Report: UFC planning Ben Askren vs Demian Maia

A bout between two of the welterweight divisions best grapplers seems to be in the works for a yet to be determined UFC show in the fall

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.

Other news:

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.

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?

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