B. Askren in an interview. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube ESPN MMA
After being brutally defeated by Jorge masvidal in just five seconds, UFC 239, Ben Askren, who was hired to be one of the big names in the welterweight division (up to 77kg), received a new challenge. The athlete will face the former challenger for the middleweight title and his current category, Demian Maia. Known for their above-average qualities on the ground, the likely fight has been criticized by a portion of MMA fans, who disapprove of grappling. On the subject, the North American tried to raise the quality of the fight in a recent interview with 'Ariel Helwani's MMA Show'.
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“I think there is, obviously, a section of fans who like all areas of MMA, not just stand-up fighting and striking. It's a kind of myth that everyone wants to see. At the end of the day, I'm a guy who doesn't stand up, a boring fighter. And yet, I was also in the most anticipated fights at the two biggest events of the year (UFC 235 and UFC 239). So there’s some kind of myth in there,” Ben said.
According to Askren, after his last defeat, he was offered some fighters against whom he could try to redeem himself within the company. Among them was the name of the Brazilian. Ben, then, accepted right away, knowing that Demian is a respected name in Brazil and also in the world of MMA, for his jiu-jitsu, which is considered, by many, the best in the history of mixed martial arts.
“He (Maia) was one of the suggestions they gave me and I said I would love to do this fight,” said Ben.
According to the welterweight, the two athletes will perform in the main fight of one of the UFC events. Without specifying which, Askren said the announcement will be made later this week.
“The main fight will be announced later this week. It’s going to be exciting and I’m really excited for it,” said the American.
If the fight is confirmed as the main attraction of one of the Ultimate nights, this will be the first time that Askren will star in a fight since he debuted for the company in March of this year.
Demian, who recently said he was nearing the end of his career, could take another step towards retirement. The athlete has already stated that there are few fights left for him to hang up his gloves once and for all and continue his career competing in another sport.
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