Bellator
Bellator grants Champ Ben Askren full release, waives matching rights clause
Nov 14, 2013 - 8:50:13 AM Bellator grants Champ Ben Askren full release, waives matching rights clause

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Ben Askren is a free agent.

The Bellator Welterweight Champion was granted a full release from Bellator on Thursday, with the organization waiving their right to match any offer he might receive.

The former Olympic wrestler had finished out his deal with Bellator this summer, and has publicly campaigned to get into the UFC. However, due to past experience dealing with Bellator's matching clause with Eddie Alvarez, the UFC hasn't made any moves yet towards Askren.

Bellator had retained the right to match any offer that Askren would have received, though Bjorn Rebney attempted to use cutting the matching clause as a bargaining chip to goad the UFC into offering Askren a title fight in his UFC debut. Now, though, they've completely cut ties with the man who has run rough-shod through their 170 lb. field.

"I've said it many times, Ben's a completely one-dimensional fighter who is utterly dominant in that dimension," Rebney said in a press release announcing the move. "I had a number of discussions with Ben and it became clear it was time for both parties to move in different directions. We've relinquished any right to match here and Ben can sign with whoever he chooses to sign with. Ben's been at Bellator since the start of his career, I respect him and what he's accomplished and wish him the best wherever he goes."

Now the attention will turn to Askren's team negotiating with the UFC to get him into the Octagon.

Penick's Analysis: It's possible with the UFC staying silent that Bellator went back to Askren in some attempt to keep him, though it's just as likely that they didn't even make an effort. It's great news for Askren, as the UFC will likely now give him a look, and they should. Though he's certainly one dimensional, he's fascinating to watch in that he can just completely and utterly demolish guys with his wrestling and top game, and he's evolved well beyond a lay and pray fighter. He's elite, and deserves a chance to find out just what his ceiling is inside the Octagon. As for Bellator, it certainly doesn't ring positive on them again that they didn't keep their Champion, but waiving the matching clause in this instance was the right move if it's clear he wasn't really interested in re-signing with them.