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Ben Askren would like to erase every memory of UFC 237 that he can. The event recorded the fastest knockout in UFC history as he laid face flat on the canvas. Coming into the fight at 19-0, ‘Funky’ met with a drastic result, and he was never the same. Meanwhile, Jorge Masvidal became a star overnight. Since then, many have speculated on what would have transpired if ‘Gamebred’ hadn’t connected the flying knee. The answer lies in a probable rematch. Is there a probability of them ever meeting in the octagon? Both fighters believe so. However, both differed about one key aspect.
Notably, Masvidal, the former BMF belt holder, announced his retirement after he succumbed to a 4-fight skid at UFC 287. On the other hand, Askren was jolted by his knockout loss and dropped consecutive fights. First to Demian Maia, after which he hung up his MMA gloves, and later to Jake Paul in a boxing match. However, he hasn’t closed the door on his comeback. Only a comeback fight against Masvidal can entice him. But it appears his archrival has imposed rules of his own.
Ben Askren questions Jorge Masvidal’s BMF credentials
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As Masvidal is steering his focus to his Gamebred Fighting Champion, he believes his zeal for fighting has evaporated. The 38-year-old fighter’s reflexes have diminished, but he believes he can be a worthy opponent in the square circle. “Look, Ben, I’ll only give you the rematch in boxing, motherf****r,” he told TMZ Sports.
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USA Today via Reuters
MMA: UFC 239-Masvidal vs Askren, Jul 6, 2019 Las Vegas, NV, USA Ben Askren blue gloves is assessed by medical personnel after being knocked out with a knee by Jorge Masvidal not pictured at T-Mobile Arena. Jorge Masvidal set a new record for the fastest knockout in UFC history with five seconds. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports, 06.07.2019 20:17:04, 13012607, T-Mobile Arena, Jorge Masvidal, UFC, Ben Askren, MMA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStephenxR.xSylvaniex 13012607
These comments didn’t sit well with Askren, as he immediately texted UFC President Dana White. Keen to settle the score, he wrote, “I know I’m retired but I sure would love to beat up Jorge. Let me know if he is in.” Further, the former Bellator and ONE Championship champion declared, “Balls in your court mr BMF 🙄🙄🙄”.
Following this, the prominent wrestler clarified he didn’t want to play by Masvidal’s rules. He further advised him not to be a “coward” and accept the rematch in a steel cage.
The 19-2 record holder announced, “No I’m not gonna box Jorge. If Jorge was really a BMF he will accept a rematch in MMA and not be a coward.”
No I’m not gonna box Jorge. If Jorge was really a BMF he will accept a rematch in MMA and not be a coward. https://t.co/d9UDZsEZ1h
— Funky (@Benaskren) July 25, 2023
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With Masvidal’s retirement, the BMF title also needs a new enforcer. The UFC decided to put the BMF title on the line at the headliner of UFC 291, Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje. Amusingly, the promotion also asked Masvidal to wrap the belt around the winner’s waist.
It has been 4 years since the last two squared off against each other, and the animosity between the two remains high. While both fighters have thrown verbal sludge at each other, it remains to be seen whether they will eventually agree to another fight.
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What do you think of these comments by Ben Askren? Do you believe Dana White can arrange a rematch between them? Let us know in the comments below.
Watch this story: Jorge Masvidal Wins the Race Against Mike Tyson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Triple H to Become Dwayne Johnson’s Successor at UFC 291 for the BMF Title