Askren considers Santos as his most dangerous opponent

MANILA, Philippines – Ben Askren boasts an undefeated 14-0 record, which has established him as the best welterweight in the world. The American has also won numerous wrestling tournaments and once competed in the Olympics but he believes the challenge posed to him by One: “Valor of Champions” opponent Luis Santos might be the greatest he has ever faced.

“He is definitely the best opponent I have faced so far for One Championship. I have faced some really good strikers in my career and Santos ranks up there with the best of them, he is very dangerous and I have to take his striking seriously,” Askren said.

Askren is the reigning One Championship 170-pound world champion, and his career has progressed so rapidly since transitioning from wrestling to MMA that six of his 14 fights have been title matches. The bout with Santos at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on April 24 will be the seventh. The 30-year-old is used to headlining huge shows but Askren says that even by his high standards, he expects One Championship’s next event in Manila to be something special.

“I am pumped. I know the last One show in Manila was sold out so I am looking forward to a packed house. I’m going to be in the Philippines in a few weeks time to do press and then after that I am heading to Evolve MMA in Singapore to train,” he added.

Askren is undoubtedly the most effective and accomplished wrestler in the sport, but he is taking on an opponent who has a world-class skill set of his own. Santos is a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu and has an incredible 35 KO wins to his name in an MMA career that has spanned 15 years and 71 fights. The Brazilian poses perhaps the greatest threat yet to Askren’s undefeated record and the former US Olympian says he is taking the fight very seriously/

“In the US, I work with one of the best MMA striking coaches on the planet in Duke Roufus and when I get to Singapor,e I will be able to pick up tips from all of the Muay Thai world champions at Evolve MMA so I will make sure I am well rounded and prepared for anything,” Askren continued.

Santos has finished his last seven opponents while Askren has put away the last four fighters to face him so while this fight is scheduled for five rounds, a few people believe it will actually go the distance. And the American is hoping for another quick night’s work.

“This fight is not going to last 25 minutes. I’m going to put him on his back and then I am going to put him away,” he said.