Gabriel Benitez holds no ill will over Jason Knight's finger-bite at UFC-Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. – Gabriel Benitez brushed off any notions of Jason Knight being a dirty fighter after a biting incident during their bout on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 123.

In the first round of thefeatherweight matchup, which Benitez (20-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC) won by unanimous decision at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif., Knight (20-4 MMA, 4-3 UFC) bit the fingers of his opponent during a clinch exchange.

“The Kid” was immediately docked one point for his actions, but afterward, Benitez was reluctant to launch any criticism.

“He bit my thumb, my finger,” Benitez told MMAjunkie post-fight. “I tried to grab the chin, and he bit two times. In the fight, this happens. … No (I don’t think he’s dirty), because in this sport everything happens. It was a mistake. It’s just a sport.”

Benitez has been in the UFC for more than three years, and though he’s scored a couple solid wins, nothing compared to the magnitude of beating Knight, who has had some hype around him as someone to watch at 145 pounds. Benitez was able to shut down his opponent for the most part, and he said that was a product of sticking to his game plan.

Mexico’s “Moggly” was eager to showcase his best at UFC Fight Night 123, mainly because UFC President Dana White was seated cageside. Benitez said he knew White was watching and wanted to display what he can do to the UFC boss, as well as everyone else watching.

“(I wanted to impress) not only Dana White, but everyone,” Benitez said. “Now everyone knows who is Gabriel Benitez.”

At 29 and training out of American Kickboxing Academy, Benitez said his best days as a fighter are still ahead. He wants to build off the momentum of upsetting Knight at UFC Fight Night 123, but he said he’s got some personal obligations first.

“Next for me is a good vacation with my wife,” Benitez said. “That’s going to happen. On the schedule, I don’t have anything right now. But if the UFC gives me the opportunity, I will prove it.”

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 123, check out the UFC Events section of the site.