Former Bellator and ONE champion Ben Askren will make his promotional debut against Robbie Lawler at tonight’s UFC 235 event.
Ben Askren will fight for the first time since November of 2017, where he defeated MMA legend Shinya Aoki via first round TKO under the ONE Championship banner.
Meanwhile, former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler is coming off a decision loss to a Rafael dos Anjos in his most recent appareance at UFC on FOX in Winnipeg.
Round one begins and Askren immediately shoots in for a takedown. Lawler defends and then slams Ben to the canvas. Lawler with some huge shots now. He lands a big elbow that busts “Funky” wide open. Askren is taking big shots here. He scrambles to his feet but eats a knee for his efforts. Lawler with a good punch. Askren continues to press forward but he is a bloody mess. Askren forces Robbie against the cage. Lawler with some knees to the body of Askren. Three minutes remain in the opening round. Askren is looking for a takedown. Robbie continues to defend well. Askren switches to body shots and then drops down for a single leg. Lawler continues to show off a terrific sprawl. Askren drags Lawler to the floor and then immediately takes his back. Lawler scrambles but winds up in a bulldog choke. The referee thinks Lawler is out but he’s not. NOOOOO. This fight is over on a terrible stoppage from Herb Dean.
Official UFC 235 Result: Askren def. Lawler via submission at 3:20 of Round 1