If current plans come to fruition, two very prominent MMA fighters will soon have new employers. UFC and ONE Championship officials are currently working on a “trade” that would see former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson head to ONE Championship, while the Asian promotion’s current welterweight title holder, Ben Askren , would make his new home with the UFC. Multiple people with knowledge of the discussions confirmed the news to MMAjunkie. The people requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. Following initial discussion of the deal on Tuesday’s episode of MMAjunkie Radio, ESPN.com reported the parties are “close to finalizing” the deal, which would likely see both fighters released from their current contract and given permission to immediately sign with the other promotion. However, a person with knowledge of the situation told MMAjunkie “we’re not done with it yet,” adding that while the possibility has been explored for “a long time,” “we will see how it plays out.” Such an outcome would be considered a first between major MMA organization.
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UFC, ONE Championship discussing potential Demetrious Johnson-Ben Askren ‘trade’ – MMA Junkie