Jake Paul Set To Face Ben Askren In Boxing Match

Ben Askren- most well known for getting "baptized" by "Street Jesus" Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239- is now set to face YouTube personality Jake Paul in a sanctioned boxing match. Although Askren announced his retirement from mixed martial arts in November 2019, he is still technically under UFC contract. UFC president Dana White has granted permission for Askren to compete in the bout, and it is official.

This boxing/MMA crossover fight follows in the footsteps of "The Money Fight" between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor. However, in McGregor's case, his primary discipline was in boxing and he is primarily considered a stand-up fighter. While Ben Askren is a decorated competitor in the sport of MMA- having won titles in Bellator and ONE Championship- he is regarded for his wrestling background. His striking is considered low-level for someone at such a high level in the UFC, and the 5 second KO loss to Masvidal- via flying knee- has reached legendary meme status.

The boxing match will be promoted by Triller, the same company that promoted the Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. exhibition fight. In the co-main event, Jake Paul defeated NBA star Nate Robinson via a brutal 2nd round KO. The Askren vs. Paul fight is scheduled for March 28, 2021.

By Mick Robson