Former Bellator and a title holder Ben Askren's UFC debut ended in one of the most controversial moments of the promotion.
After years of UFC fans who called to bring the promotion to bring Ben Askren to the Octagon, the wrestling specialist made his first walk on UFC 235. In the midst of the hype of Askren's Signing, the Most Last Stars of the UFC Matchmakers did not give him favors with his debut opponent.
Askren and Robbie Lawler Kwadraaten in a long -awaited welter weight fight on UFC 235, only a few months after Supren was traded to the UFC of one in exchange for Demetrious Johnson. It marked the return from Lawler to the Octagon after a loss for Rafael Dos Anjos placed him outside the title.
Despite the high mileage that Lawler UFC 235 entered with Inside the Octagon, the former UFC champion Welterweight went a quick start against Askren.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Ben Askren's victory over Robbie Lawler is still fiercely debating
While Askren tried to secure an early Takedown in the fight for just a few seconds, Lawler previously prevented a single-leg and hoisted ash in the air, so that his opponent landed hard on the canvas. Despite the fact that he landed on his head, asking in one way or another the consciousness, but ate some brutal and pounds of Lawler.
After Askren had regained his calmness, under pressure he pressed Lawler against the fence before he secured the Takedown he asked in the action. He put Lawler into a dangerous position while trying a bulldog -stitching submission.
While Askren performed the choke, Lawler tried to fight the hands of Askren and get space before his arm seemed to be limp. Referee Herb Dean saw Lawler's 'Dead Arm' as a sign he went to sleep, separated the two hunters and granted the victory.
But a problem quickly arose, because Lawler immediately protested the interruption and Dean assured that he did not lose consciousness. It quickly led to a confused reaction from the UFC broadcasting team, including Joe Rogan, who later criticized the Dean for the interruption.
Askren's UFC debut profit has an asterisk next to it in the eyes of many UFC fans. After the official result was read by Bruce Buffer, Askren was showered with angry in his interview after the fight, because he discredited the perception that the fight had stopped incorrectly.
UFC CEO Dana White promised fans an immediate rematch between Askren and Lawler after UFC 235, but the Rematch never flourished. Askren then lost his last two fights in the promotion to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia na UFC 235.
Robbie Lawler is in reported interviews for fighting return with Bare Knuckle FC
As far as Lawler is concerned, he announced his retirement of MMA after a story book that puts an end to the knockout against Niko Price on UFC 290. Lawler will enter the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.
But Lawler may not be done, amidst rumors that Bare Knuckle FC views a Lawler versus Mike Perry showdown for later this year. Lawler is still technically under contract with the UFC and the promotion will have to agree to officially break the ties with the future Hall of Famer to secure the BKFC booking.
Askren withdrew from MMA after losing Maia in 2019. He made his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul in 2021 and lost knockout because of the first round.