In Rainbows
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I was recently watching a Rogan podcast and he started talking about Ben Askren and made some amazing points about the guy. You can argue that he's "boring", but he is extremely effective and easily one of the best wrestlers in MMA. Ben Askren taking a guy down and holding him there is a real problem. If you can't stop his shot and keep him off of you, then that's your problem and you deserve to lose.
I personally don't find him boring at all. I'm really fascinated by guys who get to this insane level in their particular sport, be it wrestling, BJJ, or striking. He's physically not the biggest or strongest, but he makes up for it with pure skill and technique and just dominates guys. It may not be the most exciting style, but that doesn't take away the fact that he's a real problem for anyone who fights at 170.
It's just a real travesty that it didn't work out with the UFC. When I hear Dana go off about how boring Askren is, it just shows me how ignorant he can be about what this sport is really about. I think he realizes Askren is a real problem for guys, and it's not the most pleasant to watch, but who cares? The UFC is about being the best fighter, and if someone has the capability to take guys down at will and win, then he should be in the UFC. It's not Askren's fault - it's the guys who can't stop his takedowns. It just really irks me that he isn't in the UFC because he's perceived as "boring", despite him being arguably one of the best. I want to see him mix it up with these tops guys and see if they can stop Askren. I think we're really missing out with not seeing him fight in the UFC. I personally see him giving fits to everyone in the 170 division, and I would only favor Hendricks, GSP, and maybe a few others. Otherwise, Askren is a real problem for the division. I mean, come on, isn't this basic MMA shit? To see which style is most effective?
What are your thoughts?
EDIT: here is the youtube clip where Joe talks about Askren. http://youtu.be/nFgGXeHWa5E?t=1h19m29s
I personally don't find him boring at all. I'm really fascinated by guys who get to this insane level in their particular sport, be it wrestling, BJJ, or striking. He's physically not the biggest or strongest, but he makes up for it with pure skill and technique and just dominates guys. It may not be the most exciting style, but that doesn't take away the fact that he's a real problem for anyone who fights at 170.
It's just a real travesty that it didn't work out with the UFC. When I hear Dana go off about how boring Askren is, it just shows me how ignorant he can be about what this sport is really about. I think he realizes Askren is a real problem for guys, and it's not the most pleasant to watch, but who cares? The UFC is about being the best fighter, and if someone has the capability to take guys down at will and win, then he should be in the UFC. It's not Askren's fault - it's the guys who can't stop his takedowns. It just really irks me that he isn't in the UFC because he's perceived as "boring", despite him being arguably one of the best. I want to see him mix it up with these tops guys and see if they can stop Askren. I think we're really missing out with not seeing him fight in the UFC. I personally see him giving fits to everyone in the 170 division, and I would only favor Hendricks, GSP, and maybe a few others. Otherwise, Askren is a real problem for the division. I mean, come on, isn't this basic MMA shit? To see which style is most effective?
What are your thoughts?
EDIT: here is the youtube clip where Joe talks about Askren. http://youtu.be/nFgGXeHWa5E?t=1h19m29s
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