In a fiery response that's set the MMA community abuzz, former professional fighter Ben Askren has come to the defense of UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier after a social media user attempted to mock the commentator's wrestling credentials.
The Social Media Spark That Ignited the Fire
The controversy erupted when a UFC fan targeted Cormier's commentary during Merab Dvalishvili's recent spectacular performance, where the Georgian fighter showcased his incredible takedown prowess. The critic attempted to question Cormier's authority on wrestling matters, prompting an immediate and passionate response from Askren.
Askren's Unfiltered Defense
Never one to mince words, Askren delivered a powerful rebuttal that highlighted Cormier's impeccable wrestling pedigree. "Questioning DC's wrestling knowledge is like questioning a fish's ability to swim," Askren essentially stated, pointing to Cormier's legendary credentials that include being an Olympic wrestler and one of the most dominant champions in UFC history.
The exchange quickly gained traction across MMA platforms, with fans and analysts alike weighing in on the discussion. Many echoed Askren's sentiment that Cormier's expertise in wrestling is beyond reproach, given his extensive background both as a competitor and now as one of the sport's most respected commentators.
Merab's Masterclass in Context
The entire conversation stems from Merab Dvalishvili's recent display of wrestling excellence, where his takedown numbers reached staggering proportions. Cormier's commentary during the event provided expert analysis of the technical mastery on display, making the criticism of his wrestling insight particularly puzzling to many observers.
Askren, himself a former Olympic wrestler and multiple-time MMA champion, emphasized that Cormier's ability to break down complex wrestling sequences comes from decades of experience at the highest levels of competition.
Why This Defense Matters
This isn't just about defending a colleague; it's about preserving the integrity of expert analysis in combat sports. When voices like Askren's come forward to support legitimate expertise, it reinforces the value of having true specialists provide commentary rather than casual observers.
The incident also highlights the growing trend of social media criticism targeting broadcast professionals, often without understanding the depth of knowledge these experts bring to the table.
As the MMA world continues to digest this exchange, one thing remains clear: when it comes to wrestling analysis, few can match Daniel Cormier's credentials, and even fewer should question Ben Askren's willingness to defend them.
