The year-old has been at the center of debate throughout his career. Askren has fought some tough competition -- including Douglas Lima and Andrey Koreshkov -- but until now, the question of how he would fare against the UFC's roster has been left to speculation. Should the deal become official and Askren finally makes his Octagon debut, whom should he fight first? Here are the top three options:. Georges St-Pierre.
Honestly, my list kind of starts and ends right here. This wouldn't be the only option for Askren there are plenty of good ones , but it would be the perfect one. Askren sort of has the reputation of a trash-talker, but that's not the best way to describe him. He's not one to spout off one-liners, but he has a sense of humor and is unapologetically direct.
He has a lot of respect for St-Pierre and he wouldn't stick his finger in his chest like Michael Bisping did a year ago, but Askren would not overly respect him. He would be genuinely confident going in, and that would come across in any prefight interactions. Would St-Pierre take this fight? Earlier this year, he basically said he would not, because Askren's stock isn't high enough. He's too much of an unknown. But one could argue that Askren's stock might never be higher than it is right now.
There's value in the unknown. There's value in this: undefeated American champion, who fought overseas the last five years but the UFC has orchestrated a historical trade for, parting ways with the great Demetrious Johnson, just so fans can see him face Georges St-Pierre in the Octagon. Hey GeorgesStPierre please name your terms of engagement!!!
Who would you like me to beat up or how many twitter followers would you like me to have. You name it's done. Then I'll see you in Montreal. But GeorgesStPierre please be specific, ambiguity sucks. I know you like a challenge and I am a puzzle you have never solved yet. Tyron Woodley. Askren and Woodley, the UFC's welterweight champion, happen to be teammates and friends.
