Ben Askren Reveals What’s Next After Demian Maia Fight

After winning multiple titles in two different organizations Ben Askren took retirement from the sports. He did mention that he would come back only if he gets the opportunity to compete against the greatest fighters and he did when was offered to come into UFC.

Ben Askren has been very outspoken about getting to the top of the division and win the title since the beginning and he was on his way to the title shot after the controversial win over Robbie Lawler. Askren would have been very close to the title shot if he had won the fight against Jorge Masvidal. However, the 5-second knock out loss against Jorge Masvidal has put him in a place where he desperately needs a win to stay relevant in the sport.

However, Ben Askren believes a win over former title contender, Demian Maia would catapult him to the mix of top fighters in the division.

“Well, I don’t think I will be able to get a title shot. But yeah Demian Maia, although is ranked 10, is obviously one of the best guys in the division. He fought Tyron in the title fight and he kind of propelled Marty and Colby to title fights. if it was not directly before it’s very near that title fight realm.”

Demian Maia’s ranking in the division might be delusional sometimes. He has only lost to the best fighters in the division who has been champion or are still the champion such as Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington, and Kamaru Usman. A win over Maia will help Askren when it comes to rankings, however, he does need a win over another top-ranked guy to get to the title shot since the welterweight division has already several strong title contenders.

“Win over Demian Maia puts me back there in the upper echelon of the welterweight. I think then I can call out someone who is highly ranked and then a win there puts me in that realm where I could be getting a title shot.”

Demian Maia has won his last two fights and at the age of 41 is likely on his last winning streak to get another shot at the title. Hence it’s kind of a must win fight for both Ben Askren and Demian Maia to stay relevant in the title picture.