Ben Askren Gives Verdict on Potential Conor McGregor vs Justin Gaethje Fight

Conor McGregor started this year off with a bang by taking on Donald Cerrone. The Irishman managed to drop Cerrone in the first round in a breathtaking manner. It seems like The Notorious One is planning on keeping very busy this year. As he came out with a statement saying he wants to take on “all these mouthy fools”.

Ben Askren recently posted on Instagram saying he feels that a fight between Conor McGregor and Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje is a very real possibility. He also adds that he wanted to watch McGregor take on Gaethje instead of Cerrone. Ben Askren discussed this on the podcast Funky and FRB.

Ben Askren Leans Towards Conor McGregor

Ben Askren feels if this bout were to take place, it is McGregor who would emerge victorious. He states that Gaethje has a tough chin and possesses the ability to endure a lot of punishment. The American is also adept at returning the blows with the same intensity if not harder.

McGregor is favored to win the bout because of the technical excellence and quality of his counterstriking. But the pace and pressure with which Gaethje fights may be enough to turn the tables. A fight with Gaethje would be good for McGregor because Gaethje is a feared wrestler and is capable of dealing some serious damage. It may help in putting Justin Gaethje’s claims of McGregor ducking fights with him to rest.

“He is on the list. Maybe I will face him next. He has it coming to him. … He’s a funny guy. He’s been taking it very to heart.”- Conor McGregor on a fight with Justin Gaethje

McGregor ideally wishes to go up against his rival Khabib Nurmagomedov but the latter seems disinterested. The Eagle is set to take on Tony Ferguson instead. Therefore if a fight with Khabib is off the table then Gaethje might be next in line. Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal are some other names that have been mentioned when it comes to choosing McGregor’s next opponent.