I don't think Askren froze when he saw Jorge. He said multiple times he viewed Jorge as a wild card and he didn't want to fight outside the ring. Which Jorge said he'd be willing to do. In hindsight Jorge was controlling the narrative. It just didn't look that way at the time.
"Not finishing guys"
Askren had 1 decision since 2012
He’s only lost to 2a and 2b of the division. He’d probably beat Leon outright.
I don't think Askren froze when he saw Jorge. He said multiple times he viewed Jorge as a wild card and he didn't want to fight outside the ring. Which Jorge said he'd be willing to do. In hindsight Jorge was controlling the narrative. It just didn't look that way at the time.