To say that Ben Askren doesn’t get much respect in the mixed martial arts world would be an understatement.
“Funky” Ben has frequently been criticized for his “boring” wrestling style which, to his credit, made him a champion in two different promotions (one of which was Bellator) and allowed him to a retire with an unbeaten streak.
Furthermore, in his defense, former UFC Welterweight and Middleweight Champion Georges St-Pierre also received heavy criticism for his “lay and pray” style. This was despite the fact that GSP was one of the biggest draws in UFC history and is widely considered to be one of MMA’s GOAT’s.
Still, Askren’s style didn’t make him a favorite of fans or promoters, particularly UFC President Dana White, who once stated Ben Askren could put the sleeping medicine Ambien to sleep.
@thefightweek @benaskren when ambien can't sleep it takes Ben Askren. The most boring fighter in MMA history. I would rather watch flys ****
— Dana White (@danawhite) April 16, 2012
White later showed a little more interest in Askren after he finished some of his fights.
But one man who has always been a staunch Ben Askren supporter is his teammate and reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley.
In a video posted on MMA Fighting, Woodley opined that Carlos Condit wouldn’t have had a chance against Askren, and even Georges St-Pierre wouldn’t have beaten him. Woodley called Funky Ben “one of the most underrated fighters” and “creative minds” in MMA, and ended by saying Ben Askren would have “by far” been a champion in the UFC.
You can watch Woodley’s video below:
Tyron "The Chosen One" Woodley says Ben Askren doesn't "get the credit he deserves," and would be a champion if he fought in the UFC. https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/12/3/16729108/tyron-woodley-explains-why-hes-rethinking-shoulder-surgery
Posted by MMAFighting.com – The Mixed Martial Arts News Website on Sunday, December 10, 2017
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