Sherdog’s Top 10: Best Fighters Never to Compete in the UFC

Mike SloanFeb 24, 2016

4. Ben Askren

One of the best amateur wrestlers of his generation, Askren is a physical and technical specimen who has mesmerized opponents with his undeniable talent and a penchant for unpredictable attacks. While at the University of Missouri, he earned All-America honors four times, won two NCAA national championships, captured the Dan Hodge Trophy twice and set the NCAA single-season pin record. Askren went on to compete in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

Upon transitioning to MMA, Askren won his first three fights and agreed to terms with the Bellator MMA promotion. From there, the mop-topped wrestler tore through the field in the Bellator Season 2 welterweight tournament and then captured the organization’s 170-pound championship with a five-round decision over Lyman Good in October 2010. Askren defended the title four times before leaving Bellator in free agency.

Most thought Askren was ticketed for the UFC, but he instead signed with One Championship and claimed the welterweight championship in just his second fight in the promotion. Still undefeated at 14-0, he remains under contract with the Singapore-based organization.

Number 3 » Cristiane Justino