Photo Session With Professional MMA and UFC fighter Joseph Benavidez

Working With Joseph Benavidez In Studio

Our studio recently had the pleasure of working with Joseph Benavidez (former MMA and UFC star) and his wife, Megan Olivi. This lovely couple was referred to us by one of our previous clients, who happens to be one of their friends. Bartholomew Photography was thrilled to fulfill their needs for updated business headshots!

Bob Bartholomew, the photographer and owner of Bartholomew Photography, recommended they bring in several outfit choices to play around with colors and backdrops. This is customary for photo shoots at our studio because we feel it’s essential to have a variety to ensure a look that the client loves.

How does one photograph a business headshot for a former UFC fighter? Bartholomew stated, “With Joseph, I decided on a white backdrop for some shots and a pink backdrop for the rest. He brought a blue shirt, and I thought blue would look good against pink, and I thought it would be an unconventional and surprising choice considering he has had a long and successful career as a UFC fighter. Also, I figured he probably has many photos of himself against a dark backdrop with moody lighting, so the choice of a pink backdrop—combined with flat even lighting—seemed to offer him something new. It's always important to offer public figures something new since they've often had their photo taken countless times before.”

After the session, everyone was thrilled with the results, and we can’t wait to see where their career paths take them!

Career Journey

Joseph Benavidez was one of the favorite mixed martial artists competing in the UFC flyweight division. With an impressive record of 28 wins to 8 losses, his career was nothing short of amazing. However, this Texas native proves that hard work and determination have no limits when achieving dreams.

Benavidez started as a front desk representative at Urijah Faber’s Team Alpha Male gym. After demonstrating some of his skills and heart for the sport, he entered his first fight. He met this fight with a victory and was quickly signed by the WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting). As you can imagine, his career exploded after this, and he became one of the most well-paid fighters in the UFC.

During his 13-year run, Joseph Benavidez was a favorite in the flyweight division. This class is for fighters under 125 pounds. He stands 5 feet 4 inches tall and led an incredibly successful sports career.

Announcing Retirement

In the fall of 2021, Benavidez announced his retirement from the sport. After the unfortunate loss to Askar Askarov during a title match, he knew it was time. During an ESPN interview, he stated, "I knew I wasn't gonna fight, but I was just kind of letting it linger," Benavidez said. "You never know. But it's just come to that point."

The fights were beginning to lose appeal and feel more like a job and less fun for the elite fighter. But, with the full support of his loving wife, Megan Olivi, Joseph Benavidez is ready for his next chapter.

Marriage And Family

Joseph Benavidez was born in San Antonio, Texas, and lived with his mother and two brothers. To keep out of trouble he turned his sights to MMA. He sought out the veteran fighter Urijah Faber and got a job at his gym. Hard work and determination set his career on an upward path.

Meeting His Wife

In 2009 while traveling in Mandalay Bay with fellow fighters, he met Megan Olivi. Sparks flew between the two as they hung out that night and continued a relationship over the years. In 2015 the two married and became a match made in Heaven.

Olivi is an MMA and UFC reporter for Fox Sports and has spent years of her life dedicated to traveling the world reporting on these events. Throughout their dating years, their careers were growing as they were shooting toward stardom. Olivi worked for Fox Sports, covering UFC events and hosting segments for FoxSports.com. Additionally, she spent time working as a Fox News correspondent covering the San Diego Padres as a social media reporter. Her love of MMA and the UFC eventually brought her back to the sport, where she is currently covering UFC events and hosting “The Ultimate Insider” on Fox Sports 1.

The two live happily together in Las Vegas, Nevada, with their dog Ben who they adore. Olivi has been highly supportive of her husband’s retirement decision and is excited to be free to eat whatever they want. Without the diet restrictions, Benavidez was faced with maintaining flyweight requirements, and she has expressed on social media that they now “get to eat everything in the world.”

Social Media Presence

Joseph Benavidez has over 144,000 followers on Instagram, where he shares his travels, life at home with his wife, and proud dog dad pictures of his dog Ben. Fans love tuning in for the adorable home video sessions with his wife, Megan. You can follow Joseph on Instagram @joejitsu.

It was a pleasure getting to know Joseph Benavidez and his wife, Megan Olivi, during their headshot session with Bartholomew Photography. They were a joy to work with, and we can’t wait to see where their careers go! You can click here to learn more about our business headshot offerings.

References

1. Joseph Benavidez, longtime UFC flyweight contender, retires from MMA September 15, 2021 [1] found on November 17, 2022, from www.espn.com

2. Joseph Benavidez Bio: Early Life, Career, Net Worth & Wife September 7, 2022 [2] found on November 17, 2022, from www.playersbio.com

3. Joseph Benavidez October 5, 2021 [3] found on November 17, 2022, from www.killcliff.com