Askren's retirement signals the end of something special, yet many wanted more.

Most agree his masterful wrestling would be a challenge for anyone to overcome, but by deciding to do things on his own terms, many deride him. That he has gone unbeaten with ease, owes either to the fact he is head and shoulders above every welterweight on the face of the planet, or because his level of opposition is woefully inadequate. It's one of the great MMA debates.

The case for Askren is strong, led by purists. Despite having never competed in the UFC, Askren has managed to create a résumé comprising the scalps of Douglas Lima (current Bellator welterweight champion), Andrey Koreshkov (ex- Bellator welterweight champion), Jay Hieron, Nick Thompson and Luis Santos. Could be better, but it’s still very good.

The case against Askren, however, cares little about his intelligence as a fighter and businessman and deals instead with his apparent aversion to risk taking. They say he never sought out the best challenges available because he was happy in his comfort zone, stifling men he knew he could stifle. By running up an undefeated record of 19 fights but never facing the very best in the world. Askren, they reckon, falls some way short of greatness. Who wouldn’t have liked to see him fight in the UFC at some point?

Being deprived of the chance, and therefore not knowing the answers to so many questions, is what really hurts.

The UFC brass never seemed all that keen to go out of their way and bring him on board. They shrugged their shoulders and looked the other way.

Askren, stubborn and self-assured, was never likely to acquiesce. He watched as inferior welterweights graced the Octagon, kept faith in his ability and made his money and legacy, however strong or weak, elsewhere. In ONE Championship, where he was the welterweight champion and billed as one of the greatest mixed martial artists to ever live, he was treated with more than just respect: Askren has been taken to the hearts of Asian MMA fans.

Most within the game, those who have trained alongside, fought or simply watched him, consider Askren to be right up there as one of the best. Yet, without tangible evidence to back up this viewpoint, and with him now seemingly out the door, his legacy and standing in the sport will forever be open to debate.