Ben Askren (photo via ONE Championship)

By FCF Staff

Following the news that Ben Askren has moved from ONE Championship to the UFC, it looks like the promotion is close to finalizing “Funky’s” first bout in the Octagon.

The former ONE welterweight champ is expected to face former UFC champ, Robbie Lawler, January 26th at UFC 233. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto is reporting that the fight has been tabled and that sources say the fight will likely be signed.

Askren (18-0) heads to the UFC having not fought since last November, when he quickly finished Shinya Aoki.

Lawler (28-12, 1 NC) went through 2018 without fighting, as a result of a knee injury he incurred in his decision loss to Rafael dos Anjos in December, 2017.

UFC 233 will take place in Anaheim, California.