Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) matchmakers could have a very tough decision to make in the aftermath of the UFC 239 pay-per-view (PPV) event, which takes place on July 6, 2019 inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
That’s because Ben Askren could finish Jorge Masvidal on the “Jones vs. Santos” main card, generating enough momentum in the process to have mixed martial arts (MMA) fans calling for a “Funky” title shot against reigning champion, Kamaru Usman.
“I think the way the momentum is shifting, if I beat up Jorge Masvidal, I think there’s a good chance I get a title shot, and if not, I’m not very far away. I’m pretty darn close,” Askren told MMA Fighting. “I don’t see why not. At the end of the day what the UFC sees more than anything are dollar signs and right now when they look at me, that’s what I present.”
In order for Askren to get the next crack at the 170-pound crown, he would not only need to shut down Masvidal, he would also need to convince the promotion to pick him over No. 2-ranked title contender and former interim champion, Colby Covington.
“How long ago was Colby’s last fight? Last June? What is this motherfucker going to sit out for 16 months and expect to get a title shot? The only way to stay relevant in this sport is to stay in there and keep getting after it,” Askren said. “So yeah, if I go beat up Jorge, I’m going to have a lot more momentum. And if ‘Marty’ wants to make some money, I’m sure ‘Marty’ has a pay-per-view clause in his contract, you’re damn sure that I’m going to sell a whole bunch more pay-per-views against him than Colby would.”
Askren (19-0, 1 NC) held world titles in both Bellator MMA and ONE Championship, remains one of the division’s most outspoken personalities, and already captured a win over a former welterweight champion in his Octagon debut. It would be hard to look past a statement victory over a savage like Masvidal.
And Covington may have worn out his welcome.
“I don’t think people are too into Colby’s schtick anymore,” Askren said. “They realize it’s old, it’s washed up, it’s just not that exciting. The guy is doing one of these things where you sit out and wait for a title fight and that is something I will never, ever do.”
If Covington vs. Usman was a lock, they probably would have booked it by now.