Ben Askren is one of the finest mixed martial artists on the planet, and his skills are so far only matched by his caustic tongue.
The 13-0 fighter is not one to shy away from verbal wars, and he spends his time out of the cage poking and prodding at other fighters and promoters, attempting to stir up some controversy while finding amusement in the resulting chaos.
While in attendance at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas for The Ultimate Fighter 19 finale, the current One FC welterweight standout turned his attention to 170-pound UFC champion Johny Hendricks and Hendricks' boss, UFC President Dana White.
As usual with Askren, there was no mincing of words involved.
@JohnyHendricks sitting front row looking like a fat boy. Hey Johny tell Uncle Dana to let you prove your actually the best. Can't beat me
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) July 7, 2014
@BloodyElbow Ben: Hey Johny why don't you tell Dana to let me beat you up. Johny: Dana who(then walks off)
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) July 7, 2014
@BloodyElbow I mean I knew he was stupid but damn
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) July 7, 2014
@AdamHillLVRJ @ufc tell the bald man to make it happen
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) July 7, 2014
The tweets, which were originally reported by Bloody Elbow's Jesse Holland, perfectly showcase Askren's demeanor. He's not afraid to call out anybody, not even the UFC welterweight champion and one of the most powerful men in MMA.
The problem with this, of course, is that we don't get to see Askren act on his words. He's firing an RPG from an SR-71, safely away from the war zone that is the UFC's welterweight division. Even when he finishes his contract with One FC, he might retire or, as they have already done, the UFC executives running the show might simply pass him over once more.
If Askren never signs with the UFC, we will have missed a grand opportunity to watch one of the greatest wrestlers to ever compete in MMA put his skills to the test against the world's best fighters.
Making that route even more disappointing, the UFC could use a high-energy, no-reservations trash talker on its roster right now with Chael Sonnen gone, and Askren represents the perfect fit for the job.
Win or lose, Askren generates interest in himself and his fights. And with pay-per-view buy rates slumping, the organization could use a jolt in the form of the funky, curly-headed wrestling phenom named Ben Askren.
