Could Ben Askren make a UFC return soon?
Last year, the former Bellator and ONE Welterweight Champion officially retired from MMA. While Askren only had three fights in his UFC career, the 36-year-old competed professionally since 2009 and mainly saw his success under the Bellator MMA and ONE Championship banner. Askren actually came into the promotion with a record of 19 – 0; however, his losses to Jorge Masvidal and Damian Maia changed that. Askren stated that he's been dealing with hip issues over the last several years and was in need of a hip replacement, which ended his career.
However, like many men and women who retire from MMA, Askren is willing to step back into the octagon for one more bout; however, it has to be for the right price (Transcript courtesy of MMA Fighting):
“So here’s the deal: I would never make like full-fledge, ‘Hey, I’m gonna go fight, I’m gonna chase the title,’” Askren said on his podcast. “But I love combat. I enjoy wrestling. I enjoy fighting. So yeah, if someone said, ‘Here’s some money, go fight one time. Here’s the right opponent, let’s have some fun.’ I probably would, you know?”
While Askren never states who he wants to fight upon his return, the 36-year-old teases that he could make his comeback in a year:
“I feel like I’m gonna have to do something to make sure I don’t get too heavy,” Askren said. “So I’m gonna have to compete in some way, shape, or form, might as well get paid for it. So I don’t see why not. And obviously, I’ve told you the UFC has expressed interest in giving me another fight but dude, my hip is so bad. So yeah, in a year or so.”
Despite not having the best UFC record, Askren did manage to beat former UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 235. The retired star’s professional score currently sits at 19 wins and 2 losses.