Jorge Masvidal Blasts 'Groupie' Ben Askren For Not Rematching Lawler

Jorge Masvidal makes his long-awaited return to the Octagon this weekend when he headlines UFC London against Darren Till. Masvidal hasn’t fought since his unanimous decision loss to Stephen Thompson back at UFC 217, his second loss in a row.

The 34-year-old is one of the many UFC welterweights called out by promotional newcomer Ben Askren, who has said he wants the winner of this weekend’s main event after his submission win over Robbie Lawler at UFC 235 earlier this month. “Gamebred” blasted Askren for the way he has conducted himself in the light of his controversial submission over Lawler:

“He’s a little groupie, man,” Masvidal told MMAjunkie . “He’s calling my name. Who are you? Herb Dean gifted you a win, and you’re calling people out? Give Robbie Lawler the respect you owe.

“As a man, as a fighter, having pride in what I do, I choke somebody out, or I think choke them out, but when I see the replay and see the guy put the thumbs up, in my head, I would say, ‘Man, I didn’t choke this guy out,’” Masvidal added. “And as a man, having pride, I would say, ‘Let’s do it again,’ especially after he [expletive] decapitated me on the slam, busted up my face. ‘Let’s do it again,’ because I definitely didn’t choke you out. Because I’ve never seen nobody go to sleep like this. That’s the first.

“But that’s how much of a weasel and coward he is,” Masvidal continued. “No, no, I’m gone already. I wouldn’t dare repeat that route again. That just shows you his character. He’s a [expletive].”

While Lawler and UFC President Dana White have both said they would prefer a rematch of the controversial fight, Askren has stated that he’s not interested and is looking for a new opponent for his next fight.