In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), trades between organizations are rare, but one of the most notable trades occurred in October 2018 when the UFC traded Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren. This move was met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike. However, UFC President Dana White has consistently maintained that he has “no regrets” about the trade.
Demetrious Johnson, widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, had an illustrious career in the UFC. He was the inaugural UFC Flyweight Champion and defended his title a record 11 consecutive times. Despite his dominance, Johnson’s fights often struggled to draw significant pay-per-view numbers, leading to debates about his marketability.
On the other hand, Ben Askren was an undefeated welterweight champion in both Bellator and ONE Championship. Known for his wrestling prowess and outspoken personality, Askren brought a different kind of excitement to the UFC. His arrival was highly anticipated, and he quickly became a polarizing figure in the sport.
Dana White’s Perspective
In an interview with ‘The Schmo,’ Dana White explained his rationale behind the trade and why he had no regrets. White praised Askren for the excitement he brought to the UFC, despite his mixed results in the octagon. “No regrets, whatsoever. That fight was incredible over the weekend. Loved that fight. Fun fight to watch. Ben brought a lot of hype to the UFC. People were excited about him coming in and fighting and seeing what he could do,” White stated.
Dana White emphasized that Askren’s presence in the UFC had a significant impact, particularly highlighting his fight with Jorge Masvidal. This bout, which ended in a record-setting five-second knockout by Masvidal, catapulted Masvidal into stardom. “The fight with Ben and Masvidal was what built Masvidal into what he is right now and going into this weekend. Without Askren, that doesn’t happen,” Dana White added.
The Legacy of the Trade
While Askren’s UFC career was short-lived, with a record of one win and two losses, his impact on the organization was undeniable. His fights generated significant buzz and brought attention to the welterweight division. Moreover, his bout with Masvidal remains one of the most talked-about moments in UFC history.
Demetrious Johnson, on the other hand, continued to build his legacy in ONE Championship. He won the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix and captured the ONE Flyweight World Title, further cementing his status as one of the all-time greats in MMA. Johnson recently announced his retirement from MMA, leaving behind a remarkable career that spanned multiple organizations and continents.
SHARE
