Current UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov recently discussed the upcoming octagon debut of Ben Askren.
Askren, a former Bellator and ONE champion, will square off with former UFC title holder Robbie Lawler at March’s highly anticipated UFC 235 event in Las Vegas.
Ben Askren will enter his bout with “Ruthless” on March 2 sporting a perfect professional record of 18-0.
Although Askren has found major success in other promotions, “The Eagle” wants to see him perform inside the octagon before casting any judgement.
“He never fight in the UFC,” Khabib Nurmagomedov told Submission Radio of Askren. “He has to fight in the UFC first of all. He has to show his levels because I see how someone smash him in ONE FC. Somebody like smashed him in ONE FC. He just signed to the UFC and tried talk, you know. But now everybody tries to talk and promote these things, but you have to compete in the UFC, then we’re gonna see his levels.”
Those comments from the undefeated UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, did not sit well with Ben Askren.
“Funky” responded to the Russian standout earlier today on Twitter.
“Just heard what @TeamKhabib said, he will find his levels when he can’t get off his back and I am big brothering him. Will fight him for 165lb title in October/November of this year.” – Ben Askren
A fight between Nurmagomedov and Askren could very well determine who is the best grappler in mixed martial arts today.
Do you think we will eventually see a 165-pound contest between “Funky” and “The Eagle” as Askren suggests? Sound off in the comments section PENN Nation!