Per the usual in pandemic-era MMA, events and names are switched up last minute. But it appears fans have received a treat on the UFC’s December 5 card. That comes in the form of the form of the dangerous finisher Justin Jaynes (16-5) going against the always game Gabriel Benitez (21-8).
The pair were originally booked for this past weekend’s UFC Vegas 14. However, a positive COVID-19 test by Benitez in advance of the event scrapped the fight. Now, the bout is back on. Jaynes revealed the news in a social media post Monday.
The December 5 card is still materializing. After an undisclosed injury forced Darren Till out of the main event, Kevin Holland took the opportunity to fight Jack Hermansson.
The UFC’s December 5 event, set to take place at the UFC Apex, currently includes the following bouts:
- Nate Landwhar vs. Movsar Evloev
- Merab Dvalishvili vs. Raoni Barcelos
- Bethe Correia vs. Yanan Wu
- Gian Villante vs. Jake Collier
- Talia Santos vs. Maryna Moroz
- John Allan Arte vs. Roman Dolidze
- Ovince Saint Preux vs. Jamahal Hill
- Damon Jackson vs. Ilia Topuria
- Movsar Evloev vs. Nate Landwehr
Both Jaynes and Benitez enter the fight in search of a rebound. As can be seen by his affiliation with American Kickboxing Academy, Benitez has access to some great training partners. Jaynes fights with Xtreme Couture, another successful team in their own right. Prior to a loss to Gavin Tucker, Jaynes proved to be a brutal finisher, as “The Guitar Hero” piled up four first round finishes. Benitez, meanwhile, will make return to featherweight in the fight.
