Ben Askren's Journey From Wrestling Champ To MMA And Beyond

Hey guys! Ever wonder what happened to Ben Askren, the wrestler turned MMA fighter with a unique style and even more unique personality? You're not alone. Askren's career was a rollercoaster, filled with incredible highs, surprising lows, and a whole lot of talking. Let's dive into the journey of “Funky” Ben Askren, exploring his wrestling roots, his transition to MMA, his time in the UFC, and what he's up to now. This is a deep dive into the career and life of a truly one-of-a-kind combat sports athlete.

Ben Askren's Wrestling Foundation: From Collegiate Star to Olympian

To understand Ben Askren the MMA fighter, you have to first understand Ben Askren the wrestler. His wrestling background wasn't just good; it was exceptional. Ben Askren's wrestling foundation is the bedrock upon which his entire combat sports career was built. He wasn't just another guy who wrestled in high school; he was a dominant force at every level. Askren's wrestling journey began in high school, where he quickly established himself as a top prospect. His unorthodox style, characterized by relentless pressure, funky scrambles, and a knack for pinning opponents, made him a tough matchup for anyone. This unique approach, which would later become his signature in MMA, was already on full display during his wrestling days. It’s important to remember that Askren wasn't just winning; he was doing it in a way that was different, exciting, and, well, funky. This is where the nickname comes from and it’s perfect for him.

Askren's collegiate career at the University of Missouri was nothing short of legendary. He became a two-time NCAA Division I National Champion (2006 and 2007), a feat that puts him in the company of wrestling royalty. But it wasn't just the championships; it was the way he won them. Askren's matches were often chaotic, unpredictable, and always entertaining. He didn't rely on traditional wrestling techniques; he created his own style, one that was based on constant movement, relentless pressure, and an uncanny ability to find unconventional ways to secure takedowns and pins. His unorthodox style wasn't always pretty, but it was incredibly effective. He frustrated opponents, wore them down, and ultimately broke their will to compete. This style, while dominant in wrestling, would later be a subject of debate in his MMA career. After his outstanding college career, Askren set his sights on the Olympics. He represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a dream come true for any athlete. While he didn't medal, the experience was invaluable, further shaping his competitive spirit and his understanding of high-level combat sports. The Olympics are the pinnacle of athletic competition, and Askren's participation speaks volumes about his dedication and skill. This experience also gave him a taste of international competition, which would serve him well in his future MMA career. His wrestling accolades aren't just a footnote in his career; they're the foundation upon which everything else was built. They demonstrate his incredible work ethic, his competitive drive, and his ability to adapt and overcome challenges. This wrestling background is what gave him the confidence and the skills to transition to MMA and compete at the highest level. It's a story of dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. So, when you think of Ben Askren, remember the wrestler – the two-time national champion, the Olympian, the funky stylist who paved his own path to success.

The Transition to MMA: Building a Legacy Outside the UFC

Following his Olympic journey, the transition to MMA was a natural progression for Ben Askren. His wrestling pedigree provided a solid base, and his competitive fire burned bright. However, his path in MMA was far from conventional. Instead of immediately jumping to the UFC, Askren chose to hone his skills and build his reputation in other organizations. This decision, while questioned by some at the time, proved to be a masterstroke in shaping his legacy. He joined Bellator MMA, a prominent promotion known for showcasing top talent. It was here that Askren truly began to make a name for himself in the world of mixed martial arts. He quickly climbed the ranks, utilizing his wrestling dominance to control opponents and secure victories. His fights weren't always the most exciting, but they were undeniably effective. He smothered opponents, taking them down at will and grinding out wins with his relentless pressure. This style, while not always fan-friendly, was a testament to his wrestling prowess and his ability to impose his will on his adversaries.

Askren captured the Bellator Welterweight Championship, solidifying his status as one of the top 170-pound fighters outside of the UFC. His reign as champion was marked by dominant performances and a growing sense of invincibility. He seemed almost impossible to take down, and once he had an opponent on the ground, it was game over. During this period, Askren became known for his outspoken personality and his willingness to engage in trash talk. He wasn't afraid to call out opponents or challenge the status quo. This outspokenness, while endearing to some fans, also rubbed others the wrong way. However, it certainly helped to build his brand and generate interest in his fights. After his time in Bellator, Askren moved on to ONE Championship, an Asian-based promotion with a growing global presence. This move was significant, as it took him even further outside the UFC spotlight. However, it also allowed him to showcase his skills to a new audience and further solidify his reputation as a world-class fighter. In ONE Championship, Askren continued his winning ways, capturing the ONE Welterweight Championship. He remained undefeated, further adding to his aura of invincibility. His dominance in ONE Championship only fueled the debate about his place in the UFC. Many fans and analysts wondered how he would fare against the top fighters in the world's premier MMA organization. Askren's time outside the UFC was crucial in his development as a fighter. It allowed him to gain valuable experience, refine his skills, and build a winning record. It also allowed him to develop his personality and build a fanbase. While some may view his time outside the UFC as a detour, it was an essential part of his journey. It shaped him into the fighter he would eventually become and set the stage for his eventual arrival in the UFC. This path less traveled ultimately made his eventual UFC debut all the more anticipated and intriguing.

The UFC Chapter: A Rocky Road in the Spotlight

Finally, after years of speculation and anticipation, the UFC chapter of Ben Askren's career began. His arrival in the UFC was highly publicized, fueled by a historic trade that sent former UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship in exchange for Askren. This trade was a major talking point in the MMA world, highlighting Askren's value and the UFC's desire to bring him into the fold. The hype surrounding Askren's UFC debut was immense. He was undefeated, a former champion in multiple organizations, and possessed a unique wrestling-heavy style that many believed could translate well to the UFC. Fans were eager to see how he would fare against the top welterweights in the world. His first fight in the UFC was against Robbie Lawler, a former UFC Welterweight Champion known for his toughness and striking power. The fight was a wild affair, with Askren absorbing some heavy blows from Lawler early on. However, Askren weathered the storm and eventually secured a bulldog choke, appearing to have Lawler out. The referee stopped the fight, awarding Askren the victory, but the stoppage was controversial, as Lawler immediately protested that he was not unconscious. Replays showed that Lawler's arm may have gone limp momentarily, but he seemed to regain consciousness quickly. This controversial victory set the tone for Askren's UFC tenure – exciting, unpredictable, and often tinged with controversy. Despite the win, many fans and analysts questioned Askren's performance, pointing to the fact that he absorbed significant damage early in the fight. This fueled the narrative that his wrestling-heavy style might not be as effective against the elite strikers in the UFC.

Askren's next fight was against Jorge Masvidal, and it was a defining moment in his career, but not in a good way. Masvidal knocked Askren out with a flying knee just five seconds into the fight, setting the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history. The knockout was brutal and shocking, instantly turning Askren into a meme and severely damaging his reputation. The loss to Masvidal was a major setback for Askren. It exposed vulnerabilities in his striking defense and raised serious questions about his ability to compete at the highest level of the UFC. The hype surrounding his arrival quickly evaporated, replaced by doubt and criticism. His final fight in the UFC was against Demian Maia, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert known for his grappling prowess. Askren lost the fight via rear-naked choke, marking his second consecutive defeat. This loss further solidified the perception that Askren struggled against high-level grapplers with strong submission skills. The UFC chapter of Ben Askren's career was a stark contrast to his success in other organizations. While he had moments of excitement and controversy, he ultimately fell short of expectations. His record in the UFC was 1-2, a far cry from his undefeated record prior to joining the organization. There are many reasons why Askren's UFC tenure didn't live up to the hype. His striking defense was a clear weakness, and he struggled against opponents who could exploit that weakness. His wrestling-heavy style, while effective against many opponents, wasn't as dominant in the UFC, where fighters are more well-rounded and skilled in all areas of the game. Additionally, the pressure of competing in the UFC spotlight may have played a role. The level of competition in the UFC is arguably the highest in the world, and Askren faced some of the toughest opponents of his career during his time in the organization. Despite the disappointing UFC run, Askren's career should be viewed in its entirety. His accomplishments outside the UFC are significant, and he remains one of the most unique and interesting figures in MMA history. While the UFC chapter may be a rocky one, it doesn't erase the legacy he built before and the impact he had on the sport.

Retirement and Beyond: What is Ben Askren Doing Now?

Following his loss to Demian Maia, retirement and beyond became the next chapter in Ben Askren's story. Askren announced his retirement from MMA in 2019, citing a hip injury that had been plaguing him for some time. The injury, which required hip replacement surgery, made it difficult for him to train and compete at the highest level. While his UFC run didn't go as planned, Askren left the sport with a legacy that extended far beyond his time in the octagon. He was a pioneer for wrestlers in MMA, a dominant champion in multiple organizations, and a consistently entertaining personality. His retirement marked the end of an era for many fans who had followed his career from his wrestling days to his MMA journey. However, Askren's retirement didn't mean he disappeared from the combat sports world altogether. He remained a visible figure, offering his opinions and insights on MMA through social media and various media outlets. His outspoken nature and his deep understanding of the sport made him a popular commentator and analyst. Askren also ventured into other areas, including coaching and podcasting. He has coached wrestling and MMA, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of fighters. His podcast, where he discusses MMA and other topics, has gained a significant following, showcasing his personality and his unique perspective on the world.

One of the most surprising post-retirement ventures for Askren was his foray into professional boxing. In 2021, he faced YouTube star Jake Paul in a boxing match. The fight was a major spectacle, drawing significant attention from both the MMA and boxing communities. Askren, known for his wrestling and grappling skills, was a significant underdog against Paul, who had been actively training as a boxer. The fight ended in the first round, with Paul winning by TKO. While the result wasn't what Askren or his fans had hoped for, the fight was a lucrative opportunity and further cemented his status as a crossover personality. Askren's willingness to step into the boxing ring, despite his lack of experience in the sport, speaks to his competitive spirit and his desire to challenge himself. It also demonstrates his understanding of the entertainment side of combat sports and his ability to generate interest and excitement. Currently, Ben Askren remains active in the MMA community, providing commentary and analysis, coaching, and engaging with fans on social media. He is a respected voice in the sport, known for his honesty, his insights, and his willingness to speak his mind. His career, while not without its setbacks, is a testament to his dedication, his skill, and his unique personality. From his wrestling dominance to his MMA championships to his post-retirement ventures, Ben Askren has carved out a distinctive path in the world of combat sports. He is a fighter who always did things his own way, and his legacy will continue to be debated and celebrated for years to come. So, the next time you wonder what happened to Ben Askren, remember the wrestler, the champion, the outspoken personality, and the man who always kept things