Welterweight champion Ben Askren leaves Bellator

B. Askren poses next to the Bellator welterweight belt. Photo: Disclosure/Bellator

This Thursday (14), after a long period of indecision, Ben Askren's departure from Bellator was finally agreed. The announcement of the end of the relationship with Askren was made by the organization's president Bjorn Rebney.

“I had a series of discussions with Ben and it became clear that it was time for both parties to move in different directions. We waive any rights, and Ben can sign with whomever he chooses. Ben has been fighting in Bellator since the beginning of his career. I respect him and what he has accomplished and wish him the best wherever he goes,” Rebney said.

Since talks began for Ben Askren to leave Bellator, the UFC has been identified as his natural destination. Bjorn Rebney himself had reported that the rival organization offered Askren an immediate title shot against Georges St Pierre. The idea pleased GSP himself, who has already stated that he would love to fight Ben Askren

The title left by Askren could end up in the hands of a Brazilian. This is because, at the beginning of 2014, Douglas lima will face the winner of the welterweight tournament of the ninth season of the Bellator Series for the vacant belt in the category.