Retired UFC record-holder Ben Askren has responded to the recent comments made by Paige VanZant, who dismissed his credentials as a fighter.
VanZant, who is set to make her boxing debut, made the controversial remarks while discussing her upcoming fight with fellow social media sensation Elle Brooke.
VanZant's comments came in response to a question about her transition to boxing and the examples of other MMA fighters who have made similar crossovers.
When asked about fighters like Dillon Danis and Ben Askren, who both ventured into boxing, VanZant was quick to dismiss their credentials as fighters.
"Dillon Danis is not a fighter," VanZant stated. "He's not a fair comparison. Give me some other examples of MMA fighters... [Ben Askren's] not a fighter, that's a tough one because he is a wrestler."
The comments did not sit well with either Danis or Askren. Danis, who holds a 2-0 record under the Bellator MMA banner, took to social media to respond to VanZant's remarks.
Askren, on the other hand, chose to address the issue with a more measured response.
"It really wasn’t worth my response," Askren said of VanZant's controversial comments. "But I appreciate you reminding her that my career was significantly better than hers. I have a record that she can only dream of."
Askren's career in combat sports is indeed impressive. Prior to his ill-fated 5-second KO loss to Jorge Masvidal in 2019, Askren had enjoyed a successful career, holding championship belts in both Bellator MMA and ONE Championship.
He was the only fighter to achieve this feat, making it all the way to 19-0 as a pro before entering the UFC.
Despite the setbacks he faced later in his career, including a submission loss to Demian Maia and a defeat at the hands of Jake Paul in the boxing ring, Askren's accomplishments in combat sports cannot be overlooked.
His wrestling background and ground game prowess set him apart as a formidable competitor in the world of MMA.
The controversy surrounding VanZant's comments has sparked a debate about what it means to be a fighter.
While VanZant may have her own criteria for defining a fighter, it is clear that Askren's achievements in the sport speak for themselves.
His legacy as a dominant force in MMA, prior to his final losses, cannot be denied.
As VanZant prepares for her boxing debut, it remains to be seen how her comments will impact her standing in the MMA and combat sports community.
For Askren, who has retired from professional competition, the focus remains on his legacy and the impact he made during his time in the sport.
While the debate over what constitutes a true fighter continues, one thing is certain: Ben Askren's contributions to the world of combat sports are worthy of respect and recognition.
His accomplishments stand as a testament to his skill and dedication, and they serve as a reminder of the impact he had during his career.
As for VanZant, her foray into boxing presents an opportunity to showcase her skills in a new arena. Whether she can back up her words with actions inside the ring remains to be seen.
In the meantime, the debate sparked by her comments serves as a reminder of the diverse perspectives within the combat sports community.
In conclusion, Ben Askren's response to Paige VanZant's comments reflects the pride he takes in his career and the legacy he has left behind.
While VanZant may have dismissed his credentials as a fighter, Askren's achievements speak volumes about his impact on the sport of MMA. As the debate continues, it is important to recognize and respect the contributions of all athletes in the world of combat sports.
