthony Birchak at MFC 37 in Canada, this past May, a bout largely credited as one of the best in that promotion’s history.
As for Josh Sampo, he’ll be nothing less than a stiff challenge to Ryan Benoit in his own UFC debut. The Lindenwood, MI native also known as “The Gremlin” has won four straight prior to getting signed and is the current CFA bantamweight champion. He is also a veteran of Legacy FC with a win over Antonio Banuelos at Legacy FC 14 back in September 2012. His record also includes wins over Alex Vila and Sam Thao in his last two bouts.
Sean Spencer gets a new opponent for TUF 18; To face newcomber Drew Dober
In related news, Dallas area UFC vet Sean Spencer also recently received his new opponent for The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale. Fresh off a win over Yuri Villefort at UFC Fight Night 28, the Octagon MMA based fighter was supposed to take on BJJ world champ and “TUF: Brazil” contestant Sergio Moraes at TUF 18 before the Brazilian was pulled from the card. All was not lost however as promotional newcomber Drew Dober now steps in at TUF 18 place opposite “Black Magik.”
A veteran of Seth Daniels’ Prize Fighting Championships organization in Colorado, Drew Dober has won five straight heading into his UFC debut, most recently defeating Tony Sims at PFC 4. With 3 out of his 4 wins coming by way of submission, he’ll look to utilize his grappling skills to make this a fight for Sean. Fortunately for the Texan, wrestling and submission defense in particular happen to be a strength for him as well so this should be an interesting contrast between the two.
The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale is scheduled to take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on November 30 and is headlined by lightweight contenders Nate Diaz and Gray Maynard facing off in a rematch of their first bout at the UFC Fight Night 20 back in 2009.
Check out the current fight card for the TUF 18 Finale event below.
- 155 lbs.: Nate Diaz vs. Gray Maynard
- 135 lbs.: TBA vs. TBA – “TUF 18″ men’s tournament final
- 135 lbs.: TBA vs. TBA – “TUF 18″ women’s tournament final
- 265 lbs.: Walter Harris vs. Jared Rosholt
- 170 lbs.: Maximo Blanco vs. Akira Corassani
- 135 lbs.: Tom Niinimaki vs. Rani Yahya
- 170 lbs.: Drew Dober vs. Sean Spencer
- 125 lbs.: Ryan Benoit vs. Josh Sampo
