Remember UFC 239? Ben Askren versus Jorge Masvidal in 2019 witnessed ‘Gamebred’ open the bout with a flying knee to Askren’s head, and its impact was so powerful that the latter fell to the canvas. It all happened within five seconds, and the latter stayed down for several minutes before he was led out of the octagon by his team and to a local hospital. “He’s so predictable, man. He’s a scrub,” Masvidal said in his post-fight media interaction. “He walked right into it.”

International Fight Week is intended to honor legends; A time when the UFC commemorates its history, celebrates the sport’s evolution, and reminds fans why they fell in love with MMA in the first place. This year’s celebrations, complete with fights, fanfare, and tributes, had all the makings of a great spectacle. But then, amid all the fireworks and nostalgia, came a jarring moment—one that rubbed many fans the wrong way. As they tuned in and soaked up promos ahead of UFC 317, they witnessed Askren‘s KO clip being used. And ‘Andy Hickey MMA’ on X was unhappy with it.

The account wrote: “Ben Askren is fighting for his life, and TNT broadcast just ran the Masvidal Knee as a promo for IFL. No class in MMA.” The tweet went viral quickly, and many fans agreed. For some, it was only a clip. Others saw it as a cold, ill-timed move that degraded a man who was facing far more serious issues outside the cage. The 40-year-old is in a hospital bed in Wisconsin, fighting for survival. After battling a staph infection in early June, he developed pneumonia and was put on a ventilator. His health has been described as critical, but doctors remain optimistic.

His family, particularly his wife Amy, continues to update fans on small wins—Askren mouthing words, indicating a desire for coffee, and showing signs of consciousness. He’s also on the lung transplant list, awaiting a chance to recover.

‘Funky’ has always been a divisive figure—a fiery wrestler, a Bellator and ONE Championship champion, and a crucial player in some of the UFC’s most anticipated grudge fights. But his fans didn’t like the fact that his KO clip was used when he is in a vulnerable condition. What did UFC fans say?

Fans shame the UFC for disrespecting Ben Askren!

The UFC may have believed it was just another highlight video, but fans were not having it. For many watching the International Fight Week promos, Jorge Masvidal’s flying knee flashed on-screen as a sucker punch to a man already battling for his life, rather than as a stunning throwback. And for those paying attention, the disrespect felt immediate and terribly inappropriate.

Given Ben Askren’s current state, many felt the decision to highlight that clip bordered on tone-deaf. It wasn’t only awkward; It didn’t feel right for many. One fan wrote, “I was in disbelief when i saw that.” Another mentioned, “That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

The reactions erupted into broader criticism, not only of the promotion but of the UFC as perceived by its most ardent supporters. “It’s the UFC in 2025; what do you expect?” one user wrote, dismissing the decision as just another in a long line of tone-deaf gestures. Others laid blame at Dana White, with one fan sarcastically saying, “‘Ben was never my friend’—Dana White.” These weren’t just random comments. They came from spectators who believed a line had been crossed during what was supposed to be a sports celebration.

• “No shame”
• “They have no shame”
• “Quite shameless of them, tbf”

For a promotion that feeds on drama, it may have appeared to be a basic throwback clip. However, to those watching, particularly in light of Ben Askren’s real-life struggle, it felt like a low blow that might have been easily avoided. What do you think?