The minute Ben Askren was signed to the UFC, he began taking Chael Sonnen’s place as the most outspoken wrestler on the UFC roster. And he has done quite an effective job. With most top fighters – especially welterweights – on his radar, it’s time Askren calls out champion Kamaru Usman.
Askren has taken to not-so-affectionately calling Usman ‘Marty’ because of his nickname during his collegiate wrestling days. Usman clearly isn’t a fan of the insult, as he confronted ‘Funky’ backstage at a recent press conference.
‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ became an even bigger player in the crowded UFC welterweight title picture when he dominated former champion Tyron Woodley over the course of five rounds at UFC 235. Askren won there also, controversially defeating Robbie Lawler via submission. Most of the MMA world has called for a rematch of that bout, except Askren of course.
Straight To The Top?
He’s more focused on rocketing to the top of the division. He even claimed that matching him up against Usman next ‘makes the most sense.’ It won’t be next, but there is a legit rivalry brewing here. You need only check your social media timeline as proof. Askren called out Usman today for liking posts that trashed him while not actually saying anything directly to him:
“Marty is such a wimp and a dork. All day long he likes posts that say something bad about me, but doesn’t say shit to me. WHERES YOUR ENERGY MARTY?”
Askren is working overtime attempting to get any fight that isn’t against Lawler. He might as well go for the top of the division because he has a history with the champion.
The fact that Usman demolished Askren’s good friend Woodley only adds to the intrigue. The champ is tentatively set to face former interim champ Colby Covington in his next bout. But nothing is set after Usman underwent hernia surgery after his title-sealing victory.
If Askren can keep winning, he’ll earn a shot at Usman. He may just have to get past Lawler a second time first.
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