Ben Askren vs. Demian Maia to Main Event UFC Singapore

Askren will be trying to get back on track after suffering his first professional loss to Jorge Masvidal in 5 seconds at UFC 239 via a flying knee. Askren has been highly criticized by fighters and fans alike for his performance not just in his fight against Masvidal, but in his victory over Robbie Lawler at UFC 235. Askren is a former NCAA Division 1 and Olympic Freestyle wrestler. But even Askren will have his hands full against one of the most prolific BJJ practitioners in Demian Maia.

Maia comes into this fight on a two-fight winning streak after losing in May of 2018 to current UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman via unanimous decision. Maia has put together a string of dominant performances since that fight. He will be looking to get back into title contention and a possible 3rd shot at UFC gold.

This fight has the chance to be a great grappling exhibition just based on the backgrounds and pedigrees that these fighters bring. Askren has fought a dominant striker (Lawler) and a well rounded fighter (Masvidal). Now Askren will fight an elite grappler and submission expert in Maia. There are a lot of implications in this fight for both men. Can Demian Maia prove that he is a title contender, and can Ben Askren prove that he actually does belong in the UFC?