Masvidal rips ‘coward’ Askren for refusing Lawler rematch

Bloodyelbow.com

Ben Askren’s UFC debut at UFC 235 was clouded with controversy. After picking up a submission win from a disputed stoppage call by referee Herb Dean, the undefeated welterweight called for the winner of UFC London’s headliner between Jorge Masvidal and Darren Till for his next fight.

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This callout from Askren did not sit too well with Masvidal, who spoke with MMAjunkie in a pre-fight interview.

“He’s a little groupie, man,” Masvidal said of Askren. “He’s calling my name. Who are you? Herb Dean gifted you a win and you’re calling people out? Give Robbie Lawler the respect you owe.”

Askren has been candid about his refusal to face Lawler in a rematch, which Masvidal also had something to say about.

“As a man, as a fighter, having pride in what I do, I choke somebody out, or I think choke them out, but when I see the replay and see the guy put the thumbs up, in my head, I would say, ‘Man, I didn’t choke this guy out,’” he said. “And as a man, having pride, I would say, ‘Let’s do it again,’ especially after he f—ng decapitated me on the slam, busted up my face. ‘Let’s go it again,’ because I definitely didn’t choke you out. Because I’ve never seen nobody go to sleep like this. That’s the first.

“But that’s how much of a weasel and coward he is. No, no, I’m gone already. I wouldn’t dare repeat that route again. That just shows you his character. He’s a b-tch.”

Askren said he will be sitting cage side at UFC London, which takes place this Saturday at the O2 Arena. It will be co-headlined by another welterweight matchup between Leon Edwards and Gunnar Nelson.