Looking to capitalize on his illustrious wrestling background, Bellator welterweight Ben Askren joined the organization at the dawn of his professional mixed martial arts career.  After a decorated collegiate wrestling career in which he captured two NCAA Division I titles, Askren pursued his dream of glory all the way to Beijing, China, where he competed in the 2008 Olympic Games as a member of the United States wrestling team.

Askren entered the Bellator welterweight tournament with a professional record of just 3-0.  In his opening round fight against UFC veteran Ryan 'The Tank Engine' Thomas, Askren put his wrestling skills on display, easily taking Thomas to the mat early in the first round.  As Thomas scrambled to get back to his feet Askren lunged for his neck trapping him in an awkward choke that left 'The Tank Engine' gasping for breath. Much to Thomas' dismay, the referee jumped to stop the fight just 2:40 into Round 1

Controversy erupted almost immediately afterwards, though, as Thomas, his corner and a vocal fan contingent in the theatre's balcony protested that he gave no indication that he wanted the fight to be stopped.  Thomas' complaints continued into the post-fight press conference where he lobbied Bellator Founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney for another shot in the welterweight tournament. 

The MMA gods must have sensed injustice because, just one week later, Thomas got his shot at redemption after fellow welterweight Jim Wallhead was forced to pull out of the tournament due to the volcanic ash cloud that halted air travel across Europe for several days.  Thomas ran through his second, first round opponent, Jacob McClintock, which set up the rematch with Askren that all MMA fans were eager to see.

Before any punches were thrown, Askren and Thomas engaged in a war of words with Askren guaranteeing a repeat victory.  Thomas fired back calling Askren "coward" who "needs to keep his mouth shut before I shut it for him."

The pair's rematch took place at Bellator 19 in Dallas where Askren's proficient wrestling skills once again proved too much for Thomas, who spent the majority of the 15 minute bout on his back.  With a dominant performance, Askren grinded his way to a clear-cut unanimous decision that improved his pro MMA record to 5-0.

Before any punches were thrown, Askren and Thomas engaged in a war of words with Askren guaranteeing a repeat victory.  The pair's rematch took place at Bellator 19 in Dallas where Askren's proficient wrestling skills once again proved too much for Thomas, who spent the majority of the 15 minute bout on his back.  With a dominant performance, Askren grinded his way to a clear-cut unanimous decision that improved his pro MMA record to 5-0.

With his second victory over Thomas, Askren earned a spot in the Bellator welterweight finals against the well-rounded Dan Hornbuckle. The championship fight took place on June 17th at the Power & Light District in Kansas City, Mo.  As each fighter made their way to the cage through Kansas City’s thick summer air, it was clear that Askren, a University of Missouri product, had the entire crowd’s support.

As the action got underway, Askren secured a forceful take down and followed up with a brutal ground-and-pound not seen before in his previous five fights. Save for two submission attempts from Hornbuckle in rounds 2 and 3, a triangle choke and kimura respectively, Askren was able to employ his game plan perfectly with takedowns and ground-and-pound, repeatedly taking the veteran’s back throughout the fight.

After 15 minutes, it was Askren who as able to add another accomplishment to his already phenomenal combat-sports resume.  With the win, the former NCAA wrestling superstar, U.S. Olympian, and now Season 2 Bellator Welterweight Tournament Champion improved his unblemished record to 6-0. 

Askren will now prepare for the current Bellator Welterweight World Champion Lyman Good, who he will face during Bellator Season 3 which kicks off in August.  When asked if he had a message for the current champ, Askren replied: "Lyman, keep my belt warm, shine it up once a week and enjoy it while you can because it's mine, baby."