Of all the many odd things 2020 has given the world of combat sports, the rise of the Paul brothers from YouTube sensations to combat sports mainstays is perhaps the most unexpected. Prior to this year, both brothers dabbled in celebrity boxing matches now they have seemingly decided to go all in on boxing, with Logan set to box Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition match and now, Jake Paul potentially facing former Bellator and ONE Championship champion Ben Askren early next year.
In November, Jake Paul knocked out Nate Robinson in the co-main event of the highly anticipated Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. exhibition match. Following his victory, the younger Paul brother called out a number of MMA fighters, saying he wanted to bring MMA fighters into the boxing arena to test himself against. Among the fighters Paul called out were Ben Askren, Dillon Danis, and Conor McGregor, and now Askren has seemingly accepted his terms.
Posting a video to his social media, Askren accepted a boxing with Paul for March of 2021, saying he is going “to humble” the outspoken YouTuber.
Yes @jakepaul I accept. See you March 28. pic.twitter.com/eJ6EUXwTwT
— Funky (@Benaskren) December 23, 2020
“Yes, Mr. Jake Paul, I do accept,” Askren said. “I know you called me out after your last fight against that bum Nate Robinson, and listen, it’s a pretty simple choice. I’m going to make a whole bunch of money to beat up a guy who is pretending to be an athlete. Because at the end of the day, that’s what you’re doing. And I know you may think I don’t have too many standup skills, but also at the end of the day, I don’t really need to.
“I’m a world-class athlete. I’ve won NCAA titles. I’ve been in the Olympics. I’ve won belts in multiple mixed martial arts organizations, and quite frankly, I am impressed that you’ve deluded yourself into thinking you are actually a fighter! That you are really tough, that you can really box. It’s quite impressive that beating up another YouTuber and beating up a boxer who looked like he had never been in the ring before makes you somehow good at boxing, because it doesn’t. So yes, Jake, I accept. I will see you March 28 in Los Angeles, and I will humble you like millions of people want to see happen.”
Following a three-fight run in the UFC, Ben Askren retired from MMA in 2019, citing the need for a hip replacement and a lack of desire to compete in the sport if he couldn’t be the best. But after having surgery on his ailing hip, Askren became open to the possibility of a return to competition, not on a full-time basis, but for one-off fights, if the money was right. And it seems that the prospect of boxing a novice boxer for a tremendous amount of money fits that target nicely.
Though the bout is not official yet, it appears that Paul and Askren are planning to face each other on March 28th, put on by Triller, the company that promoted Paul’s last bout against Nate Robinson.
TOP STORIES
Big news. UFC targeting ABC broadcast debut with UFC Fight Island 7.
Return. Dana White announces UFC 257, first three events of 2021 to take place on Fight Island.
Free agent. Anthony Pettis announces he’s a free agent after parting ways with UFC.
Concern. Michael Bisping concerned for ‘rapid decline’ of Tony Ferguson.
VIDEO STEW
Between the Links.
UFC’s Event of the Year nominees.
Best commentator reactions.
Bellator’s top submissions in 2020.
Nate Diaz recapping 2020 quarantine.
Cowboy’s BJJ training for RDA.
LISTEN UP
Fights Gone By. Discussing UFC Vegas 17..
The Bash. Giving out year-end awards for 2020.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
FWIW.
. @jakepaul doesn’t trust many in the media to spread the word…. I’m was told “Ben then Dillion.” pic.twitter.com/evn9WdznoA
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) December 22, 2020
The feud continues.
Congrats, I heard you did will since there’s no punches involved. See you soon https://t.co/Ysy4W4o9Tg
— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) December 23, 2020
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 23, 2020
And now Bisping and Deron Winn are feuding.
Hey @bisping you got jokes huh? Put your money where your mouth is. I’ll take you down 13 times in 15 minutes. I got 2k cash on it. We can do it at @SFStateWrestle room so Callum can comfort you after I whoop you like you stole something. Might take him down after for fun
— Deron Winn (@DeronWinn) December 22, 2020
Bro, only 13 times in 15 minutes? Mate I’m old, retired, no knees and half blind. Come on, don’t sell yourself Short, Big guy. https://t.co/3swhU4XQfI
— michael (@bisping) December 22, 2020
I’ll bring the WD 40 lmao https://t.co/iSEnHzx17d
— Deron Winn (@DeronWinn) December 22, 2020
Good guy Charles Oliveira.
During this pandemic, y’all know several families struggled. Today, I had the opportunity of donating food to the Prainha community. If you can, please help those who need help.
Small efforts can generate huge impacts. Give a try#espnplus #UFC pic.twitter.com/D5X8LXc9PV— Charles Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) December 23, 2020
Tony on some UFC 256 controversy.
Also, Tony on the importance of stretching.
TUF Times Test The Best ⛄️ Don’t Break Have Faith Keep Smiling & Working Hard Crew -Champ ⚔️ # Seasons Beatings -Team El Cucuy- CSO @espnmma Remember-2-Stretch!!! ♂️ hashtag # ohshit pic.twitter.com/EeeWUrq9jk
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) December 23, 2020
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Michael Chiesa (16-4) vs. Neil Magny (24-7); UFC Fight Night, Jan. 20.
Mike Jackson (1-1) vs. Dean Barry (3-1); UFC Fight Night, Jan. 20.
Emily Whitmire (4-4) vs. Hannah Cifers (10-7); UFC Fight Night, Feb. 27.
Montana De La Rosa (11-6) vs. Mayra Bueno Silva (7-1); UFC Fight Night, Feb. 27.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Thanks for reading, everyone. Given the holidays, this will be the final Morning Report of the week. We’ll be back, per usual, next week. Until then, stay safe and happy holidays!
EXIT POLL
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