Weeks worth of trashtalking and buildup leading to UFC 239's welterweight matchup between Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren ended in just five seconds - which was more than enough time for Masvidal to provide closure.
Masvidal (34-13) set a UFC record with a flying knee that knocked Ben Askren (19-1, 1 NC) just five seconds into the first round of their fight on Saturday night. Starting the bout with his hands behind his back, Masvidal quickly sprinted across the cage and attempted a flying knee that connected with Askren's head, knocking him out immediately.
Askren fell to the canvas unconcious but Masvidal — perhaps with some pent-up frustration — managed to dive on top and land some additional blows to Askren's head before the ref jumped in. The follow-up strikes seemed a bit unnecessary as Askren was already out cold.
After the ref had called it, Masvidal fell to his knees and pounded the mat next to Askren's head, jawing at the unconcious fighter.
"I really wanted to beat his a** for 14 minutes and 55 seconds but it didn't happen," Masvidal said. "Whatever. I don't have anything nice to say about Ben Askren so my mother said if you don't than not to say anything at all."
"He's a bum. That dude was talking wild, man. I had to show him that there's consequences sometimes. There's some bad motherf****ers out there, you don't want to wake them up," Masvidal continued. "You guys are welcome for ending that dude."
A veteran fighter, Jorge Masvidal has been red-hot of late. Prior to his record-setting KO at UFC 239, he had knocked out Darren Till back in March. He now has his eyes set on Kamaru Uasman for the title.
"I'm coming for that belt. I don't know who I am fighting next or whatnot, but after 16 years in this sport, it's time," Masvidal said.
This was Ben Askren's second fight in the UFC. He scored a controversial TKO win over Robbie Lawler in his debut in March. The 34-year-old needed extended tim to regain consciousness in the cage, and needed significant help walking back to the locker room area.
Masvidal's 5-second KO of Ben Askren is the fastest knockout in UFC history. The previous record belonged to Duane Ludwig with a 6-second KO.