Tag: Ben Askren

Ben Askren Calls Out A Champion For Possible UFC Debut

With the news of Ben Askren possibly headed to the UFC in a historic trade that would send Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship, opponents are lining up to welcome ‘Funky’ the Octagon. If Askren does indeed land on the UFC roster, and by all accounts, it looks that way. The matchmaking possibilities are wide-ranging. One […]

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With the news of Ben Askren possibly headed to the UFC in a historic trade that would send Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship, opponents are lining up to welcome ‘Funky’ the Octagon.

If Askren does indeed land on the UFC roster, and by all accounts, it looks that way. The matchmaking possibilities are wide-ranging. One thing we do know for sure, however, Askren will not be fighting his college wrestling teammate and good friend, welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.

Instead, it appears ‘Funky’ is taking aim at interim champ Colby Covington. (Courtesy of Twitter)

Askren didn’t stop there; he then proceeded to call out Khabib Nurmagomedov. A match-up between Askren and Khabib is one of a hand full of dream matches that now seems not only possible but likely.

Askren is unbeaten in 18 professional fights; he has only faced adversity in a couple of those contests. It will be interesting to see what way the UFC matchmakers decide to go with Askren assuming he does land on the roster.

‘Funky’ did have one final message to the entire UFC:

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Is Dana White Messing Up by Trading Demetrious Johnson, the UFC’s Best Fighter?

UFC fans got a surprising, and somewhat strange bit of news on Wednesday morning. According to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani the UFC is close to finalizing a “trade” that would send former …

UFC fans got a surprising, and somewhat strange bit of news on Wednesday morning. According to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani the UFC is close to finalizing a “trade” that would send former …

Scott Coker Responds To Potential UFC & ONE Trade

Scott Coker responds to a potential trade between the UFC and ONE Championship.

The post Scott Coker Responds To Potential UFC & ONE Trade appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

The UFC and ONE Championship could be on the verge of making mixed martial arts (MMA) history.

Earlier today (Wed. October 24, 2018) it was reported that the two promotions are discussing the first major blockbuster ‘trade’ within the sport. The UFC is willing to release Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson from his contract, and allow him to sign with ONE Championship. In turn, ONE would release Ben Askren in order for him to sign with the UFC.

This would be a major move for both parties, who would each be benefiting greatly from the deal. Bellator MMA President Scott Coker recently took to Twitter to react to the reports. Here’s what he had to say:

Johnson was recently defeated for the first time in his MMA career at 125 pounds. He dropped the UFC flyweight title to Henry Cejudo via split decision this past summer. Johnson was never really much of a draw as champion, and the same can be said about the flyweight division as a whole. Potentially trading away Johnson could mark the end of the UFC’s 125-pound division.

As for Askren, he hasn’t fought since November of last year, successfully defending the ONE welterweight title via first-round TKO. After the fight, Askren planned on retiring from MMA competition. However, these recent developments indicate Askren wants a few superfights before he walks away from fighting once and for all.

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Scott Coker Reacts To Talk Of UFC-ONE Fighter Trade

Earlier today it was reported that there are talks between the UFC and ONE Championship for a major fighter trade. ESPN reports that the UFC is discussing sending Demetrious Johnson to ONE, while in return receiving Ben Askren. The UFC would release Jo…

Earlier today it was reported that there are talks between the UFC and ONE Championship for a major fighter trade. ESPN reports that the UFC is discussing sending Demetrious Johnson to ONE, while in return receiving Ben Askren. The UFC would release Johnson of his contract, allowing him to sign with ONE, while ONE would […]

The post Scott Coker Reacts To Talk Of UFC-ONE Fighter Trade appeared first on MMA News.

Report: Demetrious Johnson, Ben Askren in UFC, ONE Championship Trade Talks

MMA organizations UFC and ONE Championship are reportedly close to completing a deal that would see Demetrious Johnson and Ben Askren released from their contracts as part of a quasi trade…

MMA organizations UFC and ONE Championship are reportedly close to completing a deal that would see Demetrious Johnson and Ben Askren released from their contracts as part of a quasi trade…

Shocker: UFC Trading Demetrious Johnson To ONE Championship

ONE Championship and the UFC are close to trading superstar fighters in an unprecedented blockbuster deal. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani tweeted just minutes ago that both promotions are on the verge of finalizing a potential mega-trade involving Demetrious Johnson and retired ONE champion Ben Askren: Breaking: UFC, ONE Championship close to trade involving Demetrious Johnson and […]

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ONE Championship and the UFC are close to trading superstar fighters in an unprecedented blockbuster deal.

ESPN’s Ariel Helwani tweeted just minutes ago that both promotions are on the verge of finalizing a potential mega-trade involving Demetrious Johnson and retired ONE champion Ben Askren:

The proposed deal would require the UFC to release former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson from his contract in order to allow him to sign with ONE. In return, ONE will release former welterweight champion Ben Askren from his contract so he could finally join the UFC. Sources have stated that the ‘trade’ isn’t finalized as of yet. However, all parties involved are hopeful the deal gets done soon.

Johnson just lost the flyweight title to Henry Cejudo after a record 13 straight title defenses. Matt Hume, Johnson’s head coach at AMC Pankration also serves as ONE’s vice president of operations.

Askren announced his retirement following his first-round victory over Shinya Aoki in November 2017. He is unbeaten in 18 professional fights. Askren also captured gold in Bellator MMA when he beat Douglas Lima to obtain the welterweight title.

On Monday, Askren tweeted that there was a 98 percent chance of him joining the UFC.

One can only wonder if this trade will be the proverbial death nail for the UFC’s flyweight division.

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