J. Masvidal strikes B. Askren after lightning knockout. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
Something historic happened in UFC 239. In the duel that marked the third fight on the main card of the event that took place last Saturday (6), in Las Vegas (USA), Ben Askren made history after suffering the organization's fastest knockout to Jorge masvidal. It was only five seconds. After being surprised by a flying knee to the face, Askren collapsed to the ground and worried the Ultimate medical team. Dana White, president of the company, however, reassured fans by saying that the athlete was fine. The information was given at a press conference after the event.
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“All of this came negatively for him, but he is fine. I know he’s not completely well (due to the defeat), but he’ll be fine”, said the agent.
Even defeated, White tried to praise Ben. According to the president, the athlete has a good relationship and admires the athlete's courage when facing any opponent offered.
“I like Ben (Askren). We finally brought him to the UFC (in exchange with ONE FC for the former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson). We have fun. He faced two tough opponents in his first appearances (Robbie Lawler e Jorge masvidal). What I respect most about that boy is that he's not afraid to fight anyone. He has challenged great athletes and wants to face everyone”, declared Dana.
On Sunday (7), a few hours after his lightning defeat, Askren used his Twitter account to publish a brief sentence that summarizes his performance this weekend.
“It sucked,” wrote the welterweight (up to 77kg.).
Well that sucked
- Ben Askren (@Benaskren) July 7, 2019
In addition to the defeat, the setback marked the first loss in the North American's record which, before Saturday, only had victories, in addition to one fight without result.
At 34 years old, Ben already held the Bellator belt, between 2010 and 2013 and, after migrating to ONE FC, he also held the title of the company competing with Ultimate, between 2014 and 2017. Just over a year ago , the North American had announced his retirement from the sport, after beating Japanese Shinya Aoki in his last appearance for ONE. However, the athlete was seduced into returning to MMA after a proposal from the UFC.
Askren made his debut in the 'new home' in a duel against the former welterweight champion, Robbie Lawler, and won a controversial victory against his compatriot. At the time, Ben was declared the winner by submission, after the match referee interrupted the fight because he considered that Lawler had passed out due to a rear-naked choke applied by Askren. However, for many, Robbie was still conscious and could continue trying to get out of the position.
Currently, the athlete has 21 fights, 19 wins, one defeat and one fight without result.
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