Ben Askren Vs. Masvidal: The Infamous Flying Knee Knockout

Hey guys, let's dive into one of the most brutal and memorable moments in UFC history: the Ben Askren vs. Jorge Masvidal fight. This isn't just any fight; it's the one that delivered the fastest knockout in UFC history, and it's all thanks to that flying knee! This event is etched into the minds of MMA fans, thanks to a single, devastating strike that changed the trajectory of both fighters' careers. If you're new to MMA, or even if you're a seasoned fan, this is a story worth revisiting, and those GIFs are definitely worth a second look.

The Build-Up: Trash Talk and Expectations

Leading up to the fight, the tension between Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal was palpable. There was a lot of trash talk, as is typical in the world of professional fighting, with each fighter promising a decisive victory. Askren, a highly decorated wrestler and former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder, was known for his grappling and dominant ground game. He had a reputation for wearing down his opponents and controlling the fight. On the other hand, Masvidal, a veteran of the sport with a reputation for exciting striking and brutal finishes, was looking to make a statement and prove his skills against a top-tier opponent. The clash of styles made it an intriguing matchup, with many fans and analysts eager to see how Askren’s wrestling would fare against Masvidal’s striking prowess.

Let's talk about Ben Askren. He was known for his incredible wrestling skills, his ability to grind out wins, and his less-than-flashy striking. He was a master of control, a guy who could tire out his opponents with relentless pressure. Then there's Jorge Masvidal, a true veteran known for his striking, his toughness, and his highlight-reel knockouts. He was always looking for the finish, a true showman who brought excitement to every fight. The stage was set for a classic striker vs. grappler showdown. Everyone was anticipating a potentially long and grueling fight. No one, absolutely no one, predicted what would happen. That's what made the fight so memorable. The energy in the arena, the anticipation, and then... BOOM!

This fight was a classic example of how quickly things can change in mixed martial arts. One second you're hyped, the next, it's all over. This wasn't just a win for Masvidal; it was a statement. It was a message to the entire division that he was a force to be reckoned with. The fight was scheduled for the preliminary card of UFC 239 on July 6, 2019, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The anticipation was already high for the main card, but this fight stole the show before the main events even began. The fight lasted only five seconds, making it the fastest knockout in UFC history, surpassing the previous record of eight seconds held by Duane Ludwig. The moment was so shocking and sudden that it became an instant classic, replayed countless times in slow motion, analyzed from every angle.

The Infamous Flying Knee: A Moment in MMA History

Alright, so the moment we've all been waiting for. The fight started, and before anyone could blink, Jorge Masvidal launched himself with a devastating flying knee. It connected perfectly with Ben Askren’s head, instantly knocking him out. The speed and precision were unreal. Askren, who was known for his wrestling and ground game, never even had a chance to react. The impact was so severe that it sent him crashing to the canvas in a heap. The crowd erupted in a frenzy. The referees rushed in to stop the fight, and it was all over in a matter of seconds.

This wasn't just a knockout; it was a statement. Masvidal, known for his striking, delivered a performance that immediately went viral. This flying knee became one of the most iconic moments in UFC history, a highlight reel play that's still being watched and discussed years later. The GIFs of the knockout are still circulating online, a testament to the fight's lasting impact. The speed of the knockout was shocking. Askren, a world-class wrestler, was coming off a controversial submission win against Robbie Lawler in his UFC debut. Masvidal, on the other hand, was looking to make a statement and climb the welterweight rankings. He certainly did that with this knockout. The knockout not only gave Masvidal the win but also launched him into superstardom. It was a career-defining moment, a testament to his striking ability, and a highlight reel that solidified his place in MMA history. The win propelled Masvidal into title contention and forever changed the perception of both fighters.

Let’s be honest, it was brutal. Seeing Askren go down like that was tough, especially for his fans. But that's the nature of this sport, right? One moment you're strategizing, and the next, everything changes. The precision, the timing, and the power behind that flying knee were incredible. It’s a testament to Masvidal's skill and the unpredictability of MMA. The shock value was off the charts. It was a reminder that in this sport, anything can happen.

The GIFs of the fight are still circulating online, and for good reason. They capture the raw, brutal beauty of the sport. Every angle, every replay, reinforces how incredible and historic the moment was. Watching those GIFs makes you realize how quickly a fight can change, how one perfectly placed strike can rewrite the narrative. It’s a moment that will forever be remembered in the annals of MMA history. The speed of the knockout, the perfect execution, and the stakes involved made it an instant classic.

Analyzing the Technique

Let's break down the technical aspects of that flying knee, shall we? Masvidal didn't just throw a knee; he executed a perfectly timed and delivered strike. The timing was impeccable. He saw the opportunity as Askren shot in for a takedown, and he capitalized on it immediately. The knee itself was powerful, landing flush on Askren's head. The technique involved a running start, a jump, and the precise angle to deliver maximum impact. This wasn't just about strength; it was about precision, timing, and an understanding of the fight. The element of surprise was a major factor. Askren was expecting a takedown attempt, and Masvidal exploited that anticipation. The result was a knockout that left everyone speechless. This wasn't a lucky punch; it was a well-executed move that resulted from preparation and skill.

Another critical element was the positioning. Masvidal had to be in the right place at the right time. He had to anticipate Askren's movement and angle his body to ensure the knee connected perfectly. This required a keen awareness of the space and the opponent's movements. Then there's the power behind the strike. Masvidal generated power from his run-up, the jump, and the full extension of his body. It was a combination of speed, power, and precision. It was a reminder that MMA is as much about strategy and technique as it is about brute force. The knockout was a masterpiece of striking technique, a testament to Masvidal's skill and understanding of the game. It wasn't just a knockout; it was a strategic move, executed with precision.

The Aftermath: Career Impacts and Legacy

The immediate aftermath was chaos. Masvidal celebrated the victory, and the crowd went wild. Askren, of course, was out cold. The medical staff quickly rushed in to check on him. The fight was over, and the impact on both fighters' careers was immediately apparent. Masvidal's stock skyrocketed. He became one of the biggest stars in the sport. The knockout gave him instant fame and a legion of new fans. Askren, on the other hand, suffered a significant setback. Although he went on to have a few more fights, this knockout became a defining moment in his career.

For Masvidal, the win catapulted him to the forefront of the welterweight division. He became a must-watch fighter, known for his exciting fights and highlight-reel finishes. The victory set the stage for bigger and better things, including title shots and high-profile matchups. It was a career-defining moment that changed his trajectory. He went from being a respected veteran to a genuine superstar. This victory showcased his striking prowess and cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. He became a symbol of unpredictability and excitement.

For Askren, the loss was a tough pill to swallow. While he was known for his wrestling, this defeat highlighted his vulnerability to striking. It altered the perception of his abilities, and he became a cautionary tale about the unpredictable nature of MMA. It was a hard lesson learned in a brutal sport. He never truly recovered from this setback. He had a few more fights, but the momentum shifted. The impact of the knockout was undeniable, and it changed the course of his career forever. The loss raised questions about his striking defense and his overall game. It was a stark reminder of the risks involved in this sport.

The fight became an instant classic, and the GIFs and videos of the knockout have been replayed countless times. It's a reminder of the sport's unpredictability and the power of a single strike. It became a piece of UFC history, a moment that fans will never forget. It's also a lesson in the brutal beauty of the sport, where one moment can define a career. The fight continues to be discussed and analyzed, solidifying its place in MMA folklore.

The Impact on the Sport

Okay, let's talk about the bigger picture, guys. The Askren vs. Masvidal fight had a massive impact on the sport of MMA. It proved that anything can happen in the octagon. It made the sport even more unpredictable. The fight became a case study in the power of striking and the importance of a well-rounded game. This fight reinforced the idea that fighters needed to be well-rounded to succeed. It highlighted the importance of defense. It was a reminder that one mistake can change everything. The fight also became a source of inspiration for aspiring fighters, showing them the importance of being ready for anything.

The knockout was a game-changer. It proved that striking could dominate even the best wrestlers. It changed how fighters prepared and trained. It made fighters rethink their strategies. The fight also had a significant impact on the perception of both fighters. It solidified Masvidal’s reputation as a knockout artist. It made Askren the target of jokes and memes. The fight gave the UFC a major marketing opportunity. The video went viral and it became a source of increased interest in MMA. This fight became a viral sensation, introducing new fans to the sport. It became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring memes, discussions, and countless replays.

This fight is a testament to the unpredictable nature of MMA. It’s a reminder that anything can happen in the octagon. It's also a tribute to Masvidal's skill and the devastating impact of his striking. For Askren, it was a harsh lesson. This fight has become a landmark event in MMA history, and its impact continues to be felt. The legacy of this fight remains strong. It’s a classic example of why we love this sport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Askren vs. Masvidal Fight

Q: What was the significance of the Askren vs. Masvidal fight? A: The fight is significant for the following reasons: it holds the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history (5 seconds), and it catapulted Jorge Masvidal to superstardom, and it highlighted the vulnerability of even the most skilled wrestlers to powerful striking.

Q: How did Jorge Masvidal win the fight? A: Jorge Masvidal won the fight with a flying knee knockout. He launched a perfectly timed flying knee that connected with Ben Askren's head just seconds into the first round.

Q: What happened to Ben Askren after the knockout? A: After the knockout, Ben Askren was rendered unconscious. He eventually recovered but the loss had a significant impact on his career, and the fight is often cited as a turning point.

Q: Where can I watch the Ben Askren vs. Masvidal fight? A: The fight, along with many highlights and GIFs, is available on various online platforms. Search for