UFC 239 Main Card Preview And Predictions
3. Jorge Masvidal (33-13) Vs. Ben Askren 19-0 (1)
Jorge Masvidal against Ben Askren is your classic striker versus grappler matchup.
Askren is a former Olympic wrestler who previously held the Bellator Welterweight Championship. He has yet to taste defeat as a professional mixed martial artist and has established himself as one of the sport's premier trash talkers.
Jorge 'Gamebred' Masvidal is battle-tested MMA veteran who has fought the best of the best. His recent upset victory over Darren Till has put him back on the Welterweight map and win over Askren would put him on the shortlist of title contenders at welterweight.
The outcome of this fight will depend on whether or not Askren is able to take Masvidal down and keep him there. If 'Gamebred's' takedown defense isn't up to snuff, this could be a very one-sided fight.
That being said, Masvidal is sporting a solid 77% takedown defense over the course of his UFC career and has likely made it a major focal point of his training camp. Moreover, based on what we've seen from both men, Askren appears to be at a major disadvantage in the striking department. If this turns into a boxing match Masvidal should be able to easily get the W.
Askren may have a hard time getting Masivdal to respect his striking enough to set up his takedowns, which means Masvidal will get the opportunity to land the shots he needs to in order to pull off the upset.
The Pick: Masvidal via 2nd round TKO.