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JAKE PAUL VS. BEN ASKREN: PREDICTIONS FROM THOSE IN THE FIGHT GAME

You’d assume that a former UFC fighter going toe-to-toe with a YouTuber should be a rather one-sided affair. However, it seems that Jake Paul vs Ben Askren is leaving the punters torn with nobody knowing what to expect from the bout. It will be Paul’s third professional fight after knocking out British YouTuber AnEsonGib and ex-NBA star Nate Robinson, whilst Askren, who is better known for his wrestling and grappling technique, boasts a 19-2 record in MMA, where he was also the welterweight champion in Bellator and ONE. 

Most will find it rather bizarre that Paul, who has over 20 million subscribers on YouTube, is the slight favourite at 4/5 in the Jake Paul vs Ben Askren betting with the former UFC man just behind at 10/11. So, as it seems it’s impossible to make a prediction ahead of the April 17th bout. Let’s see what those in the fight game have had to say. 

Demetrious Johnson

Demetrious Johnson, who is a former UFC flyweight champion that now competes in ONE, is backing Paul to get the win over Askren. ‘Mighty Mouse’, as the 34-year-old is known, believes that Paul is going bring the fight to the 36-year-old and potentially even knockout Askren. 

“I think it’s going to be a great fight,” Johnson said. I think Jake is going to give it to him. I feel like he’s more crisper on the fight, even though he’s never been a champion. He’s displayed he has knockout power. I’m looking forward to the fight, I’m excited about it.”

Firas Zahabi

Firas Zahabi, who is the head coach at Tri-Star Gym and has trained some top fighters, including George St-Pierre and Kevin Lee, doesn’t agree with Johnson’s prediction. He thinks that it’s going to be a ‘mauling’ and that Askren doesn’t care if he gets disqualified from the bout.    

“He’ll throw him on the floor, ragdoll him. Maybe even picks up and slams Jake Paul once or twice. It would not surprise me,” Zahabi said on his YouTube channel. “Askren probably doesn’t have a clause where if he gets disqualified, he doesn’t get paid. In my opinion, Ben Askren doesn’t care if he gets disqualified.

“He’s going to pull on his head, step on his feet — shove him so he’s off balance, and it’s going to be a mauling.”

Joe Rogan

On his popular podcast, UFC commentator Joe Rogan revealed that he believes Paul will win. The 53-year-old has sided with the YouTuber because he thinks Askren won’t be able to utilise what he is best at – and that’s wrestling.  

“He’s very good at utilizing his superior wrestling knowledge, positions, and techniques,” Rogan said. “He’s strong as f**k, he knows how to get a hold of guys, and drag them to the ground. He won’t be able to do that. His main thing will be out.”

Dana White

It’s no secret that Dana White isn’t exactly the biggest fan of Jake Paul (or his brother Logan for that matter). So, it’s no surprise that the UFC president is backing his former fighter Askren. Speaking on “Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson”, White said: “Let’s be honest, Jake Paul isn’t a f*cking boxer. This guy’s a f*cking YouTube kid.

“He’s going to fight a wrestler,” he added. “A real good wrestler, decorated wrestler, but he’s actually fought real guys. He’s been a world champion in other organisations. I hope you can bet on this thing, because I’ll bet a million dollars that he loses this f*cking fight.”

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