Undefeated Olympian & World Champion Not Good Enough For UFC – The Ben Askren Saga Continues With ONE FC Rumors, Evolve MMA Signing

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Ben Askren apparently has opted to share his talents with Evolve MMA, Asia’s Top Fight Team, after the UFC apparently didn’t offer the undefeated Bellator champion a contract.

Askren will be spending time with Evolve in Asia as well as Roufusport in Milwaukee, his longtime MMA home. Askren was recently released by Bellator so he could sign wherever he wanted, his Bellator Welterweight title vacated and true free agency for him beginning. The now former Bellator champion has been adamant on going to the UFC, where many think he’d fit right in. Askren is currently ranked in the Top 10 in the division by most outlets.

Dana White recently stated that he felt Askren should fight in the World Series of Fighting first, apparently, and Bloody Elbow is reporting that his next stop will be reported on in the next week.

Rumors of a One FC signing are running rampant, of course, as it would make a lot of sense for Askren to have an Asian training base if he’ll be fighting in Asia’s top promotion.

Kubryk’s Analysis: This makes an awful lot of sense if Askren is going to get a substantive deal with One FC, of course, and makes sense even if he signs with Zuffa. Askren’s hands aren’t a liability, as he trains with one of the best striking coaches in MMA in Duke Roufus, but training elsewhere will potentially bring something new from him. Evolve is a very good camp and splitting his time there and here could be good for him.