· Ben Askren Continues To Dominate At Bellator 40

· Article author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Posted on 04/10 at 07:44 PM

Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben “Funky” Askren was successful in his first fight since capturing the belt in October 2010 at Bellator 30. Askren used his Olympic caliber grappling to dominate his opponent, MMA veteran Nick “The Goat” Thompson, from start to finish at Bellator 40 from the First Council Casino in Newkirk, Okla. The remaining lightweight and welterweight tournament finalists were also decided, with all-American wrestler Michael Chandler and Jay "The Thoroughbred" Hieron coming out on top in their respective divisions.

In the main event, it was all Askren as he demonstrated a clear and indomitable advantage in the wrestling department, controlling the outmatched Thompson for the duration of the non-title bout. Though Askren started the match with some striking, including a spinning backfist, once he felt an overhand right from Thompson he returned to his proven method of takedowns, control and ground-and-pound.

Thompson had a moment of small redemption as the fight drew to the close, striking from the top with Askren on his back. It was too little, too late, however, and Askren picked up the unanimous decision win (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) pushing his undefeated record to 8-0. Thompson later indicated that his fourth loss in row will mark his retirement from the sport.

“Tonight at Bellator 40 Ben Askren continued to show the world that he’s the best wrestler in all of MMA,” stated Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Chandler looked spectacular and Jay put on a very solid performance as well.”

Jay Hieron challenged the ever-improving Brent Weedman in the welterweight semifinals match. In a highly-contested battle, Heiron used several takedowns to combat the superior striking of Weedman. Early on Weedman landed a heavy left hook that dropped Hieron, though he was able to recover and put Weedman on his back, attempting several submissions in the process. For the remaining two rounds, Weedman seemed to have the advantage as he landed a continuous barrage of powerful leg kicks and strikes. As the bout ended, Hieron managed to regain top position and apparently steal the round in the eyes of the scorekeepers. A controversial unanimous decision victory (29-28. 29-28, 29-28) moves Hieron to the welterweight tournament finals where he will meet Olympic judoka Rick Hawn.

In the lightweight semifinal match, Michael Chandler faced a game opponent in Lloyd “Cupcake” Woodard and the contest delivered with bell-to-bell, back-and-forth action. The first round was determined by a series of takedowns—and a suplex—from Chandler as he utilized his wrestling to dictate the fight. In round two, Woodard would respond as he landed a powerful knee to the face of Chandler and locked in a standing rear-naked choke that fell short. The final stanza returned to Chandler’s favor, as his wrestling and striking from the top position maintained his edge and delivered him the judges’ unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). Chandler will take on the impressive Patricky “Pitbull” Freire in the Bellator lightweight tournament finals.

Bellator 41 is scheduled for April 16, 2011 at Cocopah Resort and Casino in Yuma, Arizona.