Who is the best fighter in the world in any given weight class? Historically, the answer to the question was “the current UFC champion.” However, with promotions like Bellator MMA, World Series of Fighting and One Championship growing in popularity and gaining visibility, the answer might no longer be quite so simple.
Case in point: Ben Askren.
Askren, the reigning One Championship titleholder at 170 pounds, is ranked among the top 10 welterweights in the sport. Yet, he is the only fighter in the group who has not yet fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The undefeated Askren maintains the belief that he should be ranked atop a division that includes Robbie Lawler, Johny Hendricks, Rory MacDonald, Carlos Condit and his former teammate at the University of Missouri, Tyron Woodley.
“One hundred percent,” Askren said, “I think I am the best welterweight in the world.”
“I don’t think Santos brings anything new to the table for me,” he said. “Even though he has 70 fights, I bring something new to the table because I have a skill set that is unique that no one can really give him the feel of in practice. So even with 70 fights, he’s going to have a tough time dealing with me.”
Askren remains confident that he will retain his One Championship crown, and he has made it clear in interviews and through Twitter and various other social media outlets that he would someday like to face off with Hendricks, the former UFC welterweight champion.
“It doesn’t matter if Hendricks has a belt or not,” Askren said, “I’d like to fight him, for sure.”
Ben Askren: ‘I Think I am the Best Welterweight in the World’
