UFC London: Ben Askren – Darren Till Rivalry Continues to Make Headlines, Despite Tonight’s Scrap With “Gamebred”

There’s been plenty of talk and buzz about the budding rivalry between Ben Askren and Darren Till lately, despite the fact the latter’s about to face one of the most rugged, experienced, and talented welterweights on the UFC roster…

Till and Askren have been trading social media shots for a little while now, and they’ve continued to do so, as the British star gets set to face Jorge Masvidal at UFC London today. Although there have been calls for Askren to run-it-back with Robbie Lawler, on account of the controversial finish to their recent fight, “Funky’s” made it clear he wants the winner of Masvidal – Till.

In fact, Askren’s in London this week for the bout, and Till proceeded to tell the wrestler off during a Q&A with fans. Then, after the official weigh-in ceremonies, Till fielded more questions about the possibility of facing Askren (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“Askren’s fight comes,” he said. “But Askren’s been in the UFC five minutes. It’s not about what he wants. It’s about what I want.

“I’m here. I’m No. 3. Seven fights, four main events. I call the shots, not Ben. And the champ will be calling the shots.”

Now, it remains to be seen whether the UFC is on board with Till’s plan here. Askren is a former UFC and Bellator champ, and he’s definitely caused a stir since he arrived in the UFC. So, in other words, the promotion may have designs on having the two fight, sooner than Till would like.

But, while the Askren – Till story is an interesting one, no question, it’s important to not look past the test “Gamebred” will likely present. After all, we’re talking about a fighter who hasn’t been finished in nearly ten years. Of Masvidal’s last five defeats, four of those were via split decision to Al Iaquinta, Benson Henderson, Lorenz Larkin, and Demian Maia. During that time Masvidal has defeated Donald Cerrone, Ross Pearson, and Jake Ellenberger.

So, while Till’s size, abilities, and power are why he’s the favorite to win tonight, Masvidal could have something to say about Askren vs. Till yet.

Here is the complete line-up for UFC London.

MAIN CARD (ESPN+/4 p.m. ET)

Welterweight: Darren Till vs. Jorge Masvidal

Welterweight: Leon Edwards vs. Gunnar Nelson

Light Heavyweight: Volkan Oezdemir vs. Dominick Reyes

Bantamweight: Nathaniel Wood vs. Jose Alberto Quinonez

Welterweight: Danny Roberts vs. Claudio Silva

Middleweight: Jack Marshman vs. John Phillips

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+/1 p.m. ET)

Featherweight: Arnold Allen vs. Jordan Rinaldi

Lightweight: Marc Diakiese vs. Joseph Duffy