Full Interview

Recapping With Ben Askren - You Have To Beat Everybody by Brent Todd - 02-22-2010 Ben Askren may have just started his professional mixed martial arts career a little over a year ago, but that doesn't mean he isn't dangerous. At 3-0, the welterweight fighter has easily defeated his opponents needing no more than 87 seconds to defeat any of them. Of course, his does have a little thing like the Olympics that he competed in as a backdrop for his fighting career. MMA Recap's Brent Todd sat down with Askren to discuss his recent signing with Bellator and his thoughts on his young career.

Askren's background is that of a wrestler.  A very decorated high school and collegiate wrestler, Askren went on to compete in the 2008 Olympics.  So for him, to move from wrestling to fighting was an easy decision.  "Obviously I have a wrestling background and I have been a huge fan of it.  I watched it growing up and when I got done with the Olympics so I decided to give fighting a part of my life."

When Bellator called, Askren was of course excited.  "I was really excited.  They were the first ones that said hey come on be a part of our production.  Yeah they aren't up there yet with UFC or Strikeforce, but I really think Bellator will make their mark this year.  I can't wait to see how good I am against some of these guys."

Coming from a background in wrestling, could prove to be an advantage for Askren as he doesn't see any hindrances with the tournament format.  "No not to me.  Maybe those other guys aren't used to making weight so often.  I am used to having lots of matches in a short period of time."

As for who he wants to fight first, like most of the other fighters in the tournament, it doesn't matter to him. "I don't care.  It doesn't matter.  If you want to win, you have to beat everybody.  I don't care who I draw or when I fight them."

And of course, the tournament format provides structure that Askren is used to and likes.  "I really like the format.  I don't like how disorganized fighting can be.  Being a wrestler there is always a set path.  But in fighting, there isn't a lot of rhyme or reasons for certain fights.  There's a lot of jumping around.  I like that it is an eight man tournament.  You have the quarters, semis, and finals."

When asked about his thoughts on current champion Lyman Good, Askren was nothing but honest in his assessment of his skill set.  "Honestly that's a long way down the road and I don't know anything about him.  I know I am a better wrestler than him and I am willing to bet by August my jiu jitsu will be there and I am working on my striking as I know that's my weak point."

The more I talk to these Bellator fighters, the more excited I am for the second season to start. The rest of the interview Ben talks about his favorite fight and training.