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Former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder Ben Askren retired from fighting last week, following the news breaking that he needed hip surgery which would make it impossible for him to compete in the Octagon again.
This announcement also came a few weeks after his last loss inside the UFC Octagon, where he faced Demian Maia in a losing effort. All told, his run in the UFC was far from successful, as it led to one single controversial win over Robbie Lawler and two losses against Demian Maia and Jorge Masvidal.
Ben Askren vs Jorge Masvidal became a sure contender for Knockout of the year for the simplicity with which 'Gamebred' was able to knockout Askren with a flying knee within only 5 seconds.
Ben Askren's coach, Duke Roufus, had something to say about Askren's failure in the UFC, and how it could have been different.
Duke Roufus talks about Ben Askren
Coach Duke Roufus said that he felt, had Ben Askren come to the UFC a few years earlier, then the entire situation would have been very different.
Roufus said that had Askren come to UFC earlier, then he would have become a Champion, thereby holding titles in UFC, Bellator MMA, as well as ONE Championship.
“He would be champion. He’d be the triple champ. ONE, Bellator, and UFC. I believe that. Unfortunately, circumstances and timing don’t work out. I’ve seen him do some special stuff in the cage and in practice ever since I met Ben, it’s just sometimes timing doesn’t line up in this industry.”
Roufus admitted that the training this year had been difficult all along due to the problems related to Askren's hip.
“It’s been bad for a while. Honestly, training camps this year were hindered due to his hip. He’s just such a tough kid, just fighting through things. Not to make excuses, but it’s definitely affected him a lot.”
Now, Askren will be undergoing hip-replacement surgery, rendering him unable to compete. Given the success he had achieved in his career, not coming to UFC might always remain his one regret.
Thanks to MMA Fighting for the quotes.
