Shy Guy - They need to just fucking sign the guy so he can finally prove himself.
Ben Askren in the best fighter outside of the UFC. Period.
I don't want to argue but really the guys he's beat in One fc and wherever else couldn't beat the guys from Bellator so where is the defining fight that says he will be so good in UFC ?
I've played hockey for 35 years and If I went and played a pee wee team I would look like a stud too but I wouldn't make it off the first shift alive in the NHL.
Shy Guy - They need to just fucking sign the guy so he can finally prove himself.
Ben Askren in the best fighter outside of the UFC. Period.
I don't want to argue but really the guys he's beat in One fc and wherever else couldn't beat the guys from Bellator so where is the defining fight that says he will be so good in UFC ?
I've played hockey for 35 years and If I went and played a pee wee team I would look like a stud too but I wouldn't make it off the first shift alive in the NHL.
Yeah, but if we're gonna take this terrible metaphor further, it's basically like Askren has NHL-level skills in whatever the most important aspect of hockey. It's not like he is a good high school wrestler. He's an Olympian and a 2-time NCAA champion. He also got slapped with the "boring" label before he was even 10 fights into his career, which I think is about the time fighters really start having enough experience with MMA to start putting it all together, and he's done just that.
Also, I must ask, why are you so aggressively against Askren being signed? You keep saying he has a weak strength of schedule, but the only real way to improve that is fighting in the UFC. There is WSOF, but their 3 notable welterweights (Fitch, Palhares, and Shields) have all tested positive for something. Wouldn't be surprised if he didn't feel like going through with that for probably less than ONEFC pays.
As for metaphors Grill. This is mma not wrestling. Askren does not have NHL skills he has, metaphorically skating skills, which is the base for a hockey player. Askren may have the best base for an mma fighter, but just like the great skater has to use a stick. handle a puck and shoot, Askren has to deal with punches, kicks, knees, elbows, etc.
These are aspects of mma that Askren does not have NHL skills in.
He is arguably the best wrestler in MMA, he is a brown belt in bjj and though he doesn't showcase his striking, he trains under Roufus with Pettis.
Are you seriously trying to downplay his skill and ability?
As for metaphors Grill. This is mma not wrestling. Askren does not have NHL skills he has, metaphorically skating skills, which is the base for a hockey player. Askren may have the best base for an mma fighter, but just like the great skater has to use a stick. handle a puck and shoot, Askren has to deal with punches, kicks, knees, elbows, etc.
These are aspects of mma that Askren does not have NHL skills in.
Personally I think Askrens Wrestling dominance is more than just skating skills in Hockey. More like one of the best skaters who can get to the puck faster than any other player on the field and can control his possession of the puck with pure physicality. Might need help with say shooting for example but he is getting better at it each day.
He is potentially a WW DC but younger. He also happens to be training full time with quite possibly the best striking coach in the game and the LW champ who does shit not even Anderson pulled off with his strikes.
We of course wouldn't know how he would do until he did fight in the UFC but I would like to see it happen.
As for metaphors Grill. This is mma not wrestling. Askren does not have NHL skills he has, metaphorically skating skills, which is the base for a hockey player. Askren may have the best base for an mma fighter, but just like the great skater has to use a stick. handle a puck and shoot, Askren has to deal with punches, kicks, knees, elbows, etc.
These are aspects of mma that Askren does not have NHL skills in.
Personally I think Askrens Wrestling dominance is more than just skating skills in Hockey. More like one of the best skaters who can get to the puck faster than any other player on the field and can control his possession of the puck with pure physicality. Might need help with say shooting for example but he is getting better at it each day.
He is potentially a WW DC but younger. He also happens to be training full time with quite possibly the best striking coach in the game and the LW champ who does shit not even Anderson pulled off with his strikes.
We of course wouldn't know how he would do until he did fight in the UFC but I would like to see it happen.
So would I Bill. That way he can prove all these skills instead of just running his mouth about them.. He may be the best in mma at that too.
I had nothing against Askren until he started running his mouth and doing everything in his power to not get signed with the UFC. That and the fucking mouth breathers touting him as the next coming of Christ.
He is 30 years old and hasn't fought a top10 maybe even 20 fighter yet.
So Yes, I want to see him fight in the UFC too.
Trial by fire then, let him have a crack at Rory forget giving him a no name. Hell Brock came in with less experience backed by his wrestling credentials mostly and fought a former champ. Sure he lost but he went on to success.
I say throw Askren in to the deep end of the pool. Its up to him if he sinks floats or somehow makes a splash to back it all up.
I haven't watched many of his fights nor am I a fan or detractor to be honest but why the hell not let him step in to fight Rory.
Hell they even let Pat Cummins fight DC, get can smashed real quick to further legitimize DC and now Pats actually winning fights.
I see it as a win win. If he backs it up then you have a true contender, take a chance and spend the money on a one fight basis. He wins he keeps the negotiated amount per fight he loses he has to continue fighting at a lower amount.
