Ben Askren, the former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder, is set to make a highly anticipated return to the wrestling ring on July 18th, facing off against ex-UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 in Milwaukee. However, the real intrigue lies in Askren's prediction for the main event between Arman Tsarukyan and Colby Covington, which he sees as a 'coin flip'.
In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Askren expressed his thoughts on the upcoming bout, acknowledging the competitive nature of the match. He noted that both fighters have had successful records in the UFC, with Tsarukyan boasting a 5-0 win streak and Covington a 3-0 record. The former Bellator champion also highlighted the close nature of Covington's victory over Chris Weidman, suggesting that the match could go either way.
Askren's prediction leans towards Tsarukyan, primarily due to the size advantage of the larger Covington. However, he also mentioned the competitive nature of the sport, suggesting that the outcome could be a close call. This perspective is particularly interesting given Askren's own comeback from a near-death experience, having undergone a double lung transplant after a severe case of pneumonia.
The 'coin flip' analogy is a fitting description of the uncertainty surrounding the match, especially considering the recent success of both fighters. While Askren's prediction may be influenced by his own wrestling background and the size difference between the opponents, it also highlights the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts. The upcoming RAF 11 event promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, with Askren's commentary adding an extra layer of intrigue to the card.
