As a wrestling legend, Ben Askren used an unorthodox, and unpredictable style to win, earning himself the nickname “Funky” in the process.
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As a professional martial artist for the last eight and a half years, however, the 33-year-old has not needed to pull out many tricks or stops, and has been more dominant than ever.
The ONE Welterweight World Champion’s reign of dominance continued on Saturday, 2 September, inside the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center. Askren won his 17th bout, and remained undefeated at ONE CHAMPIONSHIP: SHANGHAI.
Askren’s win this night came over Sweden’s Zebaztian “The Bandit” Kadestam, a powerful striker from Sweden who was forced to show his incredible toughness over two rounds.
From the onset of the bout, the American Olympic wrestler not only controlled where and how the match took place, but also showed off his offensive power.
Not a full moment after the opening bell, he punched his way into the clinch, shifting his stance as he threw a right cross, and then pressed his Swedish opponent into the cage wall. Then, just like he has done to so many others, he scooped Kadestam up and slammed him to the canvas.
Kadestam proved wiry and initially hard to control, but Askren still scored from top position with punches and hammer fists. The Swede was able to stand up, but was immediately taken down again.
From there, Askren looked to advance position straight away and moved to the full mount where he continued his assault in methodical and measured fashion.
Unable to stop the strikes, Kadestam repeatedly turned and gave up his back. The Olympian decided against choke attempts, choosing instead to continue his ground-and-pound onslaught to close the frame against an amazingly durable Kadestam.
At the start of the second frame, “The Bandit” fired-off a one-two punch combination, but Askren made him miss by changing levels, and shot for another successful takedown. Once more, wasting little time, the champ got back to work right away with relentless ground strikes.
Despite Kadestam’s best efforts to escape, Askren remained immovable, and ultimately earned the TKO victory at 4:09 of the second round.
Askren improved to 17-0, 1 NC with his win. Kadestam, though courageous, sees his record fall to 9-4.
