Ben Askren Addresses Plans To Fight Jorge Masvidal Next
Ben Askren addresses a possible fight against Jorge Masvidal inside of the Octagon. Talks of this fight all started thanks to UFC President Dana White, who brought up the idea during a recent appearance on UFC Unfiltered.
Although White had plans to book a rematch between Askren and former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler following their first fight, things have changed. Askren scored a controversial submission win over Lawler at the UFC 235 pay-per-view event.
White would then reveal that he’s going with Askren’s idea to fight Masvidal.
“You know [Masvidal vs. Edwards] is always going to be there,” White said (H/T to MMAFighting). “Masvidal is ranked number five right now, Edwards is number 10. So, we are working on something for Masvidal and Edwards, but not each other. The hatred between those two isn’t going away. When the time is right, we’ll make it happen. What we’re actually talking about is Ben Askren vs. Masvidal right now.”
Not so fast, though, as Askren took to his official Twitter account where he clarified where things stand with this fight. According to Askren, he said yes to the fight, but Masvidal doesn’t seem interested in it.
“Dana came out and said this morning that they’re looking to me and Masvidal. I said yes last week. It didn’t take me more than 10 seconds to say ‘Of course. Jorge, let’s do this. You think you’re a gangster.’ Well, now I hear he’s getting cold feet and doesn’t want to do it. He doesn’t want to fight me because he’s scared.
“Jorge, tell them people if you’re scared. If you’re scared, I will move on to someone else. If you’re not scared, then June 8 in Chicago [at UFC 238]. I’m free, you’re free, let’s do this. It’s really simple. The winner is probably going to get a title shot Jorge. So, there’s quite a bit on the line and I think it’d be in your best interest to stop being a chicken and just say yes.”
