Ben Askren
Ben Askren | “Funky”
Ht: 5’10 – Wt: 170 – Age: 28
Born: Wisconsin, USA
Fights out of: Milwaukee, WI, USA
Team: Roufusport
Overall Record: 10-0
Promotion: Bellator
2012 Forecast:
Ben Askren is the current Bellator welterweight champion. Askren has consistently relied upon his high-level wrestling to ground out his opponents via decision. Askren wrestled collegiately at Missouri University, twice winning the NCAA championship. Askren made his transition over to MMA in 2009, easily winning his first 3 fights on the independent circuit before signing with Bellator in 2010. Prior to making his Bellator debut, Askren competed in the Abu Dhabi submission championships, impressively making it to the quarterfinals where he lost to eventual winner Pablo Papovitch. Askren entered the Bellator season 2 welterweight tournament, defeating Ryan Thomas twice before winning a decision over Sengoku veteran Dan Hornbuckle in the finals. Askren was rewarded with a title shot against inaugural Bellator welterweight champion Lyman Good. Askren wrestled his way to victory, winning a 5-round unanimous decision. Askren picked up a win over vetera Nick Thompson in a non-title fight, though he was having increasing difficulty in finishing his opponents. Askren faced his stiffest challenge to date when he faced off against recent season 4 tournament winner Jay Hieron. Askren once again relied heavily on his takedowns and top control, but Hieron gave him all he could handle for 5 rounds. Hieron took over the fight in the final round, but the judges awarded Askren a controversial split decision victory.
Askren’s wrestling is top-notch, but his overall development as a mixed martial artist has not improved as rapidly as most expected. Askren has to develop finishing skills and at least learn to stay active from the top position with ground ‘n’ pound. As of now, Askren is just wrestling his way to victory. Askren would likely find success in the UFC welterweight division, but there are a lot of fighters at the top of the division with solid takedown defense that would easily challenge Askren on the feet. Askren is a one-trick pony at this point, but until Bellator provides Askren with additional high-level opposition, he will likely continue to wrestle and decision his way to victory. Askren is just 27 years old, so he has plenty of time to grow into an elite level fighter. When that time comes, Askren may prove to be the best fighter in world at 170 lbs.
Ben Askren Fight Record
Overall Record: 9-0
2008-2011 Record: 9-0
2011 Record: 2-0
Win | Jay Hieron | Dec | Rd 5 | Bellat | 10/29/2011
Win | Nick Thompson | Dec | Rd 3 | Bellat | 04/09/2011
2010 Record: 4-0
Win | Lyman Good | Dec | Rd 5 | Bellat | 10/21/2010
Win | Dan Hornbuckle | Dec | Rd 3 | Bellat | 06/17/2010
Win | Ryan Thomas | Dec | Rd 3 | Bellat | 05/20/2010
Win | Ryan Thomas | Sub | Rd 1 | Bellat | 04/15/2010
2009 Record: 3-0
Win | Matt Delanoit | Sub | Rd 1 | | 08/28/2009
Win | Mitchell Harris | Sub | Rd 1 | | 04/25/2009
Win | Josh Flowers | Tko | Rd 1 | | 02/07/2009
2008 Record: 0-0
