Ben Askren, the retired fighter and Olympic wrestler, recently clarified his stance amid confusion regarding his remarks about fighters crossing over between <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/”>MMA and boxing. Contrary to widespread speculation tying his comments to Jake Paul, Askren made clear that his frustrations were aimed at Conor Benn amidst the ongoing buzz surrounding the Ilia Topuria boxing challenge. Askren highlighted that the current debate involves Benn’s public calls for <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC fighters to step into a boxing ring rather than engage in MMA fights.
Initially, a post from Askren sparked rumors of reigniting tensions with Paul when he said,
These boxers only want to box MMA fighters…. If they had real courage, they would offer to fight an actual MMA bout.
The absence of specifics led many to believe he was targeting Paul, with whom he previously fought in a 2021 boxing match that ended in a first-round knockout. However, Askren quickly dispelled this notion by clarifying,
This is about Conor Benn’s comment, not @jakepaul,
redirecting the focus to Benn’s recent assertions.
Conor Benn’s Provocative Challenge Toward UFC Fighters
Conor Benn, known for his former reign as WBA Continental welterweight champion, openly challenged UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria to a boxing match. He expressed a willingness to compete in bare-knuckle boxing but firmly rejected the prospect of an MMA bout. Benn declared,
Whoever these UFC fighters want to come over to boxing. Dangerous game. If you fancy somebody, come and get it … Sign me up; I’ll fight anybody. Bareknuckle.
He further specifically called out Topuria:
Anybody who wants to come over from the UFC. Ilia [Topuria], I’ve got these hands, brother.
Benn’s statements echoed a familiar concern voiced by Askren, criticizing some boxers for issuing challenges to MMA athletes without any intent of competing under mixed martial arts rules. This pattern, according to Askren, diminishes the legitimacy of crossover fights and creates uneven matchups that fail to fairly test the fighters’ abilities.
Ben Askren’s Perspective on Crossover Fight Integrity
Now recovering from a double-lung transplant, Ben Askren stressed the importance of fairness in crossover bouts rather than avoiding such contests altogether. His experience observing similar dynamics during his fight and public disagreement with Jake Paul informs his stance. Askren’s priority remains ensuring that fighters engage under conditions that truly reflect their expertise, rather than pursuing one-sided victories through selective fight rules.
Despite past friction, Askren emphasized that his comments are not directed toward Jake Paul, who had been unexpectedly supportive during Askren’s severe medical crisis. This support contrasted with former rivalries and showed a newfound respect between the two.
The Changed Relationship Between Ben Askren and Jake Paul
The evolution of Ben Askren’s relationship with Jake Paul illustrates how adversity can reshape rivalries. Their history once featured a contentious boxing match in 2021, but recent events fostered mutual respect. When Askren’s health rapidly declined in June due to pneumonia and a staph infection, leading to a medically induced coma and multiple instances of clinical death, Paul stepped forward quietly with substantial assistance.
Paul reportedly made a $500,000 donation to help fund Askren’s double-lung transplant, acting without publicity. The gesture surprised many and earned praise from fellow fighters such as Amanda Serrano. For Askren, this act signaled a deeper bond beyond past competition, showing that genuine support can transcend former conflicts.
Alongside the financial aid, Paul sent a personal message wishing Askren strength during his recovery, sharing sentiments similar to those expressed by another former opponent, Jorge Masvidal. Askren has acknowledged receiving only encouraging messages during this challenging period.
The Implications of Benn’s Challenge in the Fight World
Conor Benn’s public challenge to Ilia Topuria and other MMA fighters has reignited a broader conversation about the legitimacy and competitiveness of crossover fights. Benn’s insistence on boxing-only matches while dismissing MMA bouts raises questions about the willingness of some boxers to face true mixed martial arts competition. Askren’s criticism points to concerns that such selective challenges undermine the spirit of combat sports and the integrity of fighter matchups.
With Askren’s clarification and Benn’s continued provocations, the Ilia Topuria boxing challenge remains a focal point in discussions about the evolving boundaries between boxing and MMA. The situation highlights ongoing tensions as fighters navigate rivalry, respect, and the demand for fair competition across disciplines.