Dana White Confirms UFC is Working on Ben Askren vs. Jorge Masvidal Matchup

Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White had been adamant that he wanted to see a rematch between Ben Askren and Robbie Lawler, but it appears he has a different matchup in mind now.

Promotional newcomer Askren defeated former welterweight champ Lawler at UFC 235, but not without controversy, as referee Herb Dean stopped the fight prematurely, deeming that Lawler had lost consciousness after “Funky” put him in a bulldog choke.

Both Lawler and White have said a rematch should happen, but Askren has remained adamant that he is looking for a new opponent for his next fight. Now it seems White has changed his mind and wants Askren to fight Jorge Masvidal after the Miami native’s impressive stoppage of Darren Till at UFC London earlier this month.

White appeared on a recent episode of UFC Unfiltered and said the promotion is now looking at a bout between Askren and Masvidal for a potential No. 1 contender spot. White expressed his disinclination to match Masvidal with Leon Edwards, who was victorious that same night and got into an altercation with Masvidal backstage afterwards, claiming that while it might be a good fit due to the personal animosity involved, it did not make competitive sense for either fighter.

“Masvidal’s ranked No. 5 right now, Edwards is No. 10. So we are working on something for Masvidal and Edwards, but not each other,” White said. “We’re actually talking about Ben Askren vs. Masvidal right now.”

After White made the announcement, Askren immediately took to Twitter to encourage Masvidal to sign the contract (transcription via BJPenn.com):

“Here’s the deal, Dana came out and said this morning they’re looking to do me and Masvidal,” Askren said in a video. “I heard that. I said yes last week. It didn’t take me more than 10 seconds to say, ‘Of course, Jorge. Let’s do this. You think you’re a gangster.

“Well, now I’m starting to hear he’s getting cold feet, he doesn’t want to do it, he doesn’t want to fight because he’s scared. Jorge! Just tell the people. Are you scared? If you’re scared, I will move on to somebody else. If you’re not scared, June 8, Chicago. I’m free, you’re free, let’s do this.”

Askren decided to sweeten the deal by claiming the winner of the fight would potentially get a chance to fight for the title later on in the year.

“It’s really simple,” Askren said. “The winner’s probably going to get a title shot, Jorge, so there’s quite a bit on the line and I think it would be in your best interest to stop being a chicken and just. Say. Yes.”