Ben Askren defends his Bellator 170-pound gold against Douglas Lima at April 6th's Bellator 64.
Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren will look to keep his undefeated record intact when he defends his title against No. 1 contender Douglas Lima on Friday, April 6th, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, in the main event of Bellator 64.
The Lima fight will be Askren's second defense of the gold he won in October 2010. His first defense was a year later, a controversial split decision over Jay Hieron that had this writer asking for a rematch. Due to the promotional rules however, only tournament winners can earn title shots and interestingly enough, HIeron is not in this latest tourney field.
After a 3-0 record in the regional scene, Askren (9-0, 6-0 Bellator) debuted in Bjorn Rebney's promotion and has been there ever since.
The two time NCAA Division I wrestling champion and 2008 U.S. Olympic wrestler will have a stiff test in the 24-year-old Lima, who earned his shot with a second round KO of Ben Saunders in the recent 170-pound tourney finale. Lima (21-4, 3-0 Bellator) has finishes in 18 of his victories with 11 submissions and seven T/KOs. He'll carry a nine fight win streak into the title match.
The undercard will feature former WEC fighter Chris Horodecki vs. the dreaded 'opponent to be named later' and the semifinals of the season six featherweight tournament that opens up on March 9th. Some combo of Marlon Sandro, Ronnie Mann, Roberto Vargas, Wagnney Fabiano, Daniel Straus, Alexandre Bezerra, Jeremy Spoon and Genair da Silva will tangle for the opportunity to fight in the finals.
The event airs at 8 PM EST on MTV2.
More recent Bellator news:
0 recs | 20 comments
The show also will feature..
Two bantamweight quarterfinal bouts.
Matt Bishop - February 9, 2012
Lima is rolling right now.
And with Askren’s “funky” standup skills a KO isn’t out of the question.
POW - February 9, 2012
Really hope Lima destroys Askren
Our Bovine Public - February 9, 2012
Yeah, I hope he KOs sideshow bob.
Sweet Scientist - February 9, 2012
Make. This. GREEN.
Charles Awad - February 9, 2012
I can't wait until Askren comes to the UFC
so he can get smashed by everyone. Lima is good and on a hot streak but i see him losing a decision here. I hope I’m wrong though.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE - February 9, 2012
I can see Askren winning a decision here as well. I don’t expect Lima to be able to defend the takedowns, and I’m a bit worried that Lima will be too content to fight off his back. Lima can definitely catch him standing, but I can see Askren going for the takedown early and often.
chrisbboy82 - February 9, 2012
Askren isn't in my Top 10
But I think you’re seriously overstating things when you say he’d “get smashed by everyone” in the UFC. He’s already beaten some solid opponents and he’s only three years into his MMA career. He has room to keep getting better and would give a lot of good UFC welterweights a tough fight.
MichaelDavidSmith - February 9, 2012
You certainly love highlighting hyperbole
Charles Awad - February 9, 2012
He wouldn't get smashed by everyone in the UFC.
I just think that he would get beat by GSP, Diaz, Condit, Hendricks, Koscheck, Ellenberger, Fitch, Sheilds, Bj Penn, Rory, Kampmann, Alves, Ebersole, and even John Hathaway.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE - February 9, 2012
Let's hope
it’s not another 5 rounds of “dominant wrestling” by Askren. Snore. Cannot stand that guy.
djabstract - February 9, 2012
No way
Dude will get his arm snapped like Juarez. Wrestle-fucking does not work on Lima.
Charles Awad - February 9, 2012
+100
Which I will GIF and loop the sh*t out of.
djabstract - February 9, 2012
After which
Askren will never be able to play disc golf again. Boo hoo.
djabstract - February 9, 2012
The threat of which, alone, will destroy his mindset
Charles Awad - February 9, 2012
Askren vs Fitch vs Shields in a triple threat match
would be incredible
NEW-HAMPSHIRE - February 9, 2012
Blue Mountain State kicker FTW!
chavez_26 - February 9, 2012
Hieron isnt in this years tourney
Which is a damn shame because he was robbed in the title fight
Ricardo Arguello - February 9, 2012
You are
totally correct, sir. Askren/Hieron pissed me off.
djabstract - February 9, 2012
man I can't wait for Bellator to start up again
170 and down their tournaments normally rock above that umm yea those happen.
MaZZacare - February 9, 2012
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