Ex-Bellator Champ Ben Askren to Challenge for Welterweight Title in One FC Debut

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Ben Askren will receive a crack at the One Fighting Championship welterweight belt in his first promotional appearance.

“Funky” will challenge the winner of Brock Larson’s March 14 title clash with Nobutatsu Suzuki, which headlines One FC 14 “War of Nations” from Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Askren verified the news Thursday via Twitter following an initial report from Yahoo Sports.

An exact date has not yet been set for Askren’s title shot, though the bout is targeted for May, according to the report. Askren signed with the Singapore-based organization in December after receiving his release from Bellator the month prior.

A two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion, Askren has been perfect as a professional through 12 outings, capturing the Bellator crown in 2010 after winning the organization’s Season 2 welterweight tournament. The grappler then defended his belt successfully four times, edging Jay Hieron in a split decision before dominating Douglas Lima, Karl Amoussou and Andrey Koreshkov.