Pre-competition visualizations are a staple of preparation for many professional athletes. Close your eyes, imagine the possibilities, picture victory. Believe it, then achieve it. It’s simple stuff. Most conjurings are realistic, based upon history and likelihoods. Routine. They rarely foresee the abnormal.
Ben Askren couldn’t have seen this coming. Sure, he expected to win at UFC 235, to beat former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler and make a splash. But he couldn’t have expected this.
Askren won on Saturday, remaining unbeaten. That is the takeaway. That is the result that matters. That is the thing.