Askar Askar
[jwplayer pdWfJVfh-FLu19iir]
Record: 10-0
Age: 25
Weight class: Bantamweight
Height: 5’7″
Birthplace: Palestine
Next Fight: Feb. 7 vs. Saidyokub Kakharamonov (6-2) at HFC 42 in Hammond, Ind.
Background: In the UFC or Bellator, flash can get fighters further than on the regional scene. For regional up-and-comers, substance is more important. Born in Palestine, [autotag]Askar Askar[/autotag] originally picked up fighting to deal with bullies. Since making his hobby his profession, Askar has quietly creeped up the regional ranks. In the long term, however, it’s not about who’s the loudest. It’s about who’s the best. The MTC MMA product has punched, kicked, and grappled his way into double digit undefeated notoriety. He’s competed for a who’s who of top regional organizations, including LFA, Island Fights, Victory FC, and Titan FC.
The Skinny: Askar is well rounded. He’s been in a five-round fight. He’s accompanied close friend Belal Muhammad during UFC fight weeks. He’s used to the lights of big regional promotions. He’s accumulated a 60 percent finishing percentage – so the excitement is there, too. In summation, he’s the full package. Kakharamonov might be Askar’s best challenge to date. If Askar adds another win to his impressive streak, promotions will be downright stupid not to sign him.
In his own words: “For me, (my success) is work ethic. It’s work ethic all day. One thing I noticed (at one point) was I was lacking discipline. That’s crazy because I feel like I have a good work ethic, and I have a good mindset in terms of training. It’s doing something now so it can pay off. That’s my mental. The more I grind into this, in the next few years it’ll be the biggest payoff. It will change my life. That’s my main focus: to make ‘the life’ my life.”
“… If this fight is the one (that gets me signed), let’s go. If it’s not the one, let’s go again. At the end of the day, this isn’t the UFC. This isn’t ONE FC. This isn’t Bellator. Obviously I know I’m going to get to one of those eventually. I’m going to need to get to one of those, but my goal is to make this my life. I don’t want to wake up every day and wonder what I’m going to do today. No, I’m 25 and in the prime of my years. I’m trying to put myself through the ringer so when my time comes, I belong… This is what I want to be doing until the day I day. I’m making sure the foundation I’m laying down brick-by-brick on a daily basis is such when I get my chance, it’s going to be solid. It’s going to be as solid as steel. Nobody is going to be able to go through me.”
Fight footage courtesy of UFC Fight Pass, the UFC’s official digital subscription service, which is currently offering a seven-day free trial. UFC Fight Pass gives fans access to exclusive live UFC events and fights, exclusive live MMA and combat sports events from around the world, exclusive original and behind the scenes content and unprecedented 24-7 access to the world’s biggest fight library.