Outside Source
Masvidal and Askren were once rivals in the Octagon. | Getty/UFC
Jorge Masvidal once made Ben Askren a part of his personal highlight reel, but now “Gamebred” has nothing but praise and admiration for his former opponent.
Askren is on the road to recovery after recently undergoing surgery for a double lung transplant. After being hospitalized with pneumonia and fighting for his life on a ventilator, the UFC veteran has progressed to a point where he’s been able to provide updates from his hospital bed.
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Masvidal and Askren squared off at UFC 239 in July 2019, when “Gamebred” was propelled to superstardom with a five-second flying knee knockout of the former Olympian. Now, however, Masvidal is one of many in the MMA community that is pulling for Askren.
“What’s up, my brother?,” Masvidal said in a video on Instagram. “I know we were rivals in the ring. I just want to say, God bless you. And when I get back in America, if I can come shake your hand, brother, and just say a prayer with you, it will be amazing, man.”
Masvidal to Askren: ‘I Know You’re Going to Pull Through
Masvidal, whose last UFC appearance came in April 2023, says he has drawn inspiration from Askren’s story.
“I know you’re going to pull through this because you’re a f—ing warrior, brother,” Masvidal said. “God bless. Your story is crazy inspirational what you’re going through right now. God bless you, and I’m hoping to get back and just be able to shake your hand. I hope all is well, brother.”
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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