MMA Fighter Claims Jake Paul Backing Out, Radio Silent After Making Offer

Retired mixed martial arts fighter Ben Askren is ready for YouTuber Jake Paul but it appears the 23-year-old has gone mysteriously quiet. “Funky” revealed the series of events that led to him accepting the fight but somehow things have seemingly been put on hold.

In a report from Boxingscene, the 36-year-old revealed how Paul and his group aggressively pursued him and sent him an offer. But after that, everything just went on radio silence.

“Am I opposed to making some easy money beating up a YouTuber? Of course I’m not. So what do I do? Sure, Jacob, I’ll fight you. No problem. I accept publicly on Twitter, nonetheless. Since then, Jacob’s went silent. Jacob’s kind of a coward. Sorry guys, don’t think the fight is gonna happen” Askren said.

Paul was looking for another opponent with several names from the mixed martial arts world on his radar. Conor McGregor was at the top of the list but the Irishman has not responded to the challenge. This is despite a $50 million prize money on the table.

UFC President Dana White suggested he fight Amanda Nunes instead and “The Lioness” appeared ready to oblige. However, Paul said that he has no plans to face the Brazilian since there is no hype to it.

Aside from these, there was the water balloon attack incident involving Dillon Danis, yet another MMA fighter that Paul had on his list. Initially, it appeared to be a ploy to goat McGregor since the two were close friends.

Throughout all that, it remains that Askren was the first one to accept. It remains unknown why the camp of Paul has suddenly gone silent. However, it is possible that the YouTuber is weighing his options and prefers to face someone who fans (boxing and mixed martial arts) would want to see.

“I’m retired, coaching wrestling, doing some podcasts, buying some bitcoin, enjoying life,” Askren said. “I don’t really want to fight anybody. So November, this jabroni Jake Paul calls me out, puts up a poster with my name.