Demetrious Johnson (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

MMA is not a sport known for trades, but according to a report, the UFC and ONE Championship are close to finalizing a deal that would see Demetrious Johnson and Ben Askren trade places on the promotion’s rosters.

Talk of the potential deal reportedly transpired earlier this week on MMA Junkie Radio. Now ESPN is reporting multiple sources have informed the outlet the trade is close to being completed.

Johnson (27-3-1), who trains with ONE Championship exec, Matt Hume, is coming off a split decision loss to Henry Cejudo in August. The former flyweight champ holds the UFC record for title defenses at 11.

Askren (18-0) is ONE’s welterweight champion, however, the renowned wrestler had said he’s likely done fighting, unless bouts with stars like Georges St-Pierre can take place.