Welterweight prospect Ben Asken announced as Bellator's newest signee

From MMAJunkie

Two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion and current welterweight prospect Ben Askren (3-0) was today announced as Bellator's newest addition.

A U.S. Olympian who competed in the 2008 Beijing Games, Askren has compiled three first-round stoppages since his professional MMA debut in February.

While an exact date for the 25-year-old's Bellator debut was not announced, Askren is expected to participate in the promotion's second-ever tournament, which kicks-off in April.

"I am very happy to welcome Ben to Bellator," Bjorn Rebney, founder and CEO of Bellator Fighting Championships, stated in an official release announcing the deal. "Ben's an exciting fighter with unlimited potential and an unparalleled list of Olympic and collegiate accomplishments. We believe he can become a true force in this sport. As an MMA fan, I can't wait for Ben's first fight in our tournament on FOX Sports Net, NBC and Telemundo this April."

Terms of Askren's deal were not released, though it was described as an "exclusive, long-term agreement."

Askren said Bellator's expanded TV audience was a primary factor in his decision to join the promotion.

"I like that my fights are going to broadcast nationally," Askren stated. "I like the tournament-style format, and I love the opportunity to be a part of something exciting and new.

"I plan on winning Bellator. My goal, as it always has been, is to be the best in the world."

A former University of Missouri wrestler, Askren is currently training at American Kickboxing Academy. Askren has also enjoyed stints with American Top Team, Arizona Combat Sports and the Lion's Den.

Should Askren make it through the promotion's eight-man welterweight tournament, he'll book a date with undefeated current 170-pound title holder Lyman Good (10-0).

Did they say NBC in April?

And for those who don't think the TV deal's for these org's is important, I submit this as further evidence to the contrary.

Askren has some elite level wrestling, and is training in a great place at AKA.

CainVelasquezFan wrote:

Askren has some elite level wrestling, and is training in a great place at AKA.

My guess is he becomes a Kos clone. He is a freestyle wrestler which most guys don't do. I remember him in high school in WI he would leg whip kids or throw them down and taunt them. Cocky as all hell but he backed it up. He definitely has a ton of potential, it all depends on how well his stand up improves as with all wrestlers.

Bellator is getting themselves a strong Welterweight division. Hornbuckle, Good and Askren. I was hoping UFC or Strikeforce would get these guys.

KingsOwn19 wrote:

Bellator is getting themselves a strong Welterweight division. Hornbuckle, Good and Askren. I was hoping UFC or Strikeforce would get these guys.

hopefully, Bellator co-promotes. I know TV deals complicate that matter, but co-promotion has served SF well.

captain organic wrote:

KingsOwn19 wrote:

Bellator is getting themselves a strong Welterweight division. Hornbuckle, Good and Askren. I was hoping UFC or Strikeforce would get these guys.

hopefully, Bellator co-promotes. I know TV deals complicate that matter, but co-promotion has served SF well.

ABC/ESPN vs CBS/Showtime (main event)

Asken is a fucking beast. Great pickup for Bellator, hopefully they develop that guy

I really wish Hornbuckle was in the UFC. He would be an instant contender in my eyes.

Ninja\Rua/Fan wrote:

Asken is a fucking beast. Great pickup for Bellator, hopefully they develop that guy

I really wish Hornbuckle was in the UFC. He would be an instant contender in my eyes.

Still feel that way?