Tag: Ben Askren

Askren Believes Covington Fight Is Crucial For Masvidal’s Popularity

Ben Askren doesn’t agree with Chael Sonnen that UFC 272 is a career-ending fight per se, but he knows Jorge Masvidal needs to defeat Colby Covington to regain his popularity. Masvidal became a massive star in 2019 after knocking out Darren Till in London. He followed that up with a five-second flying knee KO over […]

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Ben Askren doesn’t agree with Chael Sonnen that UFC 272 is a career-ending fight per se, but he knows Jorge Masvidal needs to defeat Colby Covington to regain his popularity.

Masvidal became a massive star in 2019 after knocking out Darren Till in London. He followed that up with a five-second flying knee KO over Ben Askren and then TKO’d Nate Diaz to become the BMF champ. Since then, however, he has suffered two-straight losses to Kamaru Usman for the belt and will now headline UFC 272 opposite Covington.

It’s a crucial fight, as the two are bitter rivals and Sonnen has said if “Gamebred” loses, it would be career-ending. Yet, for Askren, he doesn’t think it would end his career if he loses, but it would derail his hype and popularity a ton.

“Well Chael understands the fight business better than almost anyone so generally when he says things, there’s a lot of validity to it,” Askren said to MMA Island about Masvidal. “And so I would not say it’s a career-ender, but unfortunately, people will take offense to this, but I made him a huge star, right? It was at my expense. I don’t want to say he was a nobody before that, but he was kind of like a moderately popular fighter who kind of had maybe a hardcore following but wasn’t known to a broader audience and then the event with me happened, unfortunately, and he became let’s say, one of the top-five stars in the sport and then obviously he parlayed that with the Nate Diaz fight. 

Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington
USA Today and Sports Illustrated

“Nate Diaz is not the toughest opponent at welterweight but then once he got past that fight, the Usman fights were pretty non-competitive and he hasn’t really fought anyone else in the upper-echelon of that division,” Askren continued about Masvidal. “So Colby is another guy, the upper echelon of the division, and if he loses to him, I think it probably knocks his popularity a couple of levels and he’s got to go low. Now can he regain the popularity on some level? Possibly.”

As both Askren and Sonnen say, UFC 272 will be a massive fight for Jorge Masvidal’s star power.

Do you think UFC 272 is a career-ending fight for Jorge Masvidal if he loses?

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Ben Askren Will Return For ‘Easy’ Nate Diaz Fight

Ben Askren Nate DiazHaving not fought in the UFC since 2019 it appears as though Ben Askren is ready to come out of retirement for the possibility of an ‘easy’ fight against Nate Diaz. Askren entered the UFC regarded as one of the biggest stars outside of the company boasting impressive undefeated record collecting titles in multiple organizations. […]

Ben Askren Nate Diaz

Having not fought in the UFC since 2019 it appears as though Ben Askren is ready to come out of retirement for the possibility of an ‘easy’ fight against Nate Diaz.

Askren entered the UFC regarded as one of the biggest stars outside of the company boasting impressive undefeated record collecting titles in multiple organizations. However, things didn’t work out the way he would have wanted and following a devastating KO from Jorge Masvidal and a submission loss to Demian Maia, Askren called it time on his career.

‘Funky’ has now revealed there is one man who would be willing to return to take on, in the form of Nate Diaz. In an interview with MMA Island Askren told viewers he would be willing to come out of retirement to take on Diaz in his final matchup on his contract.

 “I’m willing to put my money where my mouth is and be the last fight in your contract.”

“That’s it. At the end of day, I’m retired from fighting. I don’t ever want to train full time again, but man, I think every fighter, a little part of you loves fighting, like you love the battle.”

Ben Askren Only Interested In A Nate Diaz Fight

Diaz himself has been calling for a fight for weeks on social media now, and following back-and-forths with many fighters on social media, Askren wants to be one of the names in consideration and appears set on having Diaz as his opponent.

“So hey, if [the UFC] were going to give me an easy one [Nate Diaz], I’ll take an easy one. I’ve taken three losses in a row. I’m due for one,” Askren said. “I think that’s probably very unlikely to happen, so I’d probably just stay retired.” (Transcribed by MiddleEasy.com)

Given the names we have seen Diaz linked with it is very unlikely this is the fight the UFC would choose to go with given the options that are available. One man who has been mentioned on multiple occasions is Dustin Poirier. Speculation has surrounded this matchup for quite some time and with both fighters openly wanting to step inside the cage it only makes sense that the UFC gets this fight booked.

How do you think Ben Askren Vs Nate Diaz would play out?

Jake Paul Reveals He Has Made Over $40 Million Competing in Boxing in 2021

Jake PaulSince turning to the sport of boxing, Youtube sensation Jake Paul has been the talking point in the world of combat sports. It’s easy to see why after making a substantial amount of money in 2021. Forbes conducted a series of the highest paid Youtube stars for 2021, in which Paul placed No. 2 on […]

Jake Paul

Since turning to the sport of boxing, Youtube sensation Jake Paul has been the talking point in the world of combat sports.

It’s easy to see why after making a substantial amount of money in 2021.

Forbes conducted a series of the highest paid Youtube stars for 2021, in which Paul placed No. 2 on the list. The 24-year-old has estimated earnings of $40 million from his boxing career, also collecting an additional $5 million from his videos, endorsements, and other businesses on the side.

Since then, Jake Paul has revealed the $40 million estimations were slightly lower than what he earned for the year.

Jake Paul Comments on Forbes List

“True story on my momma. So my dad called me today and asked if the numbers that were reported today were inflated,” Paul wrote on his Instagram story. “He said ’I knew you made close to that, but did you really make that?

“The answer was, ‘Yes, dad and in fact the numbers are slightly low.’ Mind you, I don’t lie to my dad and he knows everything about my life. Even my brother thought the numbers were lower (according to my dad’s conversation with him). A lot of times Forbes inflates the number made. In 2018 when I made the list, I made $17 million and they reported $22 million I believe. On this day, they are actually behind, and the numbers are actually low. Most celebs would say, ‘Thank the Lord I’m so blessed,’ but I say any regular motherf*cker could do this sh*t if you a sicko and ready to die for your cause.”

The “Problem Child” unquestionably made his presence known in not only the world of boxing but in MMA too. Paul ended the year with a (3-0) record, including two stoppages victories over former MMA champions, in Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley.

Paul made it a quick night for Ben Askren under the Triller banner knocking the respected wrestler unconscious in the first round. Shortly after, he signed with Showtime, meaning they would take over as his promoter.

The credibility of Paul’s opponents has consistently been questioned between the ropes. Still, in September, he gained respect after earning a split decision victory over former UFC champion and knockout puncher Tryon Woodley. A fight that generated close to 500,000 PPV buys.

Four months later, Paul was met with Woodley for the second time, which resulted in Woodley faceplanting the canvas in round six. While Jake Paul added another viral knockout to his forever-growing collection.

It’s still unknown who Paul will compete against next, with the Ohio-born fighter calling out names such as Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz. Whoever Paul ends up fighting next can expect a healthy payday.

Who do you want to see Jake Paul fight next?

Archives: Ben Askren Rips Covington For Trusting Dana White (2019)

The fact that Ben Askren had just signed with the UFC two months prior to this story did not prevent him from continuing to take shots at company president Dana White. In this story published three years ago, Askren addressed Colby Covington about why…

Colby Covington

The fact that Ben Askren had just signed with the UFC two months prior to this story did not prevent him from continuing to take shots at company president Dana White. In this story published three years ago, Askren addressed Colby Covington about why he was foolish for trusting White.

The following article is presented in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

On This Day Three Years Ago…

[ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JANUARY 8, 2019, 12:45 PM]

Headline: Ben Askren Rips Colby Covington For Trusting Dana White

Author: Fernando Quiles Jr.

Ben Askren is getting a laugh out of Colby Covington’s current situation.

Covington is in a tough spot at the moment as he’s gone from interim Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight titleholder, to not even being next in line to challenge for Tyron Woodley’s gold. That honor went to Kamaru Usman, who will meet Woodley in the planned co-main event of UFC 235 on March 2.

Ben Askren Takes Another Dig At Colby Covington

Covington recently blasted UFC president Dana White, saying he went back on his word. “Chaos” also said White “ain’t got the balls” to fire him. Askren took to Twitter to rag on Covington:

“[Colby Covington] I realized you were dumb but please, please don’t tell me you were dumb enough to really trust Dana.”

Askren and Covington have been trading barbs ever since “Funky” signed with the UFC. Askren is set to make his promotional debut on the same card as Woodley vs. Usman. He’ll go one-on-one with former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler. The former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight titleholder will go into the fight with some serious hype. Time will tell if he can live up to it on the brightest stage.

Do you think Colby Covington put too much trust into Dana White’s “promise?”

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Ben Askren Continues To Blast Nate Diaz, Calls Him A ‘Coward’

Ben Askren is continuing to take shots at Nate Diaz.

After Diaz blasted Askren for his boxing skills, “Funky” responded claiming Diaz sucks at fighting and he would be happy to end his retirement to fight the Stockton native. It immediately got hyp…

Ben Askren

Ben Askren is continuing to take shots at Nate Diaz.

After Diaz blasted Askren for his boxing skills, “Funky” responded claiming Diaz sucks at fighting and he would be happy to end his retirement to fight the Stockton native. It immediately got hyped up by many fans, and now the former ONE Championship and Bellator champion posted a clip on social media of Diaz running away from Jorge Masvidal’s flying knee and calling him a coward.

“Real men run towards danger, COWARDS run away @NateDiaz209,” Askren wrote.

Of course, in the fight before Masvidal-Diaz, “Gamebred” did the same move as he landed a flying knee that knocked Askren out cold in just five seconds. It was funny to see Masvidal try the move again, and of course, Diaz wanted no part of it.

Although Askren is taking shots at Diaz it seems highly unlikely the fight will happen. Funky is retired and not in the USADA testing pool, while Diaz only has one fight left on his UFC contract. All things considered, the promotion will likely be smart with who they match Diaz up with.

Nate Diaz Ben Askren
Nate Diaz and Ben Askren

Ben Askren (19-2 and one No Contest) has not competed in MMA since he was submitted by Demian Maia in October of 2019. Prior to that, he suffered the KO loss to Masvidal. Funky did compete earlier this year in April in boxing where he was knocked out by Jake Paul in the first round. He does hold notable wins over Robbie Lawler, Shinya Aoki, Douglas Lima, Andrey Koreshkov, and Lyman Good among others.

Nate Diaz (20-13), meanwhile, has been angling for a fight since his decision loss to Leon Edwards back in June. It was his second loss in a row after being TKO’d by Nate Diaz. He does hold notable wins over Conor McGregor, Anthony Pettis, and Donald Cerrone among others.

As of right now, Diaz has not responded to Askren’s callout.

Do you think we will see Ben Askren vs. Nate Diaz?

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Ben Askren Teases Return To USADA Testing Pool For Nate Diaz Fight

Ben Askren could be looking for a fight with Nate Diaz.

Ben Askren is retired from fighting but perhaps not for long. Askren has been vocal on Twitter as of late and making some trouble. Askren was recently on the Lex Freidman’s podcast and gave so…

Nate Diaz Ben Askren

Ben Askren could be looking for a fight with Nate Diaz.

Ben Askren is retired from fighting but perhaps not for long. Askren has been vocal on Twitter as of late and making some trouble. Askren was recently on the Lex Freidman’s podcast and gave some props to his former opponent Jake Paul. Paul defeated Askren in a boxing match earlier this year and has since gone on to defeat another former UFC fighter, Tyron Woodley. The praise for Paul didn’t sit well with one man currently on the UFC roster, Nate Diaz.

Diaz took to Twitter to air his opinion on this matter.

“Coming from a retired wrestler who can’t fight or box,” Diaz wrote.

This statement was not left unanswered by Askren. Even though he is retired at this point and his last UFC fight was back in October of 2019, he could be plotting a return.

“Nate is right, I suck at boxing. He sucks at MMA,” Askren wrote. “If he wants me to prove it I can be in the USADA pool tomorrow. Would be happy to be the last fight on his contract.”

Askren is just the most recent fighter on a long list to call out Diaz. He is one of the most popular fighters on the UFC roster and is a favorite for fighters looking for a big payday. He only has one fight left on his UFC contract at this point and is actively looking for a fight. However, it is less likely that his statements are meant to set up a fight with Askren than perhaps to set up a fight with Paul.

Diaz has not been shy about his desire to try his hand at boxing following his UFC contract ending. Several former UFC fighters have made the transition and increased their purses in the process. Diaz could be a huge fight for Paul and both could possibly make a record amount of money for the bout.

Do you think Ben Askren would really return to the UFC and fight Nate Diaz?

Continue Reading Ben Askren Teases Return To USADA Testing Pool For Nate Diaz Fight at MMA News.