UFC 128 – Joseph Benavidez takes exception to Ian Loveland’s nickname, plans on taking him out in New Jersey

Former WEC bantamweight title contender, Joseph Benavidez has revealed he doesn’t like the “Barn Owl” nickname of his opponent this weekend at UFC 128, Ian Loveland, and plans on beating him up so bad that the octagon won’t be a long term home for this bird of prey.
Speaking via Sherdog.com, Benavidez said:

“In my heart, there’s only one UFC fighter that’s allowed to be a barn animal, and that’s Tamdan McCrory, ‘The Barn Cat.’ He’s one of my favorite fighters. So I’m fighting to preserve his legacy in the UFC as the only barn animal. I’m going to take Ian Loveland, ‘The Barn Owl,’ out of the equation.”

“I’ve been waiting to fight in the UFC since I was a kid. I always knew it was going to happen when I was in the WEC. I just didn’t know when. The fact that it’s finally here, I’m just pumped about it. I can’t wait.”

“I’ve got a great opponent in Loveland. A lot of people don’t know about him, but he’s a super tough dude. He’s been on a really good streak lately finishing guys and beating some top guys. He’s also coming down from [145]. He’s a gamer. He wouldn’t be fighting me if he wasn’t.”

Benavidez rebounded from his disappointment at losing to current UFC 135 pound champion, Dominick Cruz for a second time by submitting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Wagnney Fabiano. During his time with the WEC he went 5-2 inside the cage. Stay tuned to MMABay for more build-up to this one as we get it.