Ben Askren is a free agent!

[Brent Smith]

He's just saying what we are all thinking...... (I'll show myself to the door)..

Im def not thinking this. I appreciate a specialist like Askren or Fitch and actually enjoy watching them fight.

[Chris Ludington]

Im def not thinking this. I appreciate a specialist like Askren or Fitch and actually enjoy watching them fight.

Brandon and I have discussed this and I understand his (and your) point too. I generally watch MMA from a fan's perspective. Unless it is a training partner/teammate fighting.

From a fighter's perspective the guy is an absolute beast at "what he does".
From a fan's perspective, "what he does", is just not entertaining to me.

I hope that doesn't come off as disrespectful of his skill set because in no way am I criticizing his ability to do "what he does". If that makes sense.

[David Rosado]

Im the opposite tbh, I hope they let him pass. He is never going to be a world beater, he is simply not well rounded enough. Not interested in watching him 'Fitch' on top contenders and exciting fighters. Obviously I am speaking as a selfish 'excitement over sport' type of fan here. I mean, is he UFC level? yes, for sure he is. Just not 'spectacular' enough to care about.

I've been a Fitch hater for years. That said, I feel like Askren is more entertaining. He actually punishes guys with strikes and looks for subs.

Ben will dominate in the UFC. The UFC is coming full circle where I believe we're going to start seeing sugical precision specialist again in one area of combat. And I feel we are going to see the same when Holdsworth gets into the UFC and starts dominating people with Jiu Jitsu again.

I feel like thats been the case for years though. Every top guy specializes in something and they're good at something else. Cain's wrestling is insane, but he's also a competent enough striker. Jones, same. Weidman, same. Before that it was Silva who was a great striker who had good counter grappling. Then GSP with his striking at first, then wrestling....now it's wrestling speciality with a bit of striking. Pettis, striking. Aldo....I know he's a BB and all, but he's a striker in the UFC.

That said, I wouldn't mind if it became even more specialized as long as they aren't going the Jake Shields route.

[Sam Sales]

http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/11/1...ted-ben-askren

LOL
Love how Askrens disloyalty to Bellator/his employer has bitten him straight on the ass. Here's a tip dummy. Probably best you don't chat shit about the company you work for whilst still employed by them, and without anywhere to go, and after getting into a dispute with the boss of the only other better organisation too LOL. You cant make this shit up.
People will remember how he was acting when his Bellator contract was coming to an end. He basically called them crap, especially his division. Which even if they were, anyone with half a brain wouldn't say given the circumstances. He acted totally unprofessionally no matter how you try to slice it.
I hope he enjoys himself over at WSOF. Him and Fitch will finally get to fight I guess.

[Kyle Spalla]

Ben will dominate in the UFC. The UFC is coming full circle where I believe we're going to start seeing sugical precision specialist again in one area of combat. And I feel we are going to see the same when Holdsworth gets into the UFC and starts dominating people with Jiu Jitsu again.

Give Funky Jake Ellengberger and let's see what he does with that. If he doesn't get his head ripped off then he stands a good place in the UFC 170 division.

[BIBIANO]

I wonder who is out there at 170 right now? Is Nick Diaz a free agent. Maybe Paul Daley, Burkman, Fitch? I can't think of many money fights for him outside of the UFC.

[Jack LaBarge]

http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/11/1...ted-ben-askren

LOL
Love how Askrens disloyalty to Bellator/his employer has bitten him straight on the ass. Here's a tip dummy. Probably best you don't chat shit about the company you work for whilst still employed by them, and without anywhere to go, and after getting into a dispute with the boss of the only other better organisation too LOL. You cant make this shit up.
People will remember how he was acting when his Bellator contract was coming to an end. He basically called them crap, especially his division. Which even if they were, anyone with half a brain wouldn't say given the circumstances. He acted totally unprofessionally no matter how you try to slice it.
I hope he enjoys himself over at WSOF. Him and Fitch will finally get to fight I guess.

Its always works for Howard Stern. Ben has been in the news all the time with his shit talking and about his release. Being in the headlines makes Ben very relevant! His record doesn't hurt either. "Unprofessional" anyone of you can have that opinion but it means nothing. People have been saying that shit about Chael forever, and guess who gets called to do title fights (jones fight) the guy who can sell it not the guy who earned it. Ben can sell a fight. Please, Bellator would take him back in heartbeat. As far as Dana goes its all bullshit!!! Dana wants him! It's called negotiating. When you want something (negotiating) you never act excited, you act like you could give a shit. Dana wants him on his terms. He ain't paying him "TiTo money". I think Dana will sign Ben but I don't think it will be anytime soon. I'm hoping I'm wrong about that... If Dana doesn't sign Ben then Dana doesn't want the best fighters in the world in the UFC.

Please STOP! With the Finch shit. Ben & Finch ( not a wine cooler) may have "similar" styles. But Ben is on another level. Stop comparing a losing record college wrestler to a 2 time National Champion, Olympian. Ben also just crushed (2 weeks ago) a current 2 time national champ who weigh 30 pounds more in a wrestling match. Another level people.

People should watch his fights they are amazing he's always moving. Askren can and will be very successful in the UFC. Does that mean he will be the Champion @ 170...No, but I can see him beating anybody in that division.

[bobby rivers]

Give Funky Jake Ellengberger and let's see what he does with that. If he doesn't get his head ripped off then he stands a good place in the UFC 170 division.

I think this is a great idea.

Dominant specialists evolve the sport like nothing else. You can either bitch about it, or figure out a solution. That solution dissolves into the sport changing it forever. Ben def belongs in the ufc and I would love to see it. And yeah, David is right. Another level.

[Chris Herzog]

I thought Dana said in a press lease he wounldn't sign Askren?

[bobby rivers]

Wouldn't be the first time Dana said one thing, then did the other.