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Ben Askren Shoots Down Conor McGregor UFC 300 Return, Names Which MMA Superstar Should Headline The Event

Originally posted on MMA News | By John Cunningham | Last updated 12/1/23

Ben Askren has named a major blockbuster match as a possible fit for the UFC 300 main event.

Rumors are currently swirling that UFC megastar Conor McGregor will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon at UFC 300. Opposite him will be fellow The Ultimate Fighter coach Michael Chandler in a bout that was announced earlier this year.

Considering his lay-off of more than two years now following a horrendous leg injury at UFC 264, 'The Notorious' has left fans guessing as to whether or not he will return at all.

One figure who isn't convinced he'll be back for UFC 300 is Ben Askren, who suggested two interesting bouts the card could run with instead.

"Pereira vs. Adesanya" - Ben Askren On UFC 300

During a recent interview with From the Stands, Askren revealed he can see Israel Adesanya moving up to 205lbs to answer new champion Alex Pereira's UFC 295 callout. The pair are now 1-1 at middleweight in the Octagon, with 'Poatan' also going 2-0 against 'The Last Stylebender' in kickboxing.

"I thought maybe he'd go bump up to fight Pereira again," Askren said. "Because Pereira seems to want that. So I think that's one route you could go: Pereira vs. Adesanya. I think people would be into that. People would be really into the return of Conor McGregor, but I'm not it's actually happening, we've been waiting and waiting and waiting, it may happen, it may not, we'll see."

Askren also suggested a major heavyweight clash between interim champ Tom Aspinall and the legendary Stipe Miocic. The Cleveland-based veteran hasn't fought since UFC 260, and was initially expected to compete at UFC 295 until Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones pulled out due to injury.

"I would love to see Tom Aspinall fight Stipe, or at least fight again," Askren said. "Because Jon Jones, you know, Aspinall took that fight on two weeks' notice. Jon Jones is gonna be out, like, nine or so months, and then he fights after that, and then Aspinall's gotta wait again."