Former Bellator MMA and ONE FC champion, Ben Askren, is set to end his hiatus from fighting early next year. “Funky” will fight Jake Paul in a boxing match. The news was broken out earlier by Chael Sonnen.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

Askren, not surprisingly, has opened up as an underdog for the bout. Askren is one of the most decorated wrestlers to have ever competed in MMA. But his striking accolades are not really celebrated. In fact, he holds the unfortunate distinction of receiving the fastest knockout in UFC history against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239.

But despite being the betting underdog, Askren is confident he will win against Paul. Obviously, Askren has a far greater combat experience than the YouTuber. Hence, his confidence is not surprising.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jake Paul has 2 professional wins in boxing in as many bouts. Both have been via knockouts. In his recent outing against former NBA star Nate Robinson, he managed a sensational finish. He has since called out a plethora of MMA stars including Conor McGregor, Dillon Danis, Ben Askren, and many more.

MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 30: Jake Paul celebrates with his brother, Logan, after defeating AnEsonGib in a first round knockout during their fight at Meridian at Island Gardens on January 30, 2020, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

A win against a former world champion like Askren will raise Paul’s stocks more than ever. But, it remains to be seen how the bout goes. They are touted to clash in March 2021.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ben Askren has been out since his loss to Demian Maia

Ben Askren hasn’t fought since his second UFC loss against Demian Maia. But “Funky” will return to competition in a Boxing ring, which is certainly not his strong suit.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jul 6, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Jorge Masvidal (red gloves) punches Ben Askren (blue gloves) as referee Jason Herzog stops the fight at T-Mobile Arena. Jorge Masvidal set a new record for the fastest knockout in UFC history with five seconds. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Chael Sonnen broke the news earlier today. The “Bad Guy” tweeted that he had received the information about the possible fight. He also added that Paul is looking to fight Dillon Danis after Askren.

ADVERTISEMENT

Can Ben Askren upset the oddsmakers? Or will Paul get the better of “Funky”?

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

Written by

author-image

Apratim Banerjee

1,260 Articles

Apratim Banerjee is a senior UFC author for EssentiallySports and has been writing professionally for almost a year. Before his current gig, Apratim worked as a UFC writer for Sportskeeda. A long-time MMA fan, Apratim has developed a critical eye for the sport that has helped him transfer his vast knowledge to his copies and give hardcore and casual readers a detailed insight into the fights and fighters. Dan Henderson’s brutal knockout against Michael Bisping at UFC 100 in 2009 is one of his earliest memories of the sport. He has never missed a UFC PPV or a Fight Night since, which speaks volumes about his wealth of MMA knowledge. Israel Adesanya, Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, Conor McGregor are some of his favorite fighters. Apart from this, Apratim plays soccer in his free time and loves scoring long-distance goals.

Know more