Askren ‘Made A Bad Decision’ At UFC Singapore And Paid For It

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ben Askren came up considerably short earlier today (Sat., Oct. 26, 2019) at UFC Fight Night 162 live on ESPN+ from inside Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore, when he lost his main event bid to welterweight veteran Demian Maia via third-round submission (see it again HERE).

Askren, who was coming off a historic five-second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal back in July, was hoping to parlay a victory over Maia into a meaningful 170-pound bout early into 2020. Unfortunately for “Funky,” Maia’s submission prowess proved too much for the wrestler’s takedowns and top pressure.

“There’s a reason why he’s the best grappler in the division, possibly in MMA history,” said Askren backstage after his loss to Maia (shown above courtesy of UFC).

Remember, Askren had stated before UFC Singapore that his main event clash with Maia was for the “best grappler in mixed martial arts.” Few argued with that statement considering Askren is a former collegiate wrestling champion and Maia may be the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner to ever cross over into the cage.

This was a crushing defeat for Askren to say the least, especially considering he’s been trying to lock down a UFC title shot since the promotion traded Demetrious Johnson for him last year. The 35-year-old burst onto the UFC scene with a controversial submission win over Robbie Lawler in his debut, but has now dropped two in a row inside of the Octagon.

Askren is one of the most open and honest fighters in MMA today and wasted little time taking to Twitter to explain his UFC Singapore loss.

“Made a bad decision and I failed,” wrote Askren via Twitter. “Sorry to everyone who I let down.

As of now, fight fans are unsure what Askren is planning to do next. With two-straight losses under his belt it’s going to take one hell of an effort in 2020 to work his way back into title consideration. And if a formerly-retired fighter like “Funky” isn’t in the mix to challenge for a UFC title then maybe it’s time to hang it up.

For complete UFC Singapore results and coverage click here.