4 Fights to Make for Joseph Benavidez

Joseph Benavidez is in a rough spot within the UFC flyweight division. After facing and falling to Demetrious Johnson two times in just about 15 months, he is well out of the title picture. However, he is still ranked No. 2 behind John Dodson. With his win over Dustin Ortiz at UFC Fight Night 57, he moved his record to 8-2 within the Octagon.

The following fight suggestions would allow him to stay active while not eating too many up-and-coming contenders at flyweight. These men are all ranked within the division but are not big-name prospects who would derail their momentum if they lost to Benavidez. These fights will keep him active while allowing him to put together a worthy resume in pursuit of third title shot if he can stay victorious.

Wilson Reis

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Wilson Reis is a name to watch in the flyweight division.

Wilson Reis has quietly become a dark horse within the 125-pound division. Since moving to the UFC in 2013, he has amassed a 3-1 record with a controversial split-decision loss to Iuri Alcantara. In 2014 he dropped down to flyweight and has recorded two victories since.

His recent win against Scott Jorgensen caught the attention of much of the MMA media. Currently ranked No. 15 in the flyweight division, Reis has some value to the Brazilian fanbase. It would be interesting to see how Benavidez's ground game would compare to Reis' Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Zach Makovsky

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Zach Makovsky has quietly been a name to watch since moving to the UFC.

Zach Makovsky was putting on a solid run since moving over to the UFC on short notice nearly a year ago. His tough loss to Jussier Formiga in August was a hiccup, but it did not push him far down the UFC flyweight rankings, where he is currently No. 10.

If he could beat Benavidez, the UFC could push him as a new challenger to Johnson at some point in 2015. This is the type of fight that would strength resume when making a title push.

John Moraga

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John Moraga is still a valuable name in the flyweight division.

John Moraga is yet another man who has lost to Demetrious Johnson during his current run. Still, he continues to take valuable wins within the UFC, as he recently defeated young prospect Justin Scoggins in September.

Moraga is set to face Formiga at UFC on Fox 13, and if he can get past the Brazilian, giving him a fight against Benavidez would be a strong move. The winner would remain within the top five of the weight class to stay relevant and be available for a big bout for the promotion.

Chris Cariaso

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Chris Cariaso is looking to rebound after losing his only title bid.

Chris Cariaso was the most recent man to fall to Mighty Mouse as the champ tightens his grips on the flyweight belt. Even though UFC President Dana White had to defend the selection of Cariaso as a challenger, he should not be forgotten among the group worth watching.

He finds himself in a similar position as Benavidez, as no one expects him to face the champion again in such a short time. Placing these two men against each other will allow the UFC to create a fight between two Top 10 flyweights and not lose any potential contenders who are coming through the pipeline.