A matchup between two of the top grapplers in the welterweight division is likely to headline UFC on ESPN+ 20 when Ben Askren meets Demian Maia.
Askren on Tuesday shared on Twitter that the fight, which had been in the works for some time, has been booked.
MMA Junkie verified with multiple people close to the situation that agreements are in place. The people requested anonymity because the UFC has yet to make an official announcement.
“Done deal!” Askren tweeted. “Oct 26 we will find out who the best MMA grappler on planet earth is.”
UFC on ESPN+ 20 takes place Oct. 26 at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore. The main card will stream on ESPN+.
Askren (19-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), No. 6 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie welterweight rankings, will attempt to rebound from the first loss of his career in what will be his first UFC main event. The former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder suffered a stunning five-second knockout courtesy of Jorge Masvidal last month at UFC 239, bringing an end to his undefeated run at 19.
After fighting striking-oriented opponents in his first two octagon appearances, Askren draws a grappling standout in No. 14 Maia (27-9 MMA, 21-9 UFC) for his third UFC bout. Maia is a two-time title challenger who currently has the second most wins in UFC history (21) behind only Donald Cerrone (23). He’s riding back-to-back wins over Anthony Rocco Martin and Lyman Good.
The matchup with Askren will mark Maia’s sixth UFC main event.
