The Ben Askren Story From Wrestling Star To MMA And Beyond

Hey guys! Let's talk about Ben Askren, a name that definitely sparks conversation in the MMA world. You know, the guy with the unique wrestling style and the super memorable fights? Yeah, that Ben Askren. We're going to dive deep into his career, covering everything from his dominant run in Bellator and ONE Championship to his brief but eventful stint in the UFC, and ultimately, what led to his retirement. It's a story filled with triumphs, challenges, and some seriously unforgettable moments. So, buckle up, because we're about to explore the fascinating journey of "Funky" Ben Askren.

The Rise of "Funky" Ben Askren: Wrestling Dominance

Before he was throwing (or, well, attempting to throw) hands in the MMA cage, Ben Askren was a wrestling phenom. I mean, we're talking about a two-time NCAA Division I National Champion and a four-time finalist. This dude was a wrestling machine. His style, often described as "funky" (hence the nickname), was all about relentless pressure, awkward angles, and a knack for taking opponents down and keeping them there. He wasn't your typical flashy wrestler; he was more like a human blanket, suffocating his opponents with his grappling prowess. This wrestling foundation became the bedrock of his MMA career, setting him apart from many other fighters who relied more on striking. His wrestling pedigree wasn't just a skill; it was his identity, his calling card, and the reason why so many people took notice when he transitioned to mixed martial arts. Think about it – you've got this guy who's utterly dominant in one combat sport, stepping into another where striking is a huge factor. It was intriguing, to say the least. People were wondering, could this wrestling wizard figure out the striking game and become a true MMA champion? Or would his lack of striking become his Achilles' heel? These were the questions swirling around Ben Askren as he embarked on his MMA journey. But one thing was for sure: he was a force to be reckoned with, and his wrestling alone made him a threat to anyone he faced. It was the bedrock that built his career, and even though things got bumpy later on, it's impossible to talk about Ben Askren without acknowledging the sheer dominance he displayed on the wrestling mats. It’s the foundation upon which his “funky” MMA career was built, and it's what made him such a compelling and controversial figure in the sport. So, when you think about Ben Askren, remember the wrestler first – the guy who could control an opponent like few others could.

From Bellator to ONE Championship: Undefeated Reign

After his decorated wrestling career, Ben Askren transitioned to MMA, and guys, he made some serious waves outside of the UFC initially. He first made his mark in Bellator, where he quickly captured the welterweight title. But it was his move to ONE Championship in Asia that truly solidified his reputation as one of the best welterweights in the world. In ONE, Askren was an absolute unstoppable force. He ran through the competition, showcasing his dominant wrestling and improving grappling skills. He wasn't just winning; he was dominating, with many of his victories coming by way of submission or TKO. Askren's reign in ONE Championship was something to behold. He wasn't just beating opponents; he was dismantling them, imposing his will and his wrestling-heavy style on everyone he faced. This period was arguably the peak of his MMA career. He was undefeated, he was the champion, and he was considered by many to be among the very best welterweights on the planet, regardless of what organization they fought in. It's important to remember that at this point, the UFC was seen as the pinnacle of MMA, but Askren's success outside of it couldn't be ignored. He was proving that you didn't necessarily need to be in the UFC to be considered a top-tier fighter. This undefeated streak and championship reign built a huge amount of hype around Askren. People started clamoring for him to test himself against the best in the UFC. The burning question was: could he replicate his success against the likes of Tyron Woodley, Robbie Lawler, and other top UFC welterweights? This period of dominance in ONE Championship set the stage for his eventual arrival in the UFC, and it's what made his subsequent run in the promotion so highly anticipated – and ultimately, so controversial. His performances in Bellator and ONE Championship weren't just wins; they were a statement: Ben Askren was a world-class fighter, and he was ready to prove it on the biggest stage.

The UFC Chapter: High Hopes and Hard Knocks

The hype surrounding Ben Askren's arrival in the UFC was insane, you guys. After years of dominating in other organizations, he finally made his way to the biggest stage in MMA, and expectations were sky-high. The UFC had even traded their former flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson, to ONE Championship in exchange for Askren, which just shows how much they valued him. His debut fight against Robbie Lawler was wild, to say the least. Askren weathered an early storm from the former champion and appeared to secure a controversial submission victory. The fight was stopped by the referee, but replays showed Lawler's arm might not have been fully limp, leading to a ton of debate. Regardless, Askren got the win, and the hype train kept rolling. But then came the Jorge Masvidal fight. Oh man, that fight. Masvidal landed a flying knee just seconds into the bout, knocking Askren out cold in record time. It was one of the most spectacular and brutal finishes in UFC history, and it instantly turned Askren from a top contender into a cautionary tale. The loss to Masvidal was a massive setback, no doubt. It shattered the aura of invincibility that Askren had cultivated over the years, and it raised serious questions about his ability to compete against the very best strikers in the UFC. He followed up the Masvidal loss with another defeat, this time against Demian Maia, a submission specialist. While Askren had moments of success in the fight, Maia eventually caught him in a rear-naked choke, handing Askren his second consecutive loss. This two-fight losing streak in the UFC was a harsh reality check for Askren and his fans. It showed that even with his world-class wrestling, he was vulnerable against high-level competition in the UFC. The UFC chapter of Ben Askren's career is a complex one. It's a story of high expectations, a controversial victory, and two devastating losses. It's a reminder that in MMA, anything can happen, and even the most dominant fighters can face adversity. While his UFC run wasn't what many had hoped for, it certainly wasn't boring. It added another layer to the Ben Askren story, a layer of vulnerability and resilience that made him an even more compelling figure.

Retirement and Beyond: Hip Issues and Boxing Ventures

After the losses in the UFC, Ben Askren announced his retirement from MMA. The main reason? A nagging hip injury that had been bothering him for years. He needed a hip replacement, and it was clear that he wouldn't be able to compete at the highest level anymore. It was a tough decision, but probably the right one for his long-term health. But guess what? Askren wasn't done competing. In a surprising move, he decided to try his hand at professional boxing. His first (and so far, only) boxing match was against Jake Paul, the YouTube star turned boxer. This fight was a huge spectacle, drawing tons of attention from both the MMA and boxing worlds. Unfortunately for Askren, it didn't go his way. Paul knocked him out in the first round, adding another loss to Askren's combat sports record. The fight against Jake Paul was a fascinating detour in Askren's career. It showed his willingness to try new things and to step outside of his comfort zone. It also highlighted the growing trend of MMA fighters crossing over into boxing for lucrative opportunities. While the result wasn't what Askren or his fans wanted, the fight itself was a major event, and it kept him in the spotlight even after his MMA retirement. Since the Jake Paul fight, Askren has mostly stayed out of the competitive arena. He's been involved in the MMA community, offering commentary and analysis, and he's also been focusing on his wrestling academy. It seems like he's enjoying life outside of active competition, and he's still finding ways to contribute to the sports he loves. Ben Askren's retirement from MMA and his brief foray into boxing mark the end of a significant chapter in his combat sports journey. While his UFC run may not have lived up to the hype, his overall career was filled with accomplishments and memorable moments. He's a fighter who always did things his own way, and he left a lasting impact on the world of MMA. He's a reminder that sometimes, the most interesting stories are the ones that don't go exactly as planned.

What is Ben Askren Doing Now?

So, what's Ben Askren up to these days? Well, he's been keeping busy, that's for sure. After hanging up his MMA gloves (and boxing gloves, for now at least), he's transitioned into a few different roles. For starters, he's become a pretty regular voice in the MMA media world. You'll often see him on podcasts, offering his insights and opinions on the latest happenings in the sport. He's got a knack for analysis, and he's not afraid to speak his mind, which makes him a pretty entertaining commentator. Beyond media, Askren is also heavily involved in the wrestling community. He runs his own wrestling academy, where he coaches and mentors young athletes. This is a natural fit for him, given his incredible wrestling background, and it's clear that he's passionate about passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation. He's also been involved in various entrepreneurial ventures. He's a smart guy, and he's always looking for new opportunities. While I don't have the inside scoop on all his business dealings, it's safe to say that he's not one to sit still. And of course, he's still a big presence on social media. He's active on Twitter, where he shares his thoughts on everything from MMA to politics to pop culture. He's known for his quick wit and his sometimes controversial takes, which makes his social media presence pretty engaging (and sometimes a bit spicy!). Overall, Ben Askren seems to be thriving in his post-fighting career. He's found ways to stay connected to the sports he loves, while also exploring new interests and opportunities. He's a complex and multifaceted guy, and it's clear that he's not afraid to reinvent himself. So, while we might not see him stepping back into the cage or the ring anytime soon, Ben Askren is definitely still making his mark on the world.

In conclusion, Ben Askren's career is a fascinating case study in MMA. From his wrestling dominance to his undefeated run outside the UFC, to his challenging stint in the UFC and his foray into boxing, it's been a wild ride. He's a fighter who always defied expectations, and he's left an undeniable mark on the sport. Whether you loved him or hated him, you couldn't deny that Ben Askren was always interesting. And that, in itself, is a pretty significant legacy.