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Picture by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images.
Former UFC fighter Ben Askren revealed his interest in battling YouTube celebrity Jake Paul. This weekend hobby-boxer Jake Paul will be battling former NBA player Nate Robinson on the undercard of Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. (which you can stream here). Paul got popular from YouTube on the heels of his brother Logan Paul (who has actually likewise dabbled in star pugilism).
Just recently Paul, who is 1-0 as a pro fighter, talked to The Mayweather Channel and claimed that he wanted to handle a couple of UFC fighters.
” I want to take UFC fighters like Ben Askren, like (Jorge) Masvidal, whoever it is and bring them over to boxing,” stated Paul (ht MMA Fighting). “I wish to battle Conor McGregor ultimately. Whoever wants to get in the boxing ring with me, I wish to have the ability to do it and beat them.”.
Ben Askren just recently spoke to Mixed Martial Arts Combating about this callout from Paul.
” Jake Paul wants to box me,” stated Askren. “I do not know, I’m not a boxer but I might beat up a bottom YouTube celeb.”.
” It would be something to do since you might state I did it,” Askren continued. “I don’t got ta go box f king Roy Jones and get my ass whooped or absolutely nothing. But I could box some YouTube bum and get paid for it? What a significant livelihood.”.
Though not understood for his striking, Askren is a former Bellator and ONE welterweight champion. Before transitioning to Mixed Martial Arts, Askren was an extremely embellished NCAA wrestler and member of USA Wrestling. He’s likewise an accomplished disc golf player.
In 2019 Askren brought his 18 -0 (1 NC) Mixed Martial Arts record over to the UFC, in what was referred to as a trade involving former UFC flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson going to ONE.
His very first UFC bout protested former UFC welterweight champ Robbie Lawler. Askren won that bout, that included some controversy, via technical submission.
After this Askren was matched up with Jorge Masvidal. Askren lost after being KO ‘d by a flying knee at the five 2nd mark. That ending would become one of the highlights of the year (in all sports) for2019
Three months after that loss Askren was choked out by Demian Maia. He announced his retirement from the sport shortly after.