UFC 235 marked a historic night for MMA. The first superstar to be traded into the UFC for another fighter made his debut. Ben Askren defeated Robbie Lawler (with some controversy, but we’ll get there soon) via bulldog choke to improve to 19-0 in his pro MMA career. So who is Ben Askren?
Ben “Funky“ Askren is a former 2x NCAA champion in wrestling; a pedigree he earned at Mizzou. The nickname “Funky” was earned due to Askren’s unorthodox style of wrestling. Rather than the textbook techniques that many would assume make a great wrestler, Ben Askren almost seemed to "experiment" his way to storied wrestling career. This crazy style of wrestling allowed for Askren to participate in the 2008 Olympics and win the welterweight championships in not ONE FC and Bellator MMA. On top of his wrestling credentials, Askren has a sense of humor that has attracted fans to his trash talk. Askren often jokes about other fighters, rather than just claiming he is better than them. Askren almost seems to degrade other fighters with witty, corny humor that is somewhat bullying yet lighthearted. Ben's Twitter (@Benaskren) is a must-follow for fans who enjoy out-of-Octagon banter.
So how is it that Askren never made it to the UFC before now? Why has no one heard of him? Ben Askren has had a controversial relationship with UFC president, Dana White, since roughly 2013. Askren was fighting for Bellator MMA at the time, and the UFC had entered negotiations with Askren. The negotiations came to an abrupt end and Askren was left confused; that is until Dana White infamously tweeted that "When ambien can't sleep it takes Ben Askren. The most boring fighter in MMA." Askren went on Joe Rogan's podcast and discussed this well before eventually signing with the UFC in late 2018.
Well as a UFC fighter, Ben and Dana have somewhat grown their relationship. Each states the other is not willing to talk, or they are crazy and lying. The important takeaway is that regardless of the relationship between Askren and Dana, Ben Askren is now a legitimate UFC contender. On MArch 2, 2019, Ben Askren stepped into the Octagon to make his debut against former champion, Robbie Lawler. The fight played out in a very quick, intense fashion. Ben attempted a takedown and was spiked on his head and punched repeatedly, there was a scramble that led Askren to his feet, then Askren managed to drag Lawler down. Fans were no doubt excited and Ben was proving not to be boring despite Dana White's previous tweet. The ending of the fight managed to crumble the hype of the actual contest. Askren locked in a bulldog choke (a choke from beside the opponent in a headlock position) and Robbie Lawler's arm dropped quickly to the mat. The referee, Herb Dean, stepped in stopping the bout afraid Lawlwer was unconscious, however Robbie hopped up immediately. Ben Askren was now a winner in the UFC, despite many people thinking the fight should have continued.
What does the controversy mean for Askren? This is actually a good thing for the UFC. Askren has talked his way into being a superstar; Ben talked trash about every welterweight contender trying to set up his first match. Now that Ben has won, he is in the UFC to stay. Fans are calling for a rematch with Lawler, or they want to see how Ben handles other top contenders. Whoever the fans want Ben to fight next, there are two reasons they want him to fight: to see him beat more top contenders and prove himself, or to see him lose and have the right to claim he cannot win without controversy. Regardless, Ben "Funky" Askren has led the UFC to the Funky Era. Everyone is talking about Askren.
Despite Dana White's initial (or current) views on Ben Askren, the UFC president has taken notice to the impact Askren has ad on the company. In a recent interview, White praised Askren and what he has brought to the UFC. The Funky Era has been fun, that is one undeniable fact. Love or hate Askren, he is around to stay. Whether the Funky Era consists of multiple wins or a short run, ratings will no doubt increase. One can only hope for good, entertaining fights.
Sources:
Image: The Bodylock MMA, Jake Nichols
Twitter: @Benaskren
Video: YouTube/Joe Rogan Experince podcast
Article/Interview with Dana White: Yahoo Sports Video
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