What’s Next for Ben Askren ?
In surprising news this week Bellator MMA announced that they have waived their matching rights to contract offers for now free agent former Bellator Welterweight Champion “Funky” Ben Askren (12-0).
What Bellator did is make it much easier for Askren to sign with the UFC, but in other surprise UFC president Dana White said the promotion is not currently interested in signing Askren; who in White’s words should sign with WSOF (world series of fighting).
I, myself like that idea and see a real possibility of how this could and should play out.
With the public separation from Bellator, I believe Askren and the promotion are done with one another. If the UFC doesn’t want you yet then without a doubt WSOF is the next best option. Askren should sign there. This week WSOF president Rey Sefo talked about warming up to the possibility of giving a second chance to released UFC Welterweight Rousimar Palhares (15-5). Palhares a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and vicious leg lock master was released from the UFC after his third strike, of holding a submission way past the tap; and into the point of injuring his opponent.
I believe both men should end up in WSOF and Face each in there promotional debuts in a number 1 contenders match, with the winner being the first challenger to WSOF Welterweight champion Steve Carl (21-3). Carl submitted Josh Burkman to earn the title who had submitted Jon Fitch. The big names of the division have been put to sleep and Askren vs. Palhares are big names coming off wins, to this make sense.
As a stylistic match up Askren vs. Palhares would without a doubt be contested on the ground. Palhares would be the most dangerous BJJ practitioner that Askren has ever fought and is a step one in competition. Palhares like in the Dan Miller fight has shown heavy hands and is a powerful stocky opponent, a change from the strikers Askren had been facing in Bellator.
This should happen and could happen. The big question is does it happen before Askren hit the mats to wrestle against Cornell great Kyle Drake, who Askren recently called out after a win at Argon 1, real Pro wrestling.
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