Ben Askren: Georges St-Pierre Fights Way Too Scared
Ben Askren is at a crossroads in his career right now, stuck between Bellator, the UFC and retirement. Following his Bellator 97 win against Andrey Koreshkov, rumours swirled of Askren’s retirement. Askren has been Bellator champion since 2010, when he decisioned Lyman Good, and has often come under fire for his wrestling style.
‘Funky’ likes to grind his opponents out with top level wrestling, often resulting in what fans consider boring fights. As unentertaining as Askren’s style is perceived, it is very effective. He has compiled a 12-0 record since his 2009 debut, and his future in the sport will likely be decided on whether or not he fights for the UFC.
Askren took to his Twitter account to start GSP bashing:
Not retiring yet, still 1 person I want to beat up. @GeorgesStPierre @ufc @danawhite
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) October 4, 2013
Many fighters like to talk about how they could beat legends, how they have their number; it often comes to little more than just talk. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and Askren obviously feels he can ‘Chris Weidman’ GSP.
Seriously though GSP in 2009 prob would have beat me, but this current version fights way too scared!
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) October 4, 2013
Askren is not alone in his assessment of St-Pierre’s current style. Since Matt Serra knocked him out at UFC 69, GSP has been admittedly more cautious in the cage. This isn’t to say that he has lost an ounce of talent or ability in that time.
GSP has reigned atop a super stacked division for years now, and I’m not sure if Askren brings anything to the table that St-Pierre hasn’t dealt with before. So what would Askren do in a fight with the king of 170?
I will lay on GSP for as long as I damn well please.
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) October 4, 2013
Obviously.
