Michael Chandler: I Think Ben Askren Finishes Jake Paul

Top-ranked UFC lightweight Michael Chandler thinks Ben Askren will finish Jake Paul.

Paul and Askren are scheduled to share the ring on April 17 in an eight-round pro boxing match. Paul is a popular YouTube personality with a pro boxing record of 2-0. Askren hasn’t had a pro boxing match but his combat sports experience is far greater than Paul’s. Askren retired from MMA with a record of 19-2, 1 NC and having held the Bellator and ONE Championship Welterweight Titles.

During an appearance on The Jim Rome Show, Chandler explained why he feels Askren will put Paul away (h/t MMAJunkie.com).

“We’re going to see, and I think Ben may be penalized for it. Ben may be pulled off of him, maybe broken up a lot, but you’re going to see Ben close the distance, Ben get his hands on him. You’re going to see Ben wear out Jake Paul because there’s a difference between boxing at distance and throwing punches and having a guy in your face, putting pressure on you, pushing you back up against the ropes. You’ve got to remember, yes it’s boxing, but Ben knows how to move, maneuver and manipulate another human body, his opponent, with his hands.”

“So it’s going to be very interesting to watch the dirty boxing, watch the clinch game, and also watch Ben’s toughness. We saw Ben get knocked out cold, but listen, King Kong himself would have gotten knocked out by that Jorge Masvidal knee. Ben traditionally has a phenomenal chin, a great chin, and the wherewithal to be able to push Jake Paul around the boxing ring for eight three-minute rounds. Mark my words, I think he finishes Jake Paul later in the fight.”

Chandler is fresh off a successful UFC debut. In the co-main event of UFC 257, Chandler stopped Dan Hooker via first-round TKO.