MMA Preview – Robbie Lawler vs Ben Askren at UFC 235
AT A GLANCE
When is UFC 235? Sunday 3rd March, 2019 – 03:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 235? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada
What channel is UFC 235 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 235? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT website
Are tickets still available for UFC 235? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket-info?utm_source=ufc&utm_medium=tab&utm_campaign=tickets
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
Finally, Ben Askren is in the UFC. Dana White has got over their beef and realised the organisation would benefit from employing his talent and character. Askren has never been beaten, sitting on 18 wins by dominating the Bellator and One Championship welterweight divisions. As he racked up the wins and titles he began to run out of opponents as well as motivation with Dana White standing behind the closed door of the UFC, but now he has his opportunity which will be his first fight since November 2017.
As one of the very best wrestlers that has ever graced MMA, he is a terrible match-up for anyone. However, he has one of the toughest match-ups possible in the shape of Robbie Lawler. He is the former champion, vastly experienced, a terrific wrestler himself and has the threat of devastating knockout power so this will be a fascinating encounter and test for Askren.
THE PREDICTION
Askren’s wins include some very talented fighters but perhaps none of the calibre of Robbie Lawler. Lawler is an absolute brute and carries his warrior spirit into every fight and he will need to unleash his furious strikes as quickly as possible.
This won’t be a case of if Askren can take Lawler down but how often and how many shots will he eat on the way to securing a takedown. You never want to test your chin against Lawler so Askren will implement his usual tactics of getting his opponent to the ground and keeping him there.
Askren has to be respectful of Lawler, especially as he has not competed for so long. However, Lawler has been out for the same amount of time and has not won a fight convincingly since Rory MacDonald back in 2015. He needs to find a knockout early or it is going to be a long night for the Ruthless one.
Winner: Askren via Decision
