Exclusive interview: Ben Askren says Johny Hendricks is scared of him, talks about UFC move and CM Punk's MMA move

Ben Askren, much like Fedor Emelianenko, is considered to be one of the best fighters to have never signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The former Bellator FC Welterweight champion and the current ONE FC Welterweight champion is considered to be one of the best grapplers on the planet by many, and was also a part of the 2008 United States’ Olympic team.

Askren has also been one of the more vocal fighters against Dana White and the UFC, and hasn’t taken the recent signing of CM Punk too kindly. Askren boasts a record of 14 wins and no losses in his professional career, and captured the ONE FC Welterweight title couple of months ago at the ONE FC: Reign of Champions PPV in August. My colleague Ratish Menon and I had the pleasure of catching up with him and we asked him a few questions, exclusively for the MMA fans in India and around the world.

Q.You are one of the best wrestlers competing in MMA right now. Given your high pedigree in amateur wrestling, outside of the attempt in Olympics 2008, why did you decide to move into MMA and not give the Olympics another shot?

Ben: I always liked MMA and when there were 4 years until the 2012 Olympics, I figured I would give it a shot. I liked it and stuck with it.

Q. In modern day MMA, it's the wrestlers who have found the most success and most champs have had some sort of wrestling background. What do you attribute that sort of success to for wrestlers in MMA?

Ben: There are lots of reasons why wrestlers succeed. Work ethic, toughness, ability to determine where the fight takes place and competitive spirit are some of the important factors.

Q. Almost all your victories have come from your grappling based style. Since you have moved to Roufusport gym, renowned for the striking coach Duke and other eminent strikers in the gym, how confident are you in your ever evolving MMA game?

Ben: I am very confident in all aspects of MMA. I stick with where I am strongest but I am confident fighting everywhere.

Q. Talking about the gym, the facility was in controversy recently over the death of Kickboxer Dennis Munson Jr. Having worked out at different gyms in your career, how would you describe the atmosphere at Roufusport, which has come under a scanner following the incident?

Ben: Everything is fine; that happened back in March so a lot of it was dealt with then. The media just tried to stir things up again.

Q. You signed a 2 year contract last year with ONE FC and have a year left, where you can fight 4 more times for the organization. Is there anyone in ONE FC or in the world who could be a legitimate threat?

Ben: I don't think there is (anyone); I believe I am the best welterweight in the world and I am out to prove that.

Q. During our conversation with the former UFC Welterweight champ Johny Hendricks, he was tight lipped about your rivalry with him. Would you like to throw some light on the whole matter?

Ben: He is scared of me; there isn't a whole lot more to say.

Q. At the recent UFC PPV, you were seen cornering Pettis for his title match. You had a close view of the welterweight war between Hendricks & Lawler, 2 men you have history with, What did you think of the fight and who did you score for?

Ben: I think I would have scored the fight 48-47 despite my dislike for him (Hendricks). He did look really bad in rounds 4-5 though.

Q. With Scott Coker taking over Bellator FC and revamping the entire organization, would you be willing to return to the organization any time in the future?

Ben: I don't think so.

Q. You’ve been vocal about not fighting for Dana White, and are widely considered to be one of the best fighters currently to not fight for UFC. Seeing how the critics will always bring that up while talking about the best fighter on the planet, would you consider signing with UFC if the terms are right?

Ben: If and only if the terms were very right, I would consider (signing with UFC).

Q. Your superior grappling skills are very evident, with even the current UFC Lightweight champion Anthony Pettis stating that you would “kick his ass” if you ever get in the cage with him. With your experience and conditioning, do you have any plans of competing in the Olympics in 2 more years?

Ben: No, I have zero plans about going back and being a competitive wrestler. At this point in my life I am an MMA fighter and that is it.

Q. You’ve also been vocal regarding the recent signing of Punk by the UFC. Although what you’ve said makes a lot of sense, don’t you think it is good for MMA as a sport, with him having a cross – border appeal and in there bringing a new generation of fans?

Ben: No, I don't think it is good, at this point in the sports evolution MMA should be attracting fans on its own merit. Not attracting them based on a spectacle.

Q. Can you give us an update on when we can expect to see you defending the ONE FC Welterweight title next in 2015?

Ben: Hopefully as soon as possible.

Ben is currently signed to ONE FC, and will likely defend his Welterweight title in the early part of 2015. Also, you can follow Ben on Twitter here.