What if we no longer had to ask “what if” when it comes to Ben Askren?

On Monday, the former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight title holder responded to a Twitter follower’s question, asking to put a percentage on the chances that he’ll fight in the UFC.

Askren’s response (via Twitter):

Ninety-eight percent, huh? You look at that and you go, “OK, but is he being serious?” Well, to add some intrigue to Askren’s response, ESPN reporter Ariel Helwani later reported “there has been some promising movement as of late on the Ben Askren to UFC dream.”

OK, now we’re talking.

What does this mean exactly? It’s hard to say. Ever since the 34-year-old Askren (18-0) retired last November, he’s continued to make noise about fighting. But as of August, Askren was still under contract with ONE Championship, according to UFC President Dana White. Askren would need to be a free agent in order to sign with the UFC, which would require a release from his ONE Championship deal.

Askren has been vocal about his desire to fight some of the biggest names the UFC has to offer, chiefly former two-division champion Georges St-Pierre. He’s also expressed how unimpressed he is by the Diaz brothers. Askren has been called out by top fighters, too, including Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald.

Askren retired undefeated and long was considered one of the top welterweights in the world. He’s just always had that one knock against him of never testing himself in the UFC (through no fault of his own).

Apparently there’s still hope.

Do you still want to see Askren fight in the UFC? Vote in our poll below.

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