Ben Askren Responds to ‘Coward’ Jorge Masvidal’s Boxing Callout, Pitches Dana White on MMA Rematch
Ben Askren Responds to ‘Coward’ Jorge Masvidal’s Boxing Callout, Pitches Dana White on MMA Rematch
Masvidal’s Bold Boxing Challenge
Ben Askren is not one to back down from a challenge, especially when it involves settling old scores. The former MMA fighter found himself on the receiving end of one of the most spectacular knockouts in UFC history when Jorge Masvidal delivered a flying knee that took just five seconds to end their bout at UFC 239 in July 2019. Now, with both fighters retired, Masvidal has thrown a new challenge Askren’s way – a boxing match.
Ben Askren accepts Jorge Masvidal's call for a rematch, but in MMA, not boxing 👀 pic.twitter.com/0Zw8dQVlcM
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) July 25, 2023
Masvidal’s knockout catapulted him to superstardom, and Askren has always wanted a chance to avenge that defeat. Masvidal, in response to Askren’s willingness to come out of retirement to fight him again, proposed a boxing match, claiming that he’d beat Askren with both hands tied behind his back, considering boxing would prevent any face-knee encounters. The fiery exchange of words has stirred up the fans, creating buzz for a potential rematch.
Askren’s Quest for MMA Rematch
However, Askren is not keen on the idea of boxing against Masvidal. Instead, he wants to settle their unfinished business in the MMA octagon. He believes that if Masvidal truly considers himself a “Bad Mother F*cker” (BMF), he should accept an MMA rematch and not shy away from it like a “coward.” Askren has kept himself in great shape during his retirement and is itching to face Masvidal again. He even reached out to UFC president Dana White to make it happen.
The desire for an MMA rematch stems from Askren’s background as one of the best wrestling specialists in MMA history. Though not known for his striking skills, Askren’s grappling expertise has made him a formidable opponent in the Octagon. Despite going 1-2 in his UFC run after joining in 2019, he remains confident that he has what it takes to take down Masvidal in an MMA bout.
Masvidal’s willingness to accept a boxing match suggests that he may not be as confident in his abilities inside the cage against Askren. However, Askren doesn’t seem too bothered by Masvidal’s taunts and instead focuses on what he sees as the true challenge – avenging his devastating loss in an MMA setting. He dismisses Masvidal’s boxing prowess, as shown by his knockout loss to YouTuber Jake Paul in just under two minutes during his professional boxing debut in April 2021.
Seeking Dana White’s Approval
While the fans may be divided on whether a boxing or MMA rematch is more intriguing, Askren’s persistence in seeking an MMA rematch speaks volumes about his competitive spirit. He’s not willing to let Masvidal off the hook easily and wants to prove that he’s no “loser.” The feud between the two fighters has reignited interest in their rivalry, and fans eagerly await any official announcement from Dana White or the UFC regarding a potential rematch.
As the back-and-forth exchanges continue between Askren and Masvidal, the question remains – will Masvidal accept the challenge for an MMA rematch, or will the two fighters indeed lace up the boxing gloves to settle their differences? Whatever the outcome, the passion and intensity shown by both fighters have captured the attention of MMA enthusiasts worldwide, making a potential rematch between these two fierce competitors a must-watch event.