Benoit began training in 2007 and made his professional MMA debut in May 2009. He fought extensively in his native United States and amassed a record of 7-2 before joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Benoit made his promotional debut against fellow newcomer Josh Sampo on November 30, 2013 at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale. He lost the back-and-forth fight via rear-naked choke submission late in the second round. Despite the loss, Benoit won a Fight of the Night bonus award for the bout. Benoit was expected to face Ray Borg on June 28, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 44. However, due to an injury, Benoit was replaced by promotional newcomer Shane Howell. Benoit faced Sergio Pettis on March 14, 2015 at UFC 185. After a first round in which Pettis seemed to have the upper hand, Benoit dropped Pettis with a left hook and finished him off with a flurry of ground and pound in the second round. Benoit received criticism from fans for kicking Pettis after the referee had separated the two fighters. Benoit immediately apologized for his behavior, claiming he had let his emotions get the better of him. Dana White later stated in the UFC 185 post fight press conference that the UFC wouldn't take any disciplinary actions towards Benoit, due to his immediate regret shown regarding the incident. Benoit faced Ben Nguyen on November 15, 2015 at UFC 193. He lost the fight via submission in the first round. Benoit next faced Fredy Serrano on July 30, 2016 at UFC 201. He won the fight via split decision. Benoit faced Brandon Moreno on December 3, 2016 at. He lost the fight via split decision. Benoit faced Ashkan Mokhtarian on November 19, 2017 at. At the weight-ins, Benoit weight in at 129 pounds, 3 pounds over the flyweight upper limit of 126 pounds. The bout proceeded at a catchweight and Benoit forfeited 20% of his purse to Mokhtarian. Benoit won the fight via knockout due to a head kick in the third round. On January 5, 2018 it was announced that Benoit had signed a new, four-fight contract with UFC. Benoit was expected to face Roberto Sanchez on September 8, 2018 at UFC 228. However, Benoit pulled out of the fight in late August for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Jarred Brooks. Benoit faced Alateng Heili in a bantamweight bout on December 21, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 23. He lost the fight via split decision. Benoit was expected to face Tyson Nam on June 13, 2020 at. However, Benoit withdrew from the event for an unknown reason and was replaced by Zarrukh Adashev. Benoit faced Tim Elliott on July 16, 2020 at. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
