Ben Askren bets on a knockout over Demian Maia this Saturday: 'I've done it before'

B. Askren in an interview. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube ESPN MMA

North American Ben Askren believes he wants to escape the predictions this Saturday (26), when he faces Demian Maia, UFC Singapore. Although many think it will be a close fight, due to the fact that the fighters are experts in grappling, the athlete believes he will beat the Brazilian by knockout. In an interview with 'Combate', Askren spoke about his expectations for the clash.

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“I'll probably beat him by knockout, as I've done a few times in my career. The path to my victory passes through Demian Maia having had a lot of problems when facing elite wrestlers, like me, since the fight against Mark Muñoz (2011), which happened a long time ago. Not only is my wrestling good, but my jiu-jitsu is very sharp. I think I can neutralize the positions he's good at. I’m ready to beat him in the area he feels comfortable in,” said the fighter.

Ben's promise, however, is quite complicated to fulfill. Maia, this weekend, will step into the octagon to fight his 37th career fight. In all appearances, the fighter was defeated on just nine occasions and only once by knockout, which occurred in 2009, at UFC 102, when he was surprised by Nate Marquardt before 30 seconds into the fight.

Even with the unusual forecast, the American showed all his respect for Demian. The São Paulo native, if he wins the victory over Ben, will get closer to Donald Cerrone with the second highest number of wins for the company. Askren then made a point of praising his opponent.

“I think being considered a legend is a fair title for Demian. I think he is the Brazilian with the most victories in the UFC, he fought for belts in two categories. I'm excited. I admire his talent in grappling and the fact that he remains true to what he has always been, and I think we will put on a great fight,” said the fighter.

Askren steps into the Octagon to try to recover from his last defeat in UFC, when he was brutally knocked out by Jorge masvidal in just five seconds. Against his compatriot, in addition to setting the record for the fastest defeat in the company's history, Ben also suffered the first negative result of his career. The fighter has 19 victories and six of them are by knockout.