Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Askren will look to rebound from his first MMA loss in a crucial welterweight pairing with veteran Demian Maia.
Two of the best ground fighters in mixed martial arts will square off this fall.
UFC welterweight contender Ben Askren said Tuesday on social media that a fight with Demian Maia is a “done deal” for UFC Singapore, which takes place Oct. 26 at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Askren vs. Maia was first reported as a potential matchup by ESPN in July. It is unclear as of now whether or not it will serve as the card’s main event.
Done deal! Oct 26 we will find out who the best MMA grappler on planet earth is. pic.twitter.com/mzExZDg7MK
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) August 20, 2019
Askren suffered defeat in pro MMA for the first time at UFC 239 last month. ‘Funky’ Ben was knocked out by Jorge Masvidal with a brutal flying knee, five seconds into their highly-anticipated welterweight contest. Askren, a former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder, made his long-awaited UFC debut earlier this year—submitting Robbie Lawler in controversial fashion.
Maia recently bounced back from a three-fight skid with a decision win over Anthony Rocco Martin at UFC Minneapolis in June. Prior to that, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist suffered losses to current 170-pound champ Kamaru Usman, former titleholder Tyron Woodley (whom Maia fought for the belt), and former interim champion Colby Covington.
No other fights have been added to UFC Singapore at this time.