Olympic wrestler Ben Askren predicts wrestling match against Khabib Nurmagomedov

Ben Askren says he would bet on himself in a potential wrestling match against Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Olympic wrestler Ben Askren predicts wrestling match against Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Ben Askren (Image via Imago/X)

Ben Askren is a highly accomplished wrestler. But how would he have fared against Khabib Nurmagomedov? He recently answered this question in a recent interview. Here is what happened:

Ben Askren recently gave an interview on the JAXXON PODCAST. There he entertained the idea of a hypothetical wrestling match between him and former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Askren said: 

That would have been fun to do, but I always feel like since I lost two fights at the end of my career, I feel like I can't talk about him because he had no losses. Yeah, I mean that's someone I would have loved to fight. If we wrestled in a wrestling match, I'd pick myself.
Ben Askren via JAXXON Podcast
YouTube video

Ben Askren is a former Olympic wrestler. He is known for having exceptional wrestling skills. Askren has competed at the highest levels of wrestling both at the college level and at international freestyle wrestling competitions. Askren managed to remain unbeaten in his MMA career until he fought in the UFC.

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Although he lost two of his three fights in the UFC, he is considered one of the best grapplers in the sport. Meanwhile, Khabib Nurmagomedov has shown his wrestling has been an important factor for his dominance in the UFC. Utilizing his background in sambo he was able to control and dictate fights against high-level opponents in the octagon.

While both are equipped with incredible wrestling skills, Askren is likely more technically proficient and has better adaptability. This could give him an edge in a pure wrestling match because of his extensive experience in wrestling.

Sean O’Malley wants to retire like Khabib Nurmagomedov

Sean O’Malley believes he is undefeated in the UFC. O’Malley is the current UFC bantamweight champion and has only one loss recorded on his professional MMA record. However, he recently fought Chito Vera at UFC 299 and beat him via unanimous decision. Vera is the only fighter to beat O’Malley in the UFC.

Sean O'Malley criticizes Khabib Nurmagomedov's surprise challenger
Sean O’Malley wants to go out like Khabib Nurmagomedov (Source: IMAGO)

Now O’Malley believes that he is undefeated as he will likely go out with an undefeated MMA record. ‘Suga’ talked about this in a recent interview with Michael Bisping. O’Malley said: 

I mean ideally, all said and done, I end it like Khabib, undefeated,... I am officially 18-0, 19-0, I forget.
Sean O’Malley via Michael Bisping’s YouTube channel

O’Malley’s plans include beating Merab Dvalishvili who is the top contender for the title in the bantamweight division. He wanted to go after Ilia Topuria first but addressed that there was no way he was ducking Dvalishvili. Could we see O’Malley become a double champ in the future?

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