The first mixed martial arts trade in the sport’s history is nearly a done deal, as the UFC will send Demetrious Johnson to One Championship in exchange for Ben Askren.
ESPN.com reported the trade on Monday , and the news has since been confirmed by multiple outlets. The proposed transaction is close to being finalized and would release Johnson from his UFC contract to fight for One, while Askren would be released from his contract with the Singapore-based promotion to compete in the Octagon. Both fighters have multiple fights left on their current deal, according to the report.
Johnson was the UFC’s inaugural flyweight champion and broke Anderson Silva’s record for consecutive title defenses last year. “Mighty Mouse” saw a 13-bout winning streak come to an end in a split-decision defeat to Henry Cejudo at UFC 227. Johnson’s coach at AMC Pankration, Matt Hume, is One’s vice president of operations.
Askren is unbeaten in 19 professional bouts, including 170-pound championship stints in both One and Bellator MMA. The Roufusport product retired following a 57-second stoppage of Shinya Aoki this past November but left the door open to return if a superfight against the likes of Georges St. Pierre became an option. Askren hasn’t seen eye to eye with UFC President Dana White over the years, but “Funky” recently tweeted that the odds were high of him ending up with the Las Vegas-based promotion.
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) October 22, 2018
Since the trade is still ongoing, a debut dates for Johnson and Askren in their new organizations have not been discussed.