Defending champ Demetrious Johnson, top, celebrates with his crew after knocking out Joseph Benavidez in his UFC title defense. AP
SACRAMENTO, California—Demetrious Johnson stopped Joseph Benavidez with a big right hand in the first round Saturday (California time) to defend his Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight title for the third time.
Johnson (19-2-1) remained the only champion in the history of the UFC’s lightest men’s division. He caught Benavidez (19-4) directly in the face with an unblocked punch, knocking the challenger senseless just 2:08 into the fight.
Johnson beat Benavidez by split decision in Toronto 15 months ago, claiming the UFC’s first flyweight title in a tight matchup. He defended his title twice this year against John Dodson and John Moraga.
Benavidez earned his way back to a title shot with three straight victories this year, the last two by impressive stoppage.