Ben Askren posts cordial message after settling long-standing rivalry with Jorge Masvidal

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Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal shared an intense rivalry in the Octagon, but they have now surprisingly put their differences aside.

The pair were at the centre of a heated feud that culminated at UFC 239 in 2019, when Masvidal knocked Askren out with a flying knee just five seconds into the fight. The finish remains the fastest knockout in UFC history.

Years later, the rivalry has taken an unexpected turn after the two fighters recently met in person and reflected on their past.

Ben Askren reveals Jorge Masvidal visited him in Wisconsin

Askren revealed the meeting in a post on X after Masvidal travelled to Wisconsin and spent time with his former opponent.

‘Funky’ said: “Well I suppose I learned last summer that life is short, definitely too short for holding grudges. So when @GamebredFighter said he wanted to sit down and break bread of course I took him up on it.

“Today he came to Wisconsin, sat down, had some dinner and chatted it up. Turns out we have more in common than different.”

Askren added that the moment helped both men move on from one of the sport’s most famous feuds.

“Felt great to bury the hatchet and make a new friend. Life is too short to hold grudges, bury hatchets and move on with your life. So glad Jorge was able to come to Wisconsin today.”

Jorge Masvidal previously sent heartfelt message to Ben Askren

Masvidal had already shown support for Askren during a difficult moment in the former fighter’s life.

When Askren was battling serious health problems that required a double lung transplant, ‘Gamebred’ shared a public message on social media encouraging his former rival.

“This goes out to the one and only, Ben Askren. What’s up my brother, I know we were rivals in the ring, I just want to say God bless you, when I get back to America, if I could come and shake your hand, brother, and just share a prayer with you, it’d be amazing.

“I know you’re gonna pull through this because you’re a f—— warrior, brother. God bless, your story is crazy inspirational what you’re going through right now, hoping to get back and just being able to shake your hand,” he concluded.