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‘I’m Just His Dog’- Tyron Woodley Says He’s Going to Give Ben Askren ‘Moral Support’

Published 04/16/2021, 11:52 PM EDT

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Former UFC welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley, spoke to Mike Bohn from MMA Junkie ahead of his teammate’s boxing debut. Chiefly, Woodley’s long-time training partner, Ben Askren, will take on YouTuber star turned boxer, Jake Paul, on April 17 in Atlanta. The aforementioned eight-round contest will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium under the Triller Fight Club banner.

Ben Askren is coming off hip surgery and accepted the fight with Jake Paul due to the significant pay-out. What’s more, there’s been a budding rivalry growing between both men because of the polarity in their personalities. Hence, fans are excited to see how the fight will play out as there are many unanswered questions.

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Tyron Woodley backs his teammate Ben Askren

‘The Chosen One’ was asked to chime in on Askren’s preparation, heading into his debut match-up with Paul. Woodley who will be in Askren’s corner has been with ‘Funky Ben’ right from the beginning and seen his evolution. Woodley touched on Ben Askren’s training camp and expanded on his role as a corner member for the fight.

via Imago

“Sometimes people think that he’s so easygoing, like a hippie, that he’s just walking around. That doesn’t mean he isn’t putting in the work. He did most of his training with Canine, Mike ‘Big-E’ Roads, Freddie Roach, Wild Card boxing. Those guys administered the camp. I’m just his dog, I know his buttons, I know when he’s slacking, and it’s just cool to have someone you’re comfortable with in the corner.”

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“That’s why I’m here, I’m here for moral support. If it gets crazy at the faceoff, he in good hands, we can get it cracking.”

Ben Askren: All the way to the top

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Tyron Woodley went in on Askren’s ability to find himself in marquee positions throughout his career. ‘Funky’ has excelled at virtually everything he’s put his hands to, including a stint at the Olympics.

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“I’m excited to be here. But I’m excited to see him go out there, do something different, another checklist. Think about winning the NCAA titles… and fighting at the very, very top of the UFC, now going to box in a fight event where you the main event for your first ever boxing fight. I’m happy for him, I just want him to go out there and get the W.”

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There’s a lot on the line for both Askren and Paul as they attempt to make their mark in the aforementioned event. Moreover, the narrative of the bout has been laid out quite comprehensively and fans will surely tune in.

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Written by:

Darryl Pinto

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Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Mass Media (with a specialization in Journalism) out of Xavier’s College and has a year's experience in his current role. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live.
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