The UFC has evolved into a promotion that no longer solely relies on the contributions of its male figures. It has grown tremendously, with women playing pivotal roles in its continued success. Figures like one of its female color commentators, Laura Sanko, UFC social media journalist Nina-Marie Daniele, and the insightful backstage interviewer and host of UFC Ultimate on Fox Sports 1, Megan Olivi, have all made significant contributions. The New Jersey export, renowned for her sideline reporting, produces content aimed at the more experienced fight fans who have followed the promotion for over a decade.

Megan Olivi’s journey with the UFC began in 2013, covering UFC 166: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos 3. In 2017, she further expanded her public profile by serving as a judge at the Miss Universe Pageant. Despite her long and successful tenure with the UFC, many fans are still unaware of the personal aspects of the reporter’s life, beyond her signature smile. Let’s take a closer look at the life of this 38-year-old UFC broadcaster.

Who is Megan Olivi’s husband, Joseph Benavidez?

UFC two-division champion Henry Cejudo made a name for himself before his temporary retirement, leaving behind a legacy with a 10-2 record in 2020. Cejudo’s quest for dominance was nearly derailed by a few fighters, one of whom was Joseph Benavidez, Megan Olivi’s husband. The legendary 125fer defeated ‘Triple C’ via split decision in 2016. Benavidez, who has been competing in professional MMA since 2006, joined the UFC roster in 2011 following the merger between WEC and the UFC.

During his UFC career, Benavidez set the record for the most knockouts in the flyweight division (5) and shares the same number of wins (13) as the flyweight GOAT, Demetrious Johnson. However, despite competing for the title four times, he was unfortunately never crowned champion. Now 40, Joseph Benavidez decided to hang up his gloves after three consecutive losses in 2021. He has since transitioned into a new career as a real estate agent with KW Sports, a company based in Las Vegas, where he holds an executive leadership role.

How did Megan Olivi and Joseph Benavidez meet?

Megan Olivi and Joseph Benavidez first crossed paths in 2009 while working in the same promotion, with their first interaction happening in the hotel lobby at Mandalay Bay. After sharing a smile, they quickly began dating thereafter. In 2014, five years later, they got engaged, and the following year, they tied the knot. However, Olivi has rarely attended any of Joseph’s fights, unable to watch him take punches and kicks in the Octagon. Since 2013, she had stayed away from his matches.

In 2020, the New Jersey export broke her tradition and decided to attend Joseph’s fight against Deiveson Figueiredo during the ESPN card in July. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “I actually like that because otherwise, everybody just kind of stares at me (like), ‘Are you OK?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m fine, he’s fighting in like five hours. I’m fine.’ Then it’s like, ‘Are you sure?’ I’m like, ‘Yes! I’m OK.’ I like being able to stay busy and stuff. But when I don’t work, I don’t watch Joe fight. This will be the first fight since the first (Jussier) Formiga fight (in September 2013) where he knocked him out in Brazil. This will be the first one I’m Octagon side for. Joseph doesn’t get nervous, but I get really nervous.”

Without a doubt, Megan Olivi and her husband, Joseph Benavidez, have solidified their place as one of the UFC’s most influential power couples. Let’s now take a moment to acknowledge Megan Olivi’s long-standing tenure with the UFC. Tonight, her role at UFC 313 would not go unnoticed.