Ben Askren vs. Jorge Masvidal is official for UFC 239

Though the bout has been in the works for a few weeks, as reported by MMAWeekly.com’s Damon Martin, Ben Askren vs. Jorge Masvidal is finally official for UFC 239, following an announcement by UFC officials.

While UFC president Dana White was initially lobbying for an immediate rematch between undefeated former Bellator and ONE champion Ben Askren and former UFC champion Robbie Lawler, both fighters quickly shifted into different bouts.

Lawler is set to face another former champion in Tyron Woodley at UFC on ESPN 4 on June 29 in Minneapolis, Minn. The two have met before with Woodley winning via knockout.

Masvidal is coming off a stunning second-round knockout against Darren Till in his last fight as he rocketed up the rankings after suffering losses in his two previous fights to Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Demian Maia.

Now Masvidal will attempt to hand Askren the first loss of his career when they meet in July.

This article first appeared at News – MMAWeekly.com