Along with the usual pre-fight threats, ONE Championship welterweight champion Ben Askren had to add a thank you to upcoming opponent Agilan Thani . After all, Thani (7-0) did what others apparently were unable or unwilling to do – sign a contract. “Part of my time off was due to other opponents failing to – although they said in the media they wanted to fight – sign the contract to step in the cage,” said Askren (15-0) during a teleconference in support of his meeting Thani at “ ONE Championship 55: Dynasty of Heroes .” “I do really appreciate Agilan’s willingness to step in the cage, and frankly, that’s what being a fighter is all about. It’s about when your opportunity comes, you sign the contract and step in the cage to fight someone.” “ONE Championship 55: Dynasty of Heroes” takes place May 26 at Singapore Indoor Stadium. The event streams live via internet pay-per-view on the promotion’s website