In an effort to bring more attention to the global stage of mixed martial arts, this list does not focus on major North American-based promotions like the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Bellator MMA and the Professional Fighters League.
Not many mixed martial artists walk away on their own terms. Ben Askren plans to do so.
Askren will defend his welterweight title against Japanese submission savant Shinya Aoki in the One Championship “Immortal Pursuit” co-main event on Nov. 24 at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore.