'Took a dive': Fight world rages over photo of Ben Askren and wife
The controversial fight between Jake Paul and Ben Askren has sparked plenty of backlash and controversy and now fans have accused the former MMA fighter of 'taking a dive' during the bout.
YouTuber Paul defeated retired MMA fighter Askren after a controversial 1st round KO finish during a rowdy Triller card.
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Many fans were left fuming when Askren wasn't given a chance to fight after the knockdown after he got back to his feet and answered the referee's 10 count.
But the ref controversially waved the fight off as Askren appeared staggered.
However, many have now accused Askren of going down easily after footage emerged of the former MMA fighter laughing and in good spirits with his wife and team only moments after the KO.
The accusations also gathered steam after it was revealed Askren was taking home nearly $US500,000.
Current No.1 Welterweight contender Colby Covington was quick to condemn the fight.
The ringside view of Jake Paul's TKO. @ESPNRingside pic.twitter.com/YgasSH1Br4
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 18, 2021
Snake Paul vs Asscream was a work. #TrillerFightClub
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) April 18, 2021
ben askren 100% took a dive last night
— CarlosR ocelote (@CarlosR) April 18, 2021
Buddy literally throwed for a bag, thanks for waisitng everyone’s time🤡🤡🤡
— Void (@Voydage) April 18, 2021
ben askren took a dive for vegas lol
— siete 🔗 (@SEVNTHOMAS) April 18, 2021
Mf really just turned up to get this then dip #BenAskren #AskrenPaul pic.twitter.com/sHriSO9YSJ
— Reece Simpson (@Reecesimpson2) April 18, 2021
They say money doesn't buy happiness @Benaskren pic.twitter.com/zX8kVK2OzR
— haris (@haris49260661) April 18, 2021
My favorite part was when @Benaskren was walking out the arena happy as can be lmao. pic.twitter.com/4jKyM1Jy3w
— AliasMMA (@AliasErok) April 18, 2021
Look how happy @Benaskren is to take an L and make a bag 💰 pic.twitter.com/9dtZIDxEUG
— George Budri (@GBudri) April 18, 2021
This was basically the @jakepaul and @Benaskren fight.
But for real that night was a wild ride https://t.co/fAyRy3t5gJ— Cal O'leary (@CalSyruss) April 18, 2021
However, replays showed Paul did land a solid right hand on Askren, which dropped him.
UFC world reacts to Askren's loss to Paul
Askren was an elite wrestler, but was never known for his stand-up game during his MMA career.
He also came off hip surgery before agreeing to take the fight.
Askren admitted he used the fight as an excuse to get back into shape.
After the fight, Askren was asked how he is prepared to take the criticism that comes with losing to the divisive Paul.
Askren said he deserved some criticism as it was "f**king embarrassing".
Former UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier was just one of a number of fighters to express his disappointment in how the bout played out.
"This kid punched the s--- out of Ben, man."
DC reacted to Jake Paul knocking out Ben Askren 🥊 (via @dc_mma) pic.twitter.com/xeoAbalX49— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 18, 2021
What a joke
— Jared Gordon (@JFlashGordonMMA) April 18, 2021
This definitely takes away from Masvidals KO of Ben
— Jared Gordon (@JFlashGordonMMA) April 18, 2021
Paul hit out at the fight community after accusations the fight was rigged.
Everyone saying the fight was rigged is tweeting off their moms WiFi
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) April 18, 2021
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