The Ben Askren/Bellator situation won’t be ending like Eddie Alvarez and Bellator, apparently, as Bellator has opted to let the champion out of any contractual obligations. It’s cleared his path to the UFC, which has yet to make an offer.
“I’ve said it many times, Ben’s a completely one-dimensional fighter who is utterly dominant in that dimension,” Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney said to MMA Fighting. “I had a number of discussions with Ben and it became clear it was time for both parties to move in different directions. We’ve relinquished any right to match here and Ben can sign with whoever he chooses to sign with. Ben’s been at Bellator since the start of his career, I respect him and what he’s accomplished and wish him the best wherever he goes.”
Bellator also announced that the winner of Douglas Lima and the season 9 welterweight tournament will fight for the now vacated title.
Askren spoke with Damon Martin of Fox Sports yesterday, positing he’d be willing to sit out the entire year of matching rights to be able to negotiate freely.
