Ben Askren hasn’t signed with the UFC just yet, but that hasn’t stopped the multi-promotion champion from putting the entire welterweight roster on notice.
Shortly after it was reported that Askren would likely be ‘trading’ places with Demetrious Johnson to join the UFC, ‘Funky’ got the ball rolling on social media by calling out several top contenders and former champions, including the likes of Georges St-Pierre and Colby Covington.
Covington, who is still listed as the UFC interim welterweight champion, wasn’t impressed with Askren’s antics and warned the 34-year-old that he isn’t ready for ‘the big cities and bright lights’ of America.
“I don’t really have too [many] thoughts on it,” Covington said told Damon Martin of Flo Combat in a recent interview. “He’s piping up the wrong tree, he’s asking for this big fight and he’s never won a fight in the top 50 let alone the top 20.
”He’s trying to prove himself by calling me out but I’m America’s champ. My skills got me to the White House. Where the hell has that loser ever been? Nowhere. He’s not been anywhere. Where have his skills taken him? Malaysia? That’s really cool. He ain’t ready for the big cities and the bright lights. I just sold out the United Center like Michael Jordan. 15,000 plus were on their feet in Chicago to witness greatness.”
As well as insulting ‘needle d-ck’ Askren, Covington took a dig at ‘midget’ Demetrious Johnson, who is expected to ‘trade’ places with Askren at ONE Championship.
“That needle d*ck can’t get 15 people into an Asian bingo hall. They gave him away for a midget for Christ’s sake. There’s levels to this sh*t,” he said.
When it comes to Askren’s fighting style, ‘Chaos’ believes the Roufusport protege is one-dimensional and poses no real threat to any of the top welterweight contenders.
“Nothing about Ben Askren impresses me,” Covington said. “He’s a one-dimensional fighter. He’s never hurt a fly. He hasn’t beat anybody relevant. He hasn’t beat anybody top 50 in the world. If he proves himself and works his way up, he’s an easy payday for me but he’s not a draw. No one gives a f*ck about him. If he wants to come to the big boy’s league, he’s been in the little boy’s league, but you’re going to have to work your way up.
”I’m not reaching to the bottom of the mountain to pick guys up anymore. I’m at the top of the UFC mountain. You’ve got to earn your way up. I’m not helping you. If you work your way up, don’t worry buddy, I’ll leave you unconscious and we’ll send you back to the prelims where you [belong].”
Covington is expected to face Askren’s teammate, Tyron Woodley, in a title unification bout next year. ‘T-Wood’ is currently injured and will be out of action for the rest of the year.