Back in action, Ben Askren tries to silence Jake Paul in a boxing superfight this Saturday

B. Askren (right) pushes J. Paul's (left) face in the first look between them. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Like it or not, the super fight between Jake Paul and Ben Askren has been attracting attention in recent months. Promoted as the meeting between the phenomenon of YouTube against a former MMA champion, the clash takes place this Saturday (17), in Atlanta, in the United States. After many provocations, it is time for the fighters to resolve their differences in the ring.

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Retired from MMA since 2019, after a lackluster stint in the UFC, Ben Askren saw Jake's challenge as an opportunity to return to action in a different sport. In addition to the satisfactory figures, the athlete seeks to end the hyping in front of Jake, who remains obsessed with proving himself in the 'noble art'.

In November 2020, the digital influencer was one of the protagonists of the event led by Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. In the co-main event, the youtuber he exchanged forces against former NBA player Nate Robinson and impressed the world with a devastating knockout of his opponent, who fell 'blacked out' in the ring, generating frightening images for some.

Now, the time has come for Paul to prove that he is capable of fighting against a high-level competitor. Although he is not experiencing the best moment of his career, Askren, who recently recovered from hip surgery, has extensive experience in martial arts and hopes to surprise the young man.

Fight rules

The fight will be contested at catchweight (up to 90,7kg). The duel will be valid under boxing rules and is expected to last eight rounds.

Dana White's Bet

Believing in the success of his former employee, Ultimate's president, Dana White, did not hesitate in making his predictions for the confrontation public. In addition to showing confidence in Askren, the agent added an extra ingredient to the duel.

Insurance against the failure of youtuber, the UFC 'boss' bet US$1 million (around R$5,6 million) on Ben's triumph. On that occasion, accompanied by Mike Tyson, White even questioned Jake's boxing skills.

Other attractions

In addition to the confrontation of youtuber and the former MMA athlete, the show will feature six more presentations. At the show, fans of mixed martial arts will be able to watch the debut of former interim UFC champion, Frank mir, who faces Steve Cunningham, also under boxing rules.

The co-main fight will be headlined by Regis Prograis and Ivan Redkach.