Joseph Benavidez vs. Jussier ‘Formiga’ Announced for UFC on ESPN 4 in Minneapolis

A flyweight bout with title implications has been added to the UFC on ESPN 4 lineup, as Joseph Benavidez will square off against Jussier da Silva in Minneapolis on June 29.

Promotion officials confirmed the pairing on Wednesday, while hinting on social media that the fight could result in a No. 1 contender at 125 pounds. However, with ongoing rumors of the division’s demise nothing is certain.

Who deserves the shot at a flyweight title!?@JussierFormiga & @JoeJitsu look to give us answers at #UFCMinneapolis. pic.twitter.com/9yXOCSlkuN

— UFC (@ufc) April 10, 2019

Three other contests were also announced for the card: Drew Dober vs. Marco Polo Reyes at lightweight; Maurice Greene vs. Junior Albini at heavyweight and Roman Dolidze vs. Vinicius Alves Moreira at light heavyweight.

UFC on ESPN 4 takes place at the Target Center and is headlined by a welterweight rematch pitting Tyron Woodley against Robbie Lawler. The card airs on ESPN following early prelims on ESPN+. Benavidez previously defeated Formiga via first-round TKO at UFC Fight Night 28 in September 2013.

Benavidez has won eight of his last nine Octagon appearances, with his lone setback coming at the hands of Sergio Pettis at UFC 225. Most recently, Benavidez outpointed Dustin Ortiz in a rematch at UFC Brooklyn on Jan. 19.

After falling to Ray Borg via decision in March 2017, “Formiga” has reeled off four consecutive triumphs within the Las Vegas-based promotion. In his last outing, the 33-year-old Brazilian handed Devieson Figueiredo his first defeat in 16 pro outings at UFC Nashville. Da Silva also owns a decision win over Pettis during his current winning streak.