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1. Ben Askren
Record: 14-0
Organization: One Championship

Few fighters have aroused as much controversy as former Bellator welterweight champion Askren. His ability to win fights has never been in doubt, given his undefeated record and the fact that, aside from a close fight with Jay Hieron, he has never truly been challenged in the cage. However, the questions about whether or not his game is entertaining enough to draw audience attention have been a concern.

A two-time NCAA champion and a member of the 2008 Olympic team, Askren boasts world-class wrestling credentials and a unique style based on funk. He blends that unorthodox wrestling game with stifling top control and rains down a steady stream of punches and elbows until the final bell sounds or his opponent quits. Some fans find that appealing -- it is, after all, perfectly within the rules -- while others deem it uninteresting to watch. Either way, Askren has become a better finisher after winning six straight by decision in the middle of his career.

Askren’s willingness to talk and bring attention to his fights should be a promoter’s dream, but UFC President Dana White wanted no real part of bringing Askren to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, at least not at a price point Askren deemed appropriate. The UFC boss tried to shunt him off toward World Series of Fighting, but instead, Askren signed with One Championship on a five-fight deal. Now three fights into that contract, the question of Askren’s future will soon come to the fore once again; and hopefully the UFC will do what it takes to bring him in. If it does, the UFC’s welterweight division will need to brush up on the funk.

Follow Sherdog.com lead analyst Patrick Wyman on Twitter.