This is probably not possibly, but I'd like to keep this objective and not based on if we are Askren fans or if we hate him.
On one level, Ben still doesn't really know how he stacks up in the UFC. Were the slam and knee anomalies or do they stem from Ben really lacking in some skills? I do think it is possible that, were it not for the knee, Ben could have out grappled Jorge. It's also possible it was just a matter of time before Jorge landed a shot. At any rate, we haven't really gotten a satisfying answer about his skills.
Ben went almost all of his career without taking damage, so he had relatively few miles on him when he stepped into the UFC.
On the other hand, the damage from the Lawler fight and, most significantly, this devastating KO should not be overlooked by Ben and his team. To be safe, Askren should at least take 1 year off from fighting. I'm not sure he has that kind of time.
What do you think? Again, trying to put aside your opinion of his fighting style or personality. From a career/safety standpoint, should he retire?
On one level, Ben still doesn't really know how he stacks up in the UFC. Were the slam and knee anomalies or do they stem from Ben really lacking in some skills? I do think it is possible that, were it not for the knee, Ben could have out grappled Jorge. It's also possible it was just a matter of time before Jorge landed a shot. At any rate, we haven't really gotten a satisfying answer about his skills.
Ben went almost all of his career without taking damage, so he had relatively few miles on him when he stepped into the UFC.
On the other hand, the damage from the Lawler fight and, most significantly, this devastating KO should not be overlooked by Ben and his team. To be safe, Askren should at least take 1 year off from fighting. I'm not sure he has that kind of time.
What do you think? Again, trying to put aside your opinion of his fighting style or personality. From a career/safety standpoint, should he retire?