Finding Pickleball helped Joseph Benavidez after MMA retirement
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Retirement can be a difficult transition for many professional athletes. Especially for those who’ve spent decades inside one of the world’s toughest sports. But for Joseph Benavidez, life after MMA has been about rediscovering joy, purpose, and passion. Surprisingly, it came in the form of a paddle.
Pickleball: The Unexpected Lifeline
Speaking with Benavidez during UFC Austin fight week, he opened up about the sport that’s now taken over his life: pickleball.
After spending two decades in MMA, stepping away from the cage left Benavidez searching for something that could replace the thrill of competition, camaraderie, and skill-building. Traditional workouts weren’t cutting it.
Enter pickleball. What started as a fun hobby quickly became a full-on passion, even humbling the UFC vet at times. Believe it or not, he’s been schooled by some 60-year-old ladies on the court.
The sport helped him shed 18 pounds, get back into a healthy rhythm, and reconnect with a sense of community that reminded him of his days in the gym. He’s even joined a professional league, PBX, that pits retired athletes from all sports against one another in fun, competitive matches.
Real Estate & Helping Fighters Plan for Life After Fighting
Beyond pickleball, Benavidez has found purpose in real estate. What started during his fighting career has now turned into a meaningful way to guide younger fighters toward financial stability.
Although he’s not coaching in the traditional sense, Benavidez hinted at a growing urge to return to the gym… Not to train, but to give back.
Supporting Megan Olivi: A Pioneer in MMA Media
Of course, no conversation with Joseph Benavidez is complete without talking about his wife, Megan Olivi. A trailblazer in MMA journalism and broadcasting, Olivi’s work ethic and success continue to inspire.
Benavidez gets to see the behind-the-scenes effort that Olivi puts into her work, from caring for fighters to juggling her role with the NFL, while also supporting their life together.
“If you follow me on Instagram, watching the UFC isn’t a fight night—it’s a Megan Olivi watch party,” he joked.
Dapper Scrappers and the Fight to Showcase Fighter Individuality
Though real estate and pickleball currently fill most of his time, Benavidez hasn’t let go of his creative side. During his career, he started “Dapper Scrappers,” an Instagram page dedicated to fighter fashion. It was his way of showing that fighters are more than just athletes—they’re individuals with unique style and personality.
He teased a potential return to that space, a “2.0” version of Dapper Scrappers, saying that even though he’s busy now, it’s a passion project he’d like to revisit.
Living the Semi-Retired Life
Benavidez may no longer be fighting professionally, but he hasn’t stepped away from the world of combat sports. Whether he’s cheering on his wife, helping fighters invest wisely, or plotting a return to creative projects, he’s carving out a fulfilling second act.
And for fans of Joseph Benavidez, it’s clear that while his days in the Octagon are behind him, his impact on the sport—and those within it—is far from over.
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