Askren's first opponent: Tom Aaron

[Schlottke]

I don't follow MMA much, but the guy seems to be decent.. even for regional competition. 11-1 (4-1 professional).

Is this fight expected to challenge Askren or is it pretty tough to tell at this point?

[ban basketball]

I'm sure that Askren will be tough as heck in MMA, but I can't help but wonder how funk will be a big asset in MMA, whereas in wrestling it was everything for him.

[Adolf Oliverbush]

We have to see how he takes a punch. If his stand up is anything like Rosholt's, we may be seeing Askren training for Londow 2012 sooner than you think.

[Greco-ZAG]

We have to see how he takes a punch. If his stand up is anything like Rosholt's, we may be seeing Askren training for Londow 2012 sooner than you think.

HAHAHAHA
I love it...
A lot of great wrestlers that turn to MMA have short careers in the new sport. I agree with Adolf on this one-We need to see how he takes a punch. Everyone knows he has the funk and is a great controller on top, but it is still a different sport. I wish him the best.
The only reason I would like to see him before making judgement is because of Cary Kolat.

[ban basketball]

I came from a boxing family and background, so I will say, in Rosholt's defense, that he throws as good of a punch as anyone that I've seen in MMA. Not necesarily in terms of power but technique. Very good.

[Schlottke]

I came from a boxing family and background, so I will say, in Rosholt's defense, that he throws as good of a punch as anyone that I've seen in MMA. Not necesarily in terms of power but technique. Very good.

I think it was more in reference to his lack of strike defense, could be wrong.

[Pimach]

HAHAHAHA
I love it...
A lot of great wrestlers that turn to MMA have short careers in the new sport. I agree with Adolf on this one-We need to see how he takes a punch. Everyone knows he has the funk and is a great controller on top, but it is still a different sport. I wish him the best.
The only reason I would like to see him before making judgement is because of Cary Kolat.

Kolat was the first name I thought of when I heard that Askren was going to fight.

[Schlottke]

I'll be surprised if he can take a punch, but I won't be surprised if he gets irritated by a stoppage coming too early (not in this upcoming fight, but at some point.). I think he could really handle a beating pretty well and still win.

Some things that would concern me about him would be:

Slow start. He starts slow when he isn't comfortable with or wants to feel out his opponent.
His chin. Like so many have said, can he take a punch?
His funk. I think a big key will be to protect his lower legs (ankle, calf) from locks.
A finishing move. I can't see him being an extremely accurate or aggressive striker - will be interesting to see how that goes.

If he can protect his face I think he will be very tough to beat. Ben is tough and never gives up- I hope he does well!

[ban basketball]

I think it was more in reference to his lack of strike defense, could be wrong.

I know. My reply was to the use of the word "standup." Rosholt is a good puncher while standing up.