BEN ASKREN claimed Jake Paul thinks ‘too highly of his own skills’ and vowed to ‘beat up’ the YouTuber.
Askren, a former UFC welterweight who retired in 2019, will face the internet sensation on April 17.
It will be Paul’s third professional bout, having already beat social media rival ‘AnEsonGib’ and ex-NBA star Nate Robinson.
Askren, who lost just twice in his 22 MMA bouts, has been left unimpressed by the lack of experience or quality in his rival’s prior opponents.
But, with the American grappler not renowned for his striking skills in the cage, he has been made an outsider by pundits and fellow fighters.
Asked if he was surprised by Paul being favoured by the masses, Askren told SunSport: “Nope, a lot of stupid people exist.
“I was literally only rocked one time in 21 fights and ten-plus years of training.”
Askren won titles in Bellator and ONE Championship before finally signing for the UFC in 2018.
He beat Robbie Lawler on his debut, but suffered a historic loss against Jorge Masvidal four months later.
Masvidal’s flying knee FIVE SECONDS into the fight made it the quickest win in UFC history.
After Askren was beaten by Damian Maia in October 2019, he retired and underwent hip surgery.
The ex-USA wrestling champion insists he ‘feels great’ having gone under the knife in September and predicts a round seven KO against Paul.
And despite the millionaire vlogger’s lack of fighting experience, Askren admits it will not be his easiest night’s work.
But he does feel Paul is his least qualified challenger, who has has had his ego boosted with easy knockovers against ring novices.
Aksren, 36, said: “I think that the lack of skill of his opponents has made him think a little too highly of his own skills.
“Seeing as I have had a few fights last under 90 seconds I don’t think it will be the easiest fight. I do think Jake is the least skilled.
“April 17 I am going to beat Jake up, what he decides to do after that is up to him.”
Askren is not the only one to questions Paul’s thin resume of inexperienced opponents, with fans calling for the American celebrity to face a real test.
Robinson, 36, was KO’d and sent into a meme after he was left out cold in round two last November.
Paul, 24, has promised the same viral treatment of Askren, but recognised he is on the verge of a step up in competition.
He after the fight announcement: “The world complained because I knocked out a basketball player and not a real fighter.
“So now I’m giving the people what they want by taking on a ‘real fighter.’
“After Ben Askren is added to my knockout meme collection, what can anybody say?
“Thank you to Triller Fight Club for giving me the platform to once again put a man to sleep. April 17, it’s lights out for Askren.”
