UFC targeting Askren vs. Lawler for UFC 233
UFC president Dana White says the promotion is targeting a fight between Ben Askren and Robbie Lawler at UFC 233 for the former's first fight since being acquired in a trade with ONE Championship, according to ESPN's Brett Okamoto
Askren seemingly confirmed White's announcement on Twitter:
Lots of welterweights breathing easy right about now. Don’t worry your times will come! https://t.co/8xDJwIC7VZ
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) November 6, 2018
The welterweight has trash-talked with a host of fighters within his division since being acquired in exchange for Demetrious Johnson, but Lawler wasn't among them.
The former UFC champion hasn't stepped into the Octagon since a unanimous decision loss to Rafael dos Anjos in Dec. 2017.
Meanwhile, Askren boasts an undefeated 18-0 record with one no-contest.