Ben Askren is one of the most accomplished MMA fighters of all time. Even though he faltered in the UFC, he went undefeated and had multiple title defenses in Bellator MMA and ONE FC. However, a recent statement made by ex-UFC strawweight Paige VanZant has rubbed Askren the wrong way.
After Askren retired from MMA, he returned to box Jake Paul and lost via first-round TKO. Now, VanZant is also on the same path, as she has a boxing match booked against Elle Brooke for Misfits Boxing. In an interview with Misfits, VanZant was against comparing her to Askren, whom she called not a real fighter.
It really wasn’t worth my response. But I appreciate you reminding her that my career was significantly better than hers. I have a record that she can only dream.
Ben Askren via X
In addition to Askren, VanZant also called Dillon Danis the same. Unlike Askren, Danis went off at the ex-UFC strawweight. They engaged in a social media beef where Danis sl*t-shamed VanZant while VanZant demeaned Danis’ credibility. Online beef is nothing to Danis, as evidenced by his past.
It really wasn’t worth my response. But I appreciate you reminding her that my career was significantly better than hers. I have a record that she can only dream https://t.co/WSDGgSZ6dm
— Funky (@Benaskren) May 3, 2024
In addition to having an accomplished MMA career, Askren competed in the US Olympic wrestling team. Moreover, he was one of the best collegiate wrestlers of his era, winning two gold and silver each for the Missouri Tigers with Tyron Woodley and Michael Chandler as his teammates. Askren is still involved in MMA, mainly through the YouTube show he does with Daniel Cormier.
Ben Askren’s thoughts on the state of the UFC’s heavyweight division.
The UFC’s heavyweight division is at a standstill as the undisputed heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, is out of action due to injury. Moreover, the UFC has no intention of making interim champion Tom Aspinall fight Jones on his return. They plan to make Jones fight Stipe Miocic next.
Ben Askren on the state of the UFC’s heavyweight division. (Source: Instagram/IMAGO)Ben Askren has made his thoughts on the matter via X. In a series of tweets, Askren stated what he wanted next to see in the UFC’s heavyweight division. For Askren, Jones vs. Aspinall makes perfect sense. Since Miocic is over 40 and last fought years ago, he did not think Jones vs. Miocic would be competitive.
I don’t want to see Jon Jones vs Periera or Miocic. Aspinall is the most interesting opponent by far.
— Funky (@Benaskren) May 3, 2024
Jon saw Adesanya take down Periera and keep him down for a while and thinks he can do the exact same thing as he did to Gane. I think he is likely right
— Funky (@Benaskren) May 3, 2024
Stipe is great but hasn’t fought since March 2021 and is approaching 42, that fight just isn’t quite the draw that it once was!
— Funky (@Benaskren) May 3, 2024
Jones vs Aspinall to unify the HWT belt is the move that makes the most sense. Then if Periera wants to bump up after go ahead and do that
— Funky (@Benaskren) May 3, 2024
Moreover, he was okay with the winner of Jones vs. Aspinall fighting Alex Pereira, who has expressed interest in becoming the heavyweight champion. Jones entertained the idea, but Askren felt it was due to Jones looking for an easier match as Pereira has a wrestling deficiency.
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