In a turn of events that underscores the complex dynamic of combat sports, former UFC rivals Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren find themselves linked once more, not by upcoming competition, but by a shared moment of humanity. Years after their famously brief, yet explosive, encounter in the octagon, Masvidal has publicly extended support and well wishes to Askren, who is currently navigating significant health challenges.
The history between Masvidal and Askren is etched into MMA lore, defined almost entirely by a mere five seconds at UFC 239 in July 2019. Askren, an undefeated and decorated wrestler, faced Masvidal, a respected veteran looking for a signature win. The build-up was rife with heated exchanges and genuine animosity. The fight itself ended abruptly and spectacularly with Masvidal landing a flying knee knockout just seconds into the first round – a record that still stands as the fastest finish in UFC history. The aftermath saw Masvidal add insult to injury, cementing his `Gamebred` persona and propelling him into superstardom.
Fast forward to the present, and the landscape has shifted. Both fighters have retired from active mixed martial arts competition. However, news recently surfaced that Ben Askren is facing serious health issues, reportedly battling double pneumonia and sharing updates with fans about his difficult recovery. It is against this backdrop that Jorge Masvidal chose to speak out, putting aside the bitter rivalry that once defined their professional relationship.
Masvidal`s message, shared publicly, conveyed genuine concern and respect. Addressing Askren directly, he offered prayers and acknowledged the intense rivalry they once shared. Strikingly, Masvidal praised Askren`s resilience, calling him a “warrior” and expressing that Askren`s current struggle has provided him with inspiration. The fighter known for his street-fighting roots voiced a desire to meet Askren upon his return to the United States, offering to shake his hand and even pray with him – a gesture aimed, perhaps, at truly burying the hatchet after years of lingering tension fueled by that unforgettable five-second sequence.
This unexpected outreach from Masvidal to Askren highlights a facet of combat sports that often goes unseen amidst the fierce competition: the underlying respect that can exist between athletes who have tested themselves against one another at the highest level. While the knockout was swift and brutal, the human element persists beyond the cage. Masvidal`s recognition of Askren`s battle outside the sport, acknowledging his strength in the face of adversity, transcends the win/loss record and the highlight reel moment.
As Ben Askren continues his path to recovery, Jorge Masvidal`s public show of support stands as a notable moment, demonstrating that even the most heated rivalries can, in time, yield to empathy and respect. The potential future meeting between the two, should Askren`s health allow, would undoubtedly mark a poignant chapter in the post-fighting lives of these two memorable personalities.
