When Ben Askren claimed he was "blackballed" by Dana White before UFC career began: "If he didn't like you, he'd try to get rid of you"

Ben Askren previously opened up about how he was rejected by Dana White prior to his UFC career. Askren voiced his displeasure with White's behavior, as he didn't sign the former wrestling champion while he was at his peak.

Askren, a former two-time NCAA Division I champion and gold medalist in the U.S. National Championships, began his professional MMA career in 2009. 'Funky' amassed a remarkable 12-fight winning run while becoming the Bellator welterweight champion with four title defenses, the last being a TKO win over Andrey Koreshkov at Bellator 97 in 2013. It was his final Bellator appearance since he was expected to sign with the UFC.

Despite their interest, the multi-billion dollar organization required Askren to first get out of his matching clause with Bellator. As he sent the paperwork for the promotion during UFC 165 fight week, White backtracked, saying he has no interest in Askren, which astonished the former welterweight.

During a conversation with Daniel Cormier last year, Askren offered his thoughts on the matter, saying:

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''Actually, we went to that meeting together. Actually, that Monday after [Alexander] Gustafsson vs. [Jon] Jones. You and I and Bob went to [Las] Vegas together. I didn't get an offer; I got sent home without a contract... Dana would blackball you. If he didn't like you, he'd try to get rid of you.''

Check out Ben Askren's comments below (5:35):

Askren then signed with ONE Championship following his departure from Bellator, where he dethroned the then-ONE welterweight champion Nobutatsu Suzuki at One FC 19: Reign of Champions in 2014.

The UFC eventually signed Askren in 2018, as he made his successful octagon debut by defeating former champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 235. After an unsuccessful stint with the promotion (1-2), which included defeats against Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia, Askren announced his retirement from the sport in 2019.

Askren is currently hospitalized after developing severe pneumonia, and his wife has asked everyone to pray for his recovery.

When Ben Askren discussed Dana White's remarks about Francis Ngannou, citing his own experience

Last year, Dana White accused Francis Ngannou of avoiding a fight with Jon Jones by signing with the PFL, prompting a reaction from Ben Askren.

In a past conversation with Daniel Cormier, Askren detailed his own experience with White, saying:

''Dana spent years lying, saying I didn't want to fight the best, I didn't want challenges, I was running away, and that couldn't have been further from the truth. So, it sucked to have this guy – it's essentially slander, saying things about me that I knew weren't true. Dana has this part of his personality when he can't get what he wants, and in that case, he didn't offer me a contract, so he kind of got what he wanted.''

Check out Ben Askren's comments below (26:34):

About the author

Swagat is a dynamic MMA writer with a total experience of a little less than a year, which includes time in retail and sports journalism. He holds an MBA degree.

Swagat fell in love with the sport after watching the iconic grudge match between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier at UFC 182 in early 2015. Nate Diaz holds a special place in his heart for the Stockton native’s entertaining fan-friendly style and ability to deliver exciting fights regardless of the opponent.

In terms of rule changes in MMA, Swagat advocates for making scores public after each round, adding transparency to judging decisions.

Swagat prioritizes accuracy and relevance while writing and conducts thorough research to ensure the content is fresh and reliable.

He enjoys playing football and painting during his free time.

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Edited by Swagat Kumar Jena