Ben Askren believes win over Jorge Masvidal gets him title shot
At UFC 239, a pivotal welterweight fight is going down as Ben Askren makes his second UFC fight against Jorge Masvidal. Both are coming off of huge wins, and many believe this is a number one contender fight.
However, all signs point to Colby Covington getting the next title shot against Kamaru Usman. But, “Funky” believes he could jump the queue with a win.
“To prove I’m the best in the world is the one goal that I came back for because I was retired. I think this puts me closer to that,” Askren told MMAFighting. “I think the way the momentum is shifting if I beat up Jorge Masvidal, I think there’s a good chance I get a title shot, and if not, I’m not very far away. I’m pretty darn close.”
A win would no doubt put him into the title picture, but he says he thinks he could be next for Usman.
“I think it is [possible],” Askren added. “I don’t think people are too into Colby’s schtick anymore. They realize it’s old, it’s washed up, it’s just not that exciting. The guy is doing one of these things where you sit out and wait for a title fight and that is something I will never, ever do.
“How long ago was Colby’s last fight? Last June? What is this mother—ker going to sit out for 16 months and expect to get a title shot? The only way to stay relevant in this sport is to stay in there and keep getting after it. So yeah, if I go beat up Jorge, I’m going to have a lot more momentum. And if “Marty” (Kamaru Usman) wants to make some money, I’m sure “Marty” has a pay-per-view clause in his contract, you’re damn sure that I’m going to sell a whole bunch more pay-per-views against him than Colby would.”
In the end, Ben Askren is confident in his skills and believes he leaves Las Vegas with a win, and potentially a title shot.
