VIDEO | Kamaru Usman confronts Ben Askren backstage at UFC 235 press conference
Over the last few weeks, former ONE and Bellator welterweight champ Ben Askren has exchanged a number of barbs with UFC 235 welterweight title challenger Kamaru Usman — who he refers to at ‘Marty.’
Late last week, Usman and Askren were in attendance at the UFC 235 press conference to promote their upcoming fights with Tyron Woodley and Robbie Lawler respectively, and they had plenty to say to each other on stage.
Apparently, they nearly got into it back stage, too.
“Marty tried attacking me 20 minutes ago” Askren claimed at the press conference, referencing a backstage encounter with Usman.
Over the weekend, Anatomy of a Fighter published video footage of this backstage confrontation between Ben Askren and Kamaru Usman. See it below:
Here’s a transcript of what Kamaru Usman and Ben Askren said to each other (via MMA Fighting):
“Are me and Marty sitting next to each other?” Askren asked UFC President White.
“Do you know me?” – Usman asked.
“Yeah.” – Askren said.
“How do you know me?” – Usman asked.
“I know you because we used to hang out. We used to hang out at the Olympic training center.” – Askren said.
“Be quiet. You don’t know me.” – Usman said.
“I offered to fight you. There’s not much more to be said there.” – Askren concluded.
What do you make of this tense encounter between Kamaru Usman and Ben Askren? Join the conversation in the comments section below.
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 2/4/2019.
