Ben Askren vs. Demian Maia will headline UFC’s return to Singapore

A highly anticipated showdown between two elite grapplers is expected to headline the UFC’s return to Singapore on Oct. 26 as Ben Askren meets Demian Maia in the five-round main event.

UFC president Dana White confirmed the fight on Tuesday night following the latest edition of the Contender Series in Las Vegas.

Askren had previously announced the fight as a ‘done deal’ on social media, and now Maia has as well.

Askren looks to bounce back from the first loss of his professional career after he suffered a stunning five-second knockout courtesy of Jorge Masvidal in July.

As for Maia, the highly touted Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist has earned two wins in a row in his most recent performances, including a strong outing against Anthony Rocco Martin in his last fight.

Maia has hinted that retirement could be coming for him sooner rather than later but it appears he isn’t ready to hang up his gloves just yet.

Askren vs. Maia is expected to serve as the main event for the card in Singapore with more fights to be announced in the coming weeks.