UFC welterweight contender Ben Askren was potentially one win away from a title shot entering his bout with Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239 in July. And in five seconds, that dream was over.
Masvidal’s flying knee earned him the fastest KO in the promotion’s history and ended Askren’s 20-fight unbeaten streak and chance to face champion Kamaru Usman for the belt.
“It’s not as bad as it was in the Olympics when I realized I wouldn’t have another shot. This, I could have another shot,” Askren said. “Nevertheless, you’re talking about a goal of nine years in the making, and I’m one fight away from getting there against a guy that I chose. I blew it. My life’s goal was to be the best in the world. I was this close.”
As a result, Askren will now take on Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Demian Maia in October in Singapore.
Some fans and media immediately criticized the fight as it pits non-strikers together. Maia is one of the greatest grapplers in UFC history, while Askren boasts similar accolades in wrestling.
Helwani asked about those who “say there’s a chance this fight is very boring.”
“I think there’s obviously a portion of fans who like all parts of MMA, not just those who stand and bang,” Askren said. “It’s kind of a myth that that’s all people want to watch. At the end of the day, I’m a non-stand-up guy, a boring wrestler. And I’ve also been the most anticipated fight on the biggest two cards of the year. So there’s some type of myth in there.”
Welterweights Covington, Woodley trade shots
Colby Covington appears to be in the driver’s seat for the next UFC welterweight title shot against Kamaru Usman. Covington — coming off a dominant win against Robbie Lawler on Saturday — described to Helwani his feelings entering the potential matchup. And so did former champion Tyron Woodley.
See for yourself.
0:41
Colby Covington has some words for UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, saying he has “nowhere to go” except to fight him.
1:31
Tyron Woodley calls the trash talk between Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman “scripted” and “cringeworthy”.
Kaufman: The PFL wants Harrison to beat me
Kayla Harrison is without a doubt the face of the Professional Fighters League, and for good reason. The undefeated fighter (5-0) — who won gold medals in judo in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics — has looked scary as a professional, winning four of five fights with an early finish. Her toughest potential competition is likely Sarah Kaufman, a former UFC contender who moved up to lightweight for the PFL’s tournament and stands undefeated heading into the playoffs.
Asked by Helwani whether Kaufman believes the PFL is pushing for Harrison to win the tournament, she said “yeah.”
2:07
Sarah Kaufman says she feels the love from the PFL, but sees little things that make her think there is a slight bias towards Kayla Harrison.
Weidman details move to light heavyweight
On his decision to move up to light heavyweight:
“My body started kind of falling apart. My weight was heavy. My last cut was definitely a little tough, when I fought Jacare in November, and I was just like, you know what, why not? I’m all about just trying to keep my body healthy, and I think cutting the weight, I was deplenishing my body of the nutrients it needed to stay healthy, and I just think staying at my natural weight, I’m going to feel way better.
“I’m like 223 [pounds], 224, something like that in the morning. … I’m excited about not focusing on my weight for the majority of camp and just enjoying the sport and working on my techniques.”
On neck surgery and recovery:
“No issues at all. I’m about 15, 16 weeks out from that surgery, and I feel great. I felt 100 percent ready to go about two, three weeks afterward. They did an artificial disk replacement, where they basically just take out the herniation and put this little disk in there and it kind of just fits in perfectly. There’s no fusion. I have full range of motion, no issues with nerve damage or anything like that, so I’m good to go.”
On Dominick Reyes:
“I didn’t really have any name in mind for 205 [pounds], I just wanted to go up and earn my keep at 205, and when they mentioned a guy like Dominick Reyes, it’s definitely not an easy fight. It’s a tough dude, he’s ranked fourth. If I win this fight, it’s good for me — a good way to start at 205, and I’m excited about it.”
Rapper Action Bronson shares his love for MMA
Rapper and MMA superfan @ActionBronson shows love to “my guy” @stylebender, as well as @JonnyBones, @NateDiaz209 and @DustinPoirier (via @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/qlLA2pgDCA
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 5, 2019