‘ Kick His A**’- Ben Askren Reveals Phone Call With Dana White Before Jake Paul Fight

Published 04/07/2021, 1:03 AM EDT

Former multi-organization welterweight world champion Ben Askren is preparing to make his boxing debut against Jake Paul on April 17th. The former UFC star has got an unexpected supporter in the form of UFC President Dana White behind him. White has been helping ‘Funky’ in his preparation.

The UFC President has previously said that he will bet a ton of money on Askren to win the fight despite his former employee’s zero experience in boxing and not so decorated striking background. ‘Funky Ben revealed recently the details of a phone conversation between him and White. It seems like the duo has gotten over the early tension between them.

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“I don’t hold grudges. So the fact that he held me from the UFC back in 2013 when I was trying to make the transition. Whatever. Listen, that happened. It does. It’s over with. I appreciate his help and helping me with Freddie. Freddie has been great,” said Askren, talking about how White has set him up with famous trainer Freddie Roach.

‘Funky’ further added the details of a call between him and the UFC President. He said, “I was getting in the shower one day, and Dana called me and I’m like, Oh, sh*t. I kind of already did this deal. Like, is he gonna tell me I’m out or something? And he’s like, oh, kick his a**. Blah, blah. I’m like, oh, okay, sweet. This is cool. Let’s do it.”

The fact that the pair have put their differences aside and gotten along is a good thing to happen for both.

Can Ben Askren add a boxing win to his resume?

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Askren has had an incredible record in MMA. However, a win inside the squared ring might be his greatest achievement to date. He has the backing of the combat sports fans as he fights YouTube star, Paul. ‘The Problem Child‘ has gone after Askren with all guns blazing.

However, Askren’s experience in fighting and his calm approach to the game might prove to be too much for Paul. And the backing of Dana White might be an extra motivation for ‘Funky‘.

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Can Askren beat ‘The Problem Child’? What did you make of his conversation with White? Let us know.

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Written by:

Apratim Banerjee is an MMA 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.

‘ Kick His A**’- Ben Askren Reveals Phone Call With Dana White Before Jake Paul Fight

Can Ben Askren add a boxing win to his resume?

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