B. Askren in an interview with ESPN. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube ESPN MMA
Since debuting for the UFC in March this year, Ben Askren has fulfilled part of the script of being one of the organization's most talked about athletes. However, instead of becoming popular with the public, the American ended up being marked by significant defeats. Undefeated in his career and with belts in competing companies, Askren arrived at the company with star status, but did not fulfill his initial plan. According to Dake Roufus, the athlete's coach, Ben chose the wrong time to join the body of athletes at one of the most sought-after fighting organizations in the world. In an interview with 'MMA Fighting', the coach spoke about his pupil.
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“He would have been a champion for three different companies (if he had arrived earlier). I believe this. Unfortunately, timing didn't work out for him. I've seen him do special things ever since. I know Ben. It happens that the moment sometimes doesn’t work in this sport,” said Roufus.
Recently, Askren took MMA fans by surprise when he announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 35. The athlete, who was beaten in his last commitment by Demian Maia, in the main fight of the UFC Singapore, did not manage his latest results well and chose, also due to a chronic hip problem, to leave mixed martial arts. Roufus also commented on the student's decision.
“(The injury) has been bad for a while. Honestly, this year's training camps were made difficult by his hip. He is a very tough boy and overcame his problems. It’s not to make excuses, but it definitely affected him a lot,” said the coach.
Even though he didn't succeed in Ultimate, Askren leaves the sport with impressive numbers and great achievements throughout his career. The North American has already held belts from two major MMA companies: Bellator and ONE FC. Before joining the UFC, Ben was undefeated in his career, with 19 fights, 18 wins and one fight without result.
In 2019, Askren experienced, for the first time, the taste of a negative result in mixed martial arts. Duke, however, confirmed the positive legacy that the student will leave within MMA.
“His status is wonderful. Twice world champion. An incredible record. What I like about Ben is his personality. He is a combat sports person. He grew up to be a popular fighter and yet he still maintained his voice and personality at the same time.”
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