MMA fighters react to UFC’s Ben Askren’s abrupt retirement because of a hip injury
- The former Bellator and One Championship title-holder gets respect from fellow fighters, including Lima, Anderson and Danis
- Askren, a US Olympian, says his previous losses were not because of the hip but because his opponents were better
Ben Askren, one of most elite-level grapplers to grace mixed martial arts, announced his retirement from the sport on Monday having lost two fights on the trot and requiring a hip replacement operation.
“Funky” (professional record 19–2, 1 no contest) was a former Bellator and One Championship title-holder before making his much-anticipated debut in the UFC in March. The 35-year-old defeated former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler via a controversial bulldog choke, before losing to Jorge Masvidal by a record-breaking five-second knockout in July and Demian Maia by submission in October.
Soon after announcing the decision to Ariel Helwani on ESPN, fellow fighters took to social media to congratulate – and in one case, challenge – the US Olympian.
“You talked the talk and you always made the walk. Wish you well on your retirement, Ben Askren, our paths will cross soon,” said Bellator’s Dillon Danis.
Others expressed their sheer gratitude for Askren opening the door to MMA having transitioned from All-American wrestling to what was at the time a green sport.
