Ben Askren says yes to Jorge Masvidal rematch, no to boxing match

Although Masvidal won their first fight — a five-second knockout via flying knee which set a record for fastest knockout in UFC history — the 38-year-old former welterweight title contender is adamant on the rematch being in a boxing ring — an area he has a distinct advantage over Askren, who’s background is in wrestling.

“Look, Ben, I’ll only give you the rematch in boxing, [expletive],” Masvidal said. “People will tune in because I can’t knee him in the face, right? Maybe Ben can ‘get his way now.’ Hey, Ben, kiss my ass. You coming out of retirement, I’ll send you right back into it, [expletive]. This guy, bro. They shouldn’t have shown me that comment, you corny [expletive].”

A veteran of 52 MMA fights, Masvidal also has a background in street fighting and Sixteen of his 35 wins have come by knockout or TKO. He also runs Gamebred Fighting Championship — a mixed martial arts promotion that sanctions bare-knuckle fights and boxing matches.

Askren, who has won six of his 19 MMA fights by knockout or TKO, has just one pro boxing bout under his belt — a first-round TKO loss to YouTuber Jake Paul in April 2021.