Ben Askren expected to make UFC debut against Robbie Lawler at UFC 233:
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| Ben Askren has made a straight forward seige for the Welterweight gold. |
The UFC's biggest 'newcomer' in the promotion's history looks to have finally found a willing dance partner for his debut, as former ONE FC world champion Ben Askren has reportedly inked a deal to face former Welterweight champion Robbie Lawler in Anaheim, California at UFC 223 in January. Widely expected to avoid the 170lbs home of close friend Tyron Woodley, it seems the undefeated wrestling ace is heading straight to the Welterweight top five for his promotion bow. Askren, who was involved in a high profile swap with former UFC Flyweight champion Demetrious 'Mighty Mouse' Johnson just last week, wasted no time in eyeing up potential suitors for his welcoming party, with both Nick and Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal, Darren Till, Colby Covington and Khabib Nurmagomedov to name a few, receiving call outs via Twitter over the weekend, whilst attending UFC 230 where Daniel Cormier successfully defended the UFC Heavyweight crown against Derrick Lewis. The former ONE Welterweight kingpin certainly faces a game and gritty test for his premier Octagon walk in the form of 'Ruthless' Robbie Lawler, who features for the first time since tearing his ACL during a decision defeat to 170lbs title hopeful Rafael dos Anjos in December 2017.
Collegiate wrestling phenom Ben Askren has amassed a picture perfect 18-0 record throughout his time with Bellator and ONE FC, defeating some legitimate competition during his rise through the ranks of both promotions. His resumé displays victories over the dangerous Shinya Aoki, Andrey Koreshkov, Karl Amoussou, Jay Hieron and maybe most impressively, Bellator mainstay Douglas Lima. A move to the UFC offers Ben a chance to test his so far unmatched talents among the world's best and a clash with Lawler spells out his intentions right from the get go.
Despite a rematch with the brash Nick Diaz the expected outcome for Lawler's return, the tough Cali native has clearly outlined his intent to firmly reinstate himself into the Welterweight title picture with a clash against Askren. Returning from his devastating loss to current division gold holder Tyron Woodley with a close fought decision win over the game Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone, 'Ruthless' Robbie found himself in somewhat of a title eliminator against Rafael dos Anjos but was simply overwhelmed by a fierce pace from RDA, reminiscent of the Brazilian's battering of Anthony Pettis during his time at 155lbs.
This one is another classic striker versus grappler matchup, with Askren the certain underdog in the striking exchanges but a steep favourite in the clinch and any wrestling predicaments.
UFC 233 takes place on the 26th of January and is expected to be headlined by a 'Superfight' between current UFC Bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw and UFC Flyweight champion Henry Cejudo as the Olympic gold medalist attempts to overthrow Dillashaw, becoming a two division champion and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest combat sport athletes of all time.
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