Undefeated welterweight fighter Ben Askren (18-0 MMA) was apparently in talks with Bellator’s Scott Coker just weeks before he was traded to the UFC by ONE Championship.

According to the Bellator President, Coker, there were talks between his organization and ONE Championship to do some co-promotion which would have allowed Ben Askren to compete at Bellator’s welterweight grand prix.

Ben Askren responded to our story on Twitter, revealing that was only ever interested in fighting “The Red King” – not actually joining the promotions grand prix tournament.

Well this is about a half truth from @ScottCoker I wanted to fight Rory. He said no. Simple https://t.co/1LfsUnlLmU

— Funky (@Benaskren) November 9, 2018

“Well this is about a half truth from @ScottCoker I wanted to fight Rory. He said no. Simple.” – Ben Askren

The Bellator President quickly replied to Askren’s statement.

I know you’re used to people not responding to you, but the truth is you & your team were only interested in a one-fight deal & when we asked Bob Cook if you would fight in the Welterweight Grand Prix on a three fight deal – you didn’t want to do it. https://t.co/lwi08ZCfxA

— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) November 10, 2018

“I know you’re used to people not responding to you, but the truth is you & your team were only interested in a one-fight deal & when we asked Bob Cook if you would fight in the Welterweight Grand Prix on a three fight deal – you didn’t want to do it.” – Scott Coker

Ben Askren then asked the Bellator boss to clarify which part of his Tweet was false.

Scott so what about my tweet was false?? https://t.co/TW9wvUeEuK

— Funky (@Benaskren) November 10, 2018

“Scott so what about my tweet was false??” – Ben Askren

We would have given you @rory_macdonald to start the grand prix & you didn't want to do it.

Which is fine, I just want to make sure the facts are straight, don't spin it like Rory & I were ducking you. You chose not to enter the tournament. https://t.co/9dCvZhdtBZ

— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) November 10, 2018

“We would have given you @rory_macdonald to start the grand prix & you didn’t want to do it. Which is fine, I just want to make sure the facts are straight, don’t spin it like Rory & I were ducking you. You chose not to enter the tournament.” – Scott Coker

I think you are pushing alternative facts here. I can go back and look through old messages/emails, but this sure isn’t the way I recall it. You and I both know Rory vs me looks very similar to Rory vs Gerard. https://t.co/Mb81gjArwA

— Funky (@Benaskren) November 10, 2018

“I think you are pushing alternative facts here. I can go back and look through old messages/emails, but this sure isn’t the way I recall it. You and I both know Rory vs me looks very similar to Rory vs Gerard.” – Ben Askren

Ben Askren was eventually traded by ONE Championship to the UFC in exchange for former flyweight kingpin Demetrious Johnson.

“Funky” is expected to fight either Robbie Lawler or Darren Till in his octagon debut in early 2019.