Jorge Masvidal & Ben Askren Reignite Heated Rivalry, Boxing & MMA Bouts Pitched

Masvidal and Askren are keeping their beef alive.

Fernando Quiles Jr. | Jul 25, 2023

Jorge Masvidal & Ben Askren Reignite Heated Rivalry, Boxing & MMA Bouts Pitched /

Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren remain at odds.

Fight fans haven't forgotten the knee that sent Masvidal into superstardom. "Gamebred" and Askren had a grudge match going into UFC 239 back in July 2019. Both men engaged in some heated words prior to the fight.

Before the bout began, Masvidal put his hands behind his back. The moment referee Jason Herzog started the fight, Masvidal ran at Askren and connected with a flying knee. Askren was knocked out in just five seconds.

Jorge Masvidal taunts Ben Askren after knocking him out in five seconds at UFC 239. — (via Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)

During an interview with TMZ Sports, Jorge Masvidal said he caught wind of Ben Askren calling for an MMA rematch. "Gamebred" countered with an offer for a boxing match.

"I heard Ben Askren said he'd come out of retirement to fight me," Masvidal said. "He wanted MMA, but for his sake, I'll do boxing so I can't knee him in the face, it's illegal. Duh, come on, man. Hey Ben, I beat your ass with both hands behind my back."

"Funky" responded to Masvidal on his Twitter account, and he made it clear that a boxing match is off the table.

No I’m not gonna box Jorge. If Jorge was really a BMF he will accept a rematch in MMA and not be a coward. https://t.co/d9UDZsEZ1h
— Funky (@Benaskren) July 25, 2023

I’ve kept in great shape during retirement. I have zero desire to fight anyone except that loser Jorge. pic.twitter.com/T5y4QI9GAZ
— Funky (@Benaskren) July 25, 2023

"No I’m not gonna box Jorge," Askren said. "If Jorge was really a BMF he will accept a rematch in MMA and not be a coward. I’ve kept in great shape during retirement. I have zero desire to fight anyone except that loser Jorge."

Time will tell if these two retired MMA fighters will mix it up again in some form of combat sports. In the whacky world of MMA, it's hard to disregard the possibility of Masvidal and Askren fighting each other again.

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Published Jul 25, 2023

FERNANDO QUILES JR.

Fernando has over a decade of combat sports news writing experience. He currently covers MMA, boxing, and pro wrestling. Fernando joined MMA Knockout as the Lead Writer/Editor when it was founded in 2023.