Masvidal Vs. Askren: Fight Time & Details

What's up, fight fans! You wanna know when Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren threw down? Well, you've come to the right place. The highly anticipated showdown between these two welterweight titans happened on July 6, 2019, at UFC 239 in Las Vegas. This wasn't just any fight; it was a clash of styles and personalities that had the MMA world buzzing. Masvidal, the street-fighting knockout artist, against Askren, the undefeated wrestling machine. Everyone was on the edge of their seats to see who would come out on top. The hype leading up to this fight was immense, with plenty of trash talk and bad blood simmering between the two. It was a classic case of the striker versus the grappler, and the result was nothing short of spectacular. So, let's dive into the details of this iconic fight and break down what made it so unforgettable. Get ready, because this one's a classic!

The Road to UFC 239: Masvidal vs. Askren

The journey to the Masvidal vs. Askren fight was a dramatic one, guys. Both fighters had built up significant momentum heading into UFC 239, but for very different reasons. Jorge Masvidal, a veteran of the fight game, was on a bit of a rollercoaster. He’d had some impressive wins but also faced tough losses. However, he was coming off a phenomenal performance where he knocked out the dangerous Darren Till in enemy territory in London. This win re-ignited his career and put him firmly back in the welterweight title picture. Masvidal, known for his striking prowess and his street-fighting background, was hungry for a big opportunity, and Askren presented just that. He was the undefeated, Olympic-level wrestler who had a reputation for grinding out wins. Askren, on the other hand, was new to the UFC. He had dominated the welterweight scene in ONE Championship and Bellator, remaining undefeated throughout his career. His controversial split-decision win over Robbie Lawler in his UFC debut, though a victory, didn't fully showcase his finishing ability to the wider UFC audience. Many fans and critics questioned how his unique, smothering wrestling style would translate against the elite strikers in the UFC. Masvidal, with his slick boxing and dangerous Muay Thai, seemed like the perfect stylistic opponent to test Askren's chin and his ability to handle a real striking threat. The narrative was set: could the undefeated wrestler overcome the seasoned, dangerous striker? The UFC brass recognized the potential fireworks and booked this electrifying matchup, knowing it had the ingredients for a must-see event. The pre-fight build-up was filled with intense staredowns, heated exchanges, and Masvidal famously landing a front kick to Askren's chest at one of the press conferences, adding fuel to the fire. It was clear this was more than just a fight; it was a battle for supremacy in the welterweight division, and the stage was set for something special at UFC 239.

UFC 239: The Undercard and Main Event

UFC 239 was stacked, and the Masvidal vs. Askren fight was the co-main event, meaning it was just before the headliner. But man, did it steal the show! Before we got to Jorge and Ben, there were a bunch of other exciting fights on the card. We had Amanda Nunes, the GOAT of women's MMA, defending her bantamweight title against Holly Holm. Plus, she was also fighting for the featherweight title against Cyborg, and she won both belts! And then there was Jon Jones, another legend, defending his light heavyweight title against Thiago Santos. So, the main event was a massive fight itself. But honestly, the Masvidal vs. Askren bout was the one everyone was secretly most hyped about because of the narrative and the promise of a spectacular finish. The energy in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas was electric. You could feel the anticipation building with every fight that passed. Fans were on the edge of their seats, roaring with every landed punch and submission attempt. The prelims and early main card fights delivered some solid action, but the buzz for Masvidal and Askren was something else. When their names were announced, the crowd erupted. Both fighters made their walk to the octagon, with Masvidal looking calm and collected, and Askren exuding his usual confident, almost nonchalant demeanor. The referee gave the final instructions, and the atmosphere was thick with tension. This wasn't just another fight on the card; it was a pivotal moment for both careers and a stylistic matchup that promised fireworks. The entire arena was holding its breath, ready for what was about to unfold. The stage was perfectly set for an unforgettable moment in UFC history.

The Fight Itself: Masvidal vs. Askren Time and Outcome

Okay, guys, let's get to the main event – the actual fight! The Masvidal vs. Askren fight time was just before the main event bout, and it lasted for a blink of an eye. As soon as the bell rang, Ben Askren rushed across the octagon to try and secure a takedown, which was his usual game plan. But Jorge Masvidal was ready. He wasn't just waiting; he was waiting for this exact moment. As Askren lunged in, Masvidal launched a flying knee – a perfectly timed, devastating strike that connected flush with Askren's face. The impact was brutal. Askren went down like a ton of bricks. The crowd went absolutely wild! It was one of the most shocking knockouts anyone had ever seen. Herb Dean, the referee, immediately jumped in to stop the fight. The official time of the knockout was just five seconds into the first round. Five seconds! It's still one of the fastest knockouts in UFC history. Masvidal didn't even need to throw a punch. The flying knee was all it took. Askren, who had never been knocked out before and was undefeated, was unconscious. Masvidal, the “Gamebred” fighter, had delivered a statement win that shocked the world and cemented his status as a top contender. The post-fight celebration was pure pandemonium. Masvidal was ecstatic, proving his striking power against one of the toughest grapplers in the sport. Askren, though defeated, showed incredible sportsmanship by eventually recovering and acknowledging the spectacular finish. This fight became an instant classic, forever remembered for its dramatic, lightning-fast conclusion and the iconic flying knee KO that solidified Jorge Masvidal's place in UFC lore.

The Infamous Flying Knee and Its Impact

The flying knee delivered by Jorge Masvidal to Ben Askren wasn't just a fight-ending sequence; it was a viral sensation and a pivotal moment in MMA history. This wasn't just any knockout; it was an artistic masterpiece of timing, power, and precision. As the bell rang, Masvidal met Askren's aggressive takedown attempt with a spectacular, well-timed leap and a knee that connected perfectly. The sheer speed and force of the strike meant Askren, renowned for his incredible toughness and wrestling pedigree, had absolutely no chance to recover. The visual of Askren crumpling to the canvas was instantly iconic, replaying endlessly across social media and sports highlights for weeks. This single moment achieved several things: Firstly, it instantly established Masvidal as a legitimate knockout threat against any opponent in the welterweight division. He proved that his striking wasn't just flashy; it was deadly effective against elite competition. Secondly, it shattered the mystique of Ben Askren's undefeated record in the most dramatic fashion possible. Askren had built his career on being seemingly untouchable, grinding out wins with his relentless wrestling. This knockout showed that even the toughest grapplers could be susceptible to explosive offense. Thirdly, the fight's five-second duration made it one of the fastest knockouts in UFC history, further amplifying its impact and memorability. The replay value was immense, and it became a benchmark for devastating finishes. Masvidal's celebration, his demeanor, and the sheer shock of the audience all contributed to the legend of the moment. It transcended the sport, becoming a widely recognized highlight even among casual fans. The flying knee wasn't just a knockout; it was Masvidal's declaration to the UFC welterweight division: he was here, he was dangerous, and he was coming for the top. It was a career-defining moment for Masvidal and a brutal, unforgettable end to Askren's perfect record.