Report: UFC planning Ben Askren vs Demian Maia
It’s often said that it’s not about how we fall, but how we stand up. Ben Askren looks to have the opportunity against two time title challenger Demian Maia.
Ben Askren’s devastating, record setting, five second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239, was a tough pill to swallow. It was his first ever loss in MMA, and to have it come in such brutal fashion, against a rival like Masvidal, was career-changing. However Askren seems to have taken the loss in the most constructive way possible – and according to new reports seems to have a fight in the works with former title challenger Demian Maia.
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Ariel Helwani now reports that sources have told him the UFC are working on match up between Askren and Maia, for a yet unspecified event in September.
UFC is currently discussing booking Ben Askren vs. Demian Maia once Askren’s medical suspension is up in September, according to sources.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 23, 2019
Wrestling vs BJJ
Askren is one of MMA’s most experienced and seasoned wrestlers, and holds multiple medals and wins in several grappling tournaments. He captured both Bellator’s and ONE Championship’s welterweight titles, defeating fighters like Andrey Koreshkov and Zebaztian Kadestam. In the UFC he beat Robbie Lawler via an extremely controversial submission, in which Lawler never actually tapped to the bulldog choke Askren has applied. Askren next faced Masvidal, in a fight heard and seen around the world.
Maia also holds multiple medals and accomplishments in grappling and BJJ, and has for a long time been seen as one of the best grapplers in the UFC regardless of weight class. He recently endured a tough three fight skid, including a losing effort to win the welterweight title. Maia then returned to the win column after submitting Lyman Good in Brazil. In his most recent outing he outlasted Anthony Rocco Martin, winning a majority decision.
As of now the fight has not been officially announced or commented on by the UFC. Stay tuned to MMAnytt for updates.
Who wins: Askren or Maia?
