Douglas Lima may not have arrived in Bellator with the same level of fanfare that other fighters received, but after going 7-1 in the promotion and winning not one but two tournaments, he’s become of one of it’s biggest names. In fact, the only man to defeat Lima since 2009 is Ben Aksen, but because the former champ has left for free agency, it looks like a rematch isn’t going to happen. Not anytime soon anyways.
So what does Lima think of Askren’s departure? A man who Lima has said publicly he was hoping to fight again? Well, while speaking to MMA Fighting.com recently, here is some of what the 25 year-old said:
“I was kind of (surprised) because he was the undefeated champion and a really tough fighter,” Lima said about Askren. “But he didn’t sell his fights because of his fighting style and I think that’s really important for the promotion. I believe that’s the reason why Bellator didn’t want to fight that much for him.”
“It’s not my fault that he’s out of Bellator and I just want my shot at the title. People can say whatever they want. They can say that (Askren) is the real champion after I beat Hawn, but that doesn’t bother me at all. I just want to beat whoever they put in front of me.”
Lima also relayed he’s not sure if Askren leaving is “good or bad” but added he’s certain the “UFC will sign” the renowned wrestler. As Lima noted, he’ll take on Rick Hawn for the vacant belt, who KO’d Ron Keslar to take the latest welterweight tourney.
“Funky” is expected to meet with the UFC this week, however, UFC boss man Dana White continues to insist the promotion won’t be inking Askren to a contract.
The post Bellator’s Lima ‘Surprised’ by Askren’s Departure appeared first on Five Ounces of Pain.
Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2013/11/25/bellators-lima-suprised-by-askrens-departure/
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