Ben Askren Joins Roufusport Fight Team

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

By FCF Staff

Roufusport Fight Team has announced that Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren will look to build further on his striking and all round mixed-martial-arts game, under the guidance of Duke Roufus and his supporting crew in Milwaukee. The 4 time All American wrestler and 2008 Olympian will continue to be managed by Zinkin Entertainment.

“I think Duke can do a lot for my mixed martial arts game,” Askren was quoted saying in the press release announcing he has joined the renowned fight team.

“Obviously, Duke’s kickboxing background is going to improve my standup greatly,”added Askren. “But Roufusport has a really well-rounded team. So I can improve all aspects of my game at the same time, and not just my standup.”

Askren has been extremely successful since the accomplished grappler transitioned into MMA in 2009, defeating noteworthy vets like Ryan Thomas, Dan Hornbuckle and Lyman Good, en route to winning Bellator's championship. Most recently this past weekend, at Bellator 40, Askren worked his way to a unanimous decision win over former UFC competitor, Nick Thompson.

“Ben is a world class wrestler, and I’m very pleased to have him joining our fight team,” Duke Roufus noted. “I believe we’re going to help him take the next step in his career, while his wrestling will only benefit the other guys on the team.”

Other notable competitors in the Roufusport house include Anthony Pettis, Erik Koch, Daniel Downes, Pat Barry, Alan Belcher and Ben Rothwell.