Ben Askren faces tough test against Nick Thompson

Posted by Thomas Volkert (Staff Writer)

Apr 8

Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren might be waiting some time to finally defend his Welterweight title, but he will still face a tough fight as he takes on MMA veteran Nick “The Goat” Thomspon at Bellator 40, which takes place at the First Council Casino in Newkirk, Oklahoma.

Askren steps into the cage for the first time since defeating Lyman Good for the Bellator strap back at Bellator 33. The 2008 Olympian has silenced many critics, starting his MMA career with 7 straight wins since turning pro over two years ago. After a successful collegiate wrestling career, which saw him win two National Championships in 2006 and 2007 with the University of Missouri, Askren competed in the 2008 Summer Olympic games, showing great performances, but losing in the round of 8.

Askren has also tried his hand in submission grappling, competing in the 2009 ADCC competition, losing in his second match to eventual champion, Pablo Papovitch and winning the 2009 FILA World Grappling Championships, defeating 2008 winner and UFC fighter Jacob Volkmann.

On the other side, Nick Thompson looks to get back on the winning track after dropping his last three fights, two under the Sengoku banner and one to Tim Kennedy at 185 lbs under the Strikeforce banner. Thompson, a veteran of over 50 fights and a former University of Wisconsin wrestler from 200-2002, has shown well-rounded skills in his fights, only going to decision 6 times in his 38 wins as a professional.

The former Bodog Fight welterweight champion feels his experience will be one of bigger advantages he has against Askren.

“I think the biggest advantage for me in this fight with Ben is the fact that I’ve fought more than 50 fights,” said Thompson. “I’ve fought in every organization, I’ve fought against the best fighters in the world, and I’ve been ranked in the top ten. Ben hasn’t been there. I plan on hitting him like he’s never been hit before and I’m excited to find out how he’s going to react.”

For Askren, it doesn’t matter who is standing across from him in the cage, he treats every fight the same and looks to dominate his opponents with his world-class wrestling.

“I come to fight every single time. Whether you’re good or you’re bad, I still want to smash you, and it’s going to be the same thing when I fight Nick Thompson,” Askren said. “It doesn’t matter what his record is, I’m looking to kick his ass.”

“Ben’s been completely dominant in every fight he’s had under the Bellator banner and Nick has run the MMA gauntlet in his career, fighting everywhere and everyone,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “He will be a fantastic test for Ben.”

The fight could potentially be one of the toughest fights of Askren’s career and, win or lose, he’ll be defending his championship in the future against the winner of this seasons Welterweight Tournament, while a win for Thompson could get him back on track and potential earn him a shot later down the road against whomever is champion at the time.

Bellator 40 will be live on MTV2.