Despite rumors that the four-time All-American wrestler would sign with Strikeforce, Ben "Funky"...

Despite rumors that the four-time All-American wrestler would sign with Strikeforce, Ben "Funky" Askren will compete in Bellator Fighting Championships' next season, which begins April 8th, 2010.

The AKA-trained welterweight will fight in Bellator's second 170-pound tournament, the winner of which will challenge last year's champion, Lyman Good. Dan Hornbuckle will also reportedly participate.

Full press release here.

about 2 years ago Chris Nelson 12 comments 0 recs |

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Anxious to see him in action, in UFC 108 news Carlos Condit pulled out of his fight according to mmamania

Go get that bread, Kimbo Slice. - Mike Fagan

by SouthAlaBamaRampage on Dec 9, 2009 9:36 AM EST reply actions

that’s a good signing, i think it makes sense for askren. the bellator tourney format seems like a good place for someone with big potential but limited experience to get their feet wet.

of course that will all change if they insert more landmines like dan hornbuckle.

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by GregS123 on Dec 9, 2009 9:37 AM EST reply actions

Kudos to Bellator...

I’d actually like to see him against Hornbuckle, although that’s a huge step up.

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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Dec 9, 2009 9:38 AM EST reply actions

Hornbuckle would lambaste him.

Props to Bellator. They’re like the late 90’s ECW to the UFC and Strikeforce’s WWE and WCW.

Walking the line between intelligence and ignorance since 1985
@deowade

by Damon O. on Dec 9, 2009 10:02 AM EST up reply actions

That analogy just made Bellator more awesome than it is

by IRodC on Dec 9, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions

Always entertaining, crazy finishes, and it’s on an obscure channel that only one of your friends has. Fits so perfectly.

Walking the line between intelligence and ignorance since 1985
@deowade

by Damon O. on Dec 9, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions

well said.

by PM23 on Dec 9, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah

Though thats a HORRIBLE mismatch at this point of their careers.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Dec 9, 2009 2:09 PM EST up reply actions

What is the story on the Bellator match-maker resigning?

Also is it true the Bellator match-maker was managing fighters on the Bellator roster at the same time as being the Bellator match-maker? Something about having the ability to make matches for the fighters he manages strikes me as very wrong.

Just BE.

by mattman73 on Dec 9, 2009 10:23 AM EST reply actions

That reminds me of a conflict of interest comparison I made yesterday. So I’ll make another one here….

If Joe Silva at the UFC was making matches and managing UFC fighters people would be killing the UFC for it. Why is all these clear conflict of interest things being overlooked?

Just BE.

by mattman73 on Dec 9, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions

They are all over the place in a young sport. When someone is trying to start up a promotion, you do it to save money. As the promotions get bigger and better known, the conflict is eventually removed. That is typical in combat sports.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Dec 9, 2009 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

That doesn’t mean they should be overlooked. They should be pointed out and scrutinized so everyone can be sure people are not getting screwed over because of the conflict of interest.

Just BE.

by mattman73 on Dec 9, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions