This is some groundbreaking stuff. The UFC and ONE Championship are close to finalizing what could be considered the first major trade in mixed martial arts history.
According to multiple sources, there is a proposed deal on the table for the UFC to release former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson from his contract in order to allow him to sign with ONE.
In return, ONE will release former welterweight champion Ben Askren from his contract so he can finally join the UFC.
Breaking: UFC, ONE Championship close to trade involving Demetrious Johnson and Ben Askren. Potential history in the making for MMA — https://t.co/HllP7dY0of
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 24, 2018
Both Johnson and Askren have multiple fights left on their respective contracts, according to sources.
While trades of this kind are common in major sports, a transaction of this magnitude has never been done before in MMA.
This sounds like fun. How about trading Boxers for MMA fighters? Oh yea, McGregor already was traded to boxing for one fight.
