MMA News

Tag: Lia Thomas

  • Ben Askren Agrees With Jorge Masvidal On Lia Thomas Controversy

    Former UFC fighter Ben Askren may still have a grudge towards his former rival Jorge Masvidal, but they agreed on a recent controversy.

    Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas has been at the center of an ongoing debate about whether or not transgender women should compete in female sports. Thomas recently became the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I championship by winning the 500-yard-freestyle race.

    Masvidal and Askren had a heated buildup before their main card fight at UFC 239. Masvidal went on to bash Askren with a flying knee knockout that is widely considered one of the most memorable moments in recent UFC history.

    After Masvidal recently spoke out against transwomen competing in women’s sports, Askren appears to agree with that sentiment.

    “If you think Biological males should compete in female division then you don’t understand sports!” Askren said in a recent tweet.

    Thomas is planning on swimming in the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics trials. While Thomas’ success is undeniable and unprecedented, many have debated whether or not it’s ethical and good for sports in general.

    Askren left MMA following losses to Masvidal and Demian Maia in 2019. He also lost to Jake Paul in a boxing match in April of last year.

    Masvidal is looking to get back on track after three straight losses in the Octagon. While Asken and he may never be cordial, it appears that they’re on the same page when it comes to the debate surrounding Thomas and trans athletes.

    Do you agree with Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal?

  • Masvidal Disagrees With Trans Swimmer Competing Against Women

    Jorge Masvidal thinks “it’s not fair” transgender Ivy League swimmer Lia Thomas is allowed to compete in the women’s division.

    Recent controversy has stirred up from the dominant performances Lia Thomas puts on for the University of Pennsylvania. As Thomas used to swim for the university’s men’s team, the ongoing debate of transgender persons in sports has reignited.

    Thomas broke several records and received several awards while swimming on the Quakers women’s team. And her achievements have come under heavy scrutiny.

    Lia Thomas
    Lia Thomas, Photo credit: Getty Images

    There is a harsh spotlight beaming on the star transgender athlete. From news channels to the opinions of other athletes, Thomas is unable to swim without immense pressure.

    There are many who disagree with transgender women in women’s sports. For example, Caitlyn Jenner also thinks it is “unfair” to allow transgender women in women’s sports.

    And UFC veteran Jorge Masvidal shares that opinion. (h/t SportsKeeda)

    “It’s such a no-brainer right? It’s not fair. It’s just not. Men should compete against men. If you don’t want to compete against men, it’s not fair to go and compete against women… I’m not trying to diss girls but it’s just different you know. Girls should compete against girls,” said Masvidal.

    He not only disagrees with transwomen in women’s sports, but Masvidal also refuses to let his daughter compete in sports where it is allowed.

    Masvidal has never been one to shy away from honesty. Colby Covington and Nate Diaz can surely attest to that.

    But regardless of the existing members of an unsupportive audience, Thomas has a great future in the sport and at the school. She continues to prove that pressures outside of the pool have yet to diminish her athletic spirit.

    Transgender Women In MMA

    MMA is no stranger to the heavily debated topic, and Masvidal is not the only fighter opposed to it.

    When transgender fighter Fallon Fox was competing, Ronda Rousey refused to fight her, and Joe Rogan was openly honest about his disapproval of her as a contender in the women’s league.

    Fallon Fox
    Fallon Fox, Photo Credit: Championship Fighting Alliance

    Now that Fallon is retired, MMA newcomer and former member of the U.S. Army special forces transgender fighter Alana McLaughlin is the new face of trans women in MMA. And that has come with a lot of backlash.

    Michael Bisping, Joe Rogan, Sean Strickland, and others have voiced their negative opinions about McLaughlin.

    She won her first and only fight last September via submission. However, the win was met with a lot of anger and ridicule.

    Alana McLaughlin
    Alana McLaughlin, Photo Credit: Barcroft Images / Alana McLaughlin

    As of now, it is unclear when she fights again.

    The heated and controversial debate seems to thicken with every transgender athlete’s achievement.

    Although not yet finished making strides, women in sports have come a long way. But the transgender community still has many roadblocks to face.

    What are your thoughts on Jorge Masvidal’s opinion of Lia Thomas competing on UPenn’s women’s swim team?