The former NCAA wrestling champ and Olympian successfully defended his title in Shanghai Saturday night, scoring a TKO over Sweden's Zebaztian Kadestam at 4:06 of the second round.
BloodyElbow.com used the word "manhandled" to describe Askren's treatment of Kadestam, while MMAFighting.com described the former Mizzou mat star title defense as a "one-sided performance."
"Askren quickly slammed Kadestam on the ground early in the opening round, getting to the mount position and landing hard shots," MMAFighting.com reported. "Kadestam didn't do anything but survive, but made it to the second round."
In the second round, Askren continued what worked for him in Round One, maintaining his ground and pound. Eventually Kadestam "turtled up" (to quote BloodyElbow.com). The referee stopped the fight at four minutes of the second.
Askren is now 17-0 (with one no-contest) in his pro mixed martial arts career, while Kadestam dropped to 9-4.
After the fight, Askren said he wants to face more challenging challengers.
"I haven't got hit one time my last two fights, so someone please come into this cage who can actually hit me," said the former Mizzou Tiger.
"I'm open to a super fight. I'm open to any welterweight on planet Earth. Bring it, baby," Askren added.
Prior to launching his pro MMA career in 2009, Askren was a highly accomplished amateur wrestler. He was a four-time NCAA finalist for Missouri, winning titles in 2006 and 2007. Askren earned a place on the U.S. men's freestyle team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
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