Benito Lopez

Benito Francisco Lopez (born 6 April 1994) is an American mixed martial artist. He most recently competed in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Combat career Mixed martial arts career Early career

In April 2014, Lopez won his debut MMA debut fight against Oscar Ramirez at Bellator 115 event at Reno, Nevada, United States.

Later in September, Lopez signed to WFC and won two MMA matches versus Drey Mitchell at the WFC 11 - Mitchell vs. Major event and against Matt Wagy at the WFC 13 - Huckaba vs. Mitchell event. In 2016 and the first half of the 2017, Lopez signed a multi-fight contract with the King of the Cage, winning all three fights against Rick James, Journey Newson and Benjamin Vinson, respectively.

After the fight against Steven Peterson at Dana White's Contender Series 7, Lopez was awarded with UFC contract, together with Joby Sanchez.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On 9 December 2017, Lopez was scheduled to face Martin Day at UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega. However Day pulled out of the event due to a knee injury and he was replaced by Albert Morales. He won his UFC debut fight via unanimous decision.

Lopez was scheduled to face Manny Bermudez on 26 January 2019 at UFC 233. As a result of the cancellation of UFC 233, the pair was rescheduled to UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Velasquez on 17 February 2019. He lost the fight via guillotine choke submission in round one.

Lopez was scheduled to face Ricky Simon at UFC 227 on 4 August 2018. However, it was reported that Lopez pulled out from the bout for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by Montel Jackson.

Lopez faced Vince Morales on 13 July 2019 at UFC Fight Night: de Randamie vs. Ladd. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

After a three-year layoff, Lopez faced Mario Bautista on 5 November 2022 at UFC Fight Night 214. At the weigh-ins, Lopez weighed in at 138.5 pounds, two and a half pounds over the bantamweight non-title fight limit. Lopez will be fined 20% of this individual purse which will go to his opponent Bautista. He lost the fight via a reverse triangle armbar submission in the first round.

After the loss to Bautista, Lopez was released from UFC.

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Mario Bautista Submission (reverse triangle armbar) UFC Fight Night: Rodriguez vs. Lemos

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Vince Morales Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: de Randamie vs. Ladd

Sacramento, California, United States Loss

Manny Bermudez Submission (guillotine choke) UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Velasquez

Phoenix, Arizona, United States Win

Albert Morales Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega

Fresno, California, United States Win

Steven Peterson Decision (split) Dana White's Contender Series 7

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Benjamin Vinson TKO (Doctor Stoppage) KOTC: Flashback

Oroville, California, United States Win

Journey Newson KO (punches) KOTC: Unchallenged

Oroville, California, United States Win

Rick James KO (punch) KOTC: Home Turf

Oroville, California, United States Win

Stephone Taylor Submission (arm-triangle choke) IFC: Warriors Challenge 36

Oroville, California, United States Win

Matt Wagy Submission (guillotine choke) WFC 13: Huckaba vs. Mitchell

Sacramento, California, United States Win

Drey Mitchell Decision (unanimous) WFC 11: Mitchell vs. Major

Sacramento, California, United States Win

Oscar Ramirez Decision (unanimous) Bellator 115

Reno, Nevada, United States