Jorge Masvidal thinks that Ben Askren shouldn't have retired so soon and thinks that two losses is 'no big deal' for the former ONE welterweight champion.
Askren was like a shooting star in UFC, turning up for three exciting fights before retiring just seven months after making his debut in the promotion.
The former ONE champion followed up his debut win against Robbie Lawler with a record breaking loss to Jorge Masvidal and finally ending with only his second career loss, this time to Demian Maia.
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Speaking to Yahoo Sports, Askren's first victor revealed he didn't think 'Funky' should have called it a day, "It's not bad though, second fight in the UFC he breaks a record, we've gotta give the guy some applause," Masvidal joked.
"He brings in his own crowd, - he was a stand-out in wrestling, especially collegiate wrestling, so he did have a fan base. He did some things over at Bellator and on One FC [One Championship]. So he did have a crowd that he brought over with him to the sport, a different type of crowd.
"But what I don't like is we're fighters. We're supposed to fight, man. You got two losses, it's no big deal my brother. Get back on the high horse, get to work and figure it out, man."
Askren's fight with 'Gamebred' lasted just five seconds officially, the quickest KO in the history of the promotion, and the now retired fighter followed up that defeat with the loss to Maia.
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The Brazilian tapped out his opponent in the third round before the losers retirement, due to a hip injury, Masvidal accepted that he didn't know the extent of the injury, adding, "I've heard he has hip issues and stuff so I can't comment on how bad his body is holding up or not.
"But as far as fighting goes, two losses can't discourage you if you're a fighter."
Since beating Askren, Californian Masvidal has become one of the biggest names in the sport and has gone on to beat Nate Diaz at UFC 244 for the BMF title.
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The 35-year-old could have an even bigger 2020 ahead, after an incredible 2019 that saw him beat Darren Till before his next two wins, and there could even be a switch to boxing.
Gamebred has called out Saul Canelo Alvarez and the Mexican has even replied, saying, "It's not a challenge for me, so it's not my priority."
Who do you think Masvidal should fight next?
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal, Ben Askren, BMF Title, UFC News, MMA News, UFC 244, UFC, MMA