The social media spat between Ben Askren and Khabib Nurmagomedov is not going to settle anytime soon.
Ben Askren will debut in the Octagon on March 2 against Robbie Lawler at UFC 235. Lately, Askren has been picking fights at random from the UFC’s roster via social media. Most recently, he targeted Khabib Nurmagomedov, the promotion’s undefeated lightweight champion.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has responded to Askren’s remarks on a video posted by Submission Radio. Askren, who is a former Bellator and ONE titleholder, did not seem to impress Nurmagomedov very much.
Nurmagomedov said,
“Ben Askren never fight in the UFC. He has to fight in the UFC first of all. He has to show his levels, because I see how someone smash him in ONE FC. Somebody like smashed him in ONE FC. He just signed to the UFC and tried talk, you know.”
In that same interview, Nurmagomedov continued,
“But now everybody tries to talk and promote these things, but you have to compete in the UFC, then we’re gonna see his levels.”
Across his 10-year MMA career, Askren established himself as one of the most talented fighters outside of the UFC. With an Olympic wrestling background, Askren (18-0, 1 NC) secured wins over great names like Douglas Lima, Shinya Aoki, and Andrey Koreshkov. These wins helped him boost his profile as a fighter.
Askren is under UFC contract now and is preparing for a massive 2019 campaign. As such, Askren was keen to responded to Nurmagomedov (27-0). Soon after the video was posted, Askren challenged The Eagle to a fight for the lightweight championship later this year.
Just heard what @TeamKhabib said, he will find his levels when he can’t get off his back and I am big brothering him. Will fight him@for 165lb title in October/November of this year.
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) January 26, 2019
