Ben Askren Story What Happened To The Wrestling Star

Hey guys! Ever wondered, what happened to Ben Askren? Well, you're in the right place! Ben Askren, a name synonymous with wrestling excellence and a unique MMA career, is a figure that has fascinated and sometimes puzzled combat sports fans. His journey is a rollercoaster of grappling dominance, controversial moments, and ultimately, a relatively early departure from the highest levels of the sport. Let's dive deep into the story of Ben Askren, exploring his wrestling roots, his transition to MMA, his notable fights, and what he's up to today.

From Wrestling Royalty to MMA Challenger

Before he was known in the MMA world, Ben Askren had already carved out a legendary status in wrestling. His credentials are truly remarkable. He was a two-time NCAA Division I National Champion, an Olympian, and a Pan American Games gold medalist. Askren's wrestling style was distinct; he wasn't just about brute strength or explosive takedowns. Instead, he was a master of positional control, scrambling, and relentless pressure. His funky, unorthodox style, often referred to as “Funky Ben,” frustrated opponents and made him incredibly difficult to score against. Think of it as a human anaconda – once he got a hold of you, escape was a near-impossible task.

This wrestling pedigree made him a highly touted prospect when he transitioned to MMA. Many analysts and fans were eager to see how his grappling dominance would translate to the cage. The initial signs were promising. Askren quickly racked up wins, showcasing his wrestling prowess and developing a ground-and-pound game that wore down opponents. He wasn't known for his striking, that's for sure, but his ability to take the fight to the ground and control the action there made him a formidable force. His early MMA career was marked by a clear strategy: get the takedown, control the opponent, and either grind out a decision or secure a submission. This approach, while not always the most visually exciting, proved incredibly effective, earning him championships in Bellator and ONE Championship.

Bellator and ONE Championship Dominance

Ben Askren's journey through Bellator and ONE Championship is a testament to his wrestling-centric approach to MMA. In Bellator, he captured the welterweight title and defended it multiple times, establishing himself as one of the promotion's top stars. He faced a variety of opponents, each with different skill sets, but Askren consistently found ways to impose his will, using his wrestling to neutralize their strengths and capitalize on their weaknesses. His fights weren't always highlight-reel material, but they were a masterclass in grappling strategy and control. This is where some fans started to get a little…impatient. While effective, his style wasn't exactly known for fireworks. It was more like a slow, methodical dismantling of his opponents.

Moving to ONE Championship, Askren continued his winning ways, adding another welterweight title to his resume. He further refined his ground game, becoming even more adept at controlling opponents and creating submission opportunities. Askren's time in ONE Championship solidified his reputation as one of the best welterweights outside of the UFC. However, the elephant in the room was always the UFC. Fans and analysts debated how Askren would fare against the top fighters in the world's premier MMA organization. This is where the real drama began to brew. The anticipation for Askren's arrival in the UFC was palpable. People wanted to see if his dominance could translate to the biggest stage in MMA. Could Funky Ben hang with the best? That was the question on everyone’s mind.

The UFC Stint: A Mix of Triumph and Controversy

The ultimate chapter in Ben Askren's MMA career unfolded in the UFC, and it was a story filled with both high moments and crushing setbacks. His arrival in the UFC was highly anticipated, fueled by a groundbreaking trade that sent former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson to ONE Championship. This trade instantly put Askren in the spotlight, with fans and media alike eager to see how he would fare against the UFC's elite welterweights. The hype was real, guys. People were genuinely excited to see Askren finally test himself against the best in the world.

His debut fight against Robbie Lawler was a whirlwind of action and controversy. Askren weathered an early storm, absorbing a brutal flurry of punches from the former champion. However, Askren managed to secure a takedown and applied a bulldog choke, a submission hold that appeared to render Lawler unconscious. The referee stopped the fight, awarding Askren the victory. However, the stoppage was immediately met with debate, as replays showed Lawler's arm going limp and then seemingly twitching, suggesting he may not have been fully out. This fight, while a victory for Askren, set the tone for his UFC career: exciting, but often shrouded in controversy. It was a win, sure, but it left a lot of people scratching their heads and debating the stoppage.

The Masvidal Debacle and Maia Defeat

Following the Lawler fight, Askren faced Jorge Masvidal, and this is where things took a turn for the worse in spectacular fashion. The fight became infamous for Masvidal's record-breaking five-second knockout victory. As Askren shot in for a takedown, Masvidal launched a flying knee that landed flush, instantly knocking Askren out cold. The image of Askren lying motionless on the canvas became an instant meme and a stark reminder of the brutal nature of MMA. It was a highlight-reel knockout for Masvidal, but a devastating loss for Askren, one that significantly tarnished his aura of invincibility. This fight was a brutal lesson in the unpredictability of MMA. One wrong move, and it's lights out.

Askren's next fight against Demian Maia, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend, was another setback. Despite his wrestling credentials, Askren was unable to control Maia on the ground, and eventually succumbed to a rear-naked choke submission in the third round. This loss exposed a vulnerability in Askren's game – his susceptibility to high-level submission grapplers. It also raised questions about his overall effectiveness against opponents who could neutralize his wrestling. The Maia fight highlighted a crucial point: wrestling alone isn't always enough in MMA. You need a well-rounded skill set to compete at the highest level.

Retirement and Beyond

Following the loss to Maia, Ben Askren announced his retirement from MMA. Citing a hip injury that had been plaguing him for some time, Askren decided to hang up his gloves. His UFC career, while short and eventful, left a mixed legacy. He had shown flashes of his grappling brilliance, but also suffered two high-profile losses that raised questions about his ability to compete with the very best in the world. His retirement marked the end of a unique MMA journey, one that began with wrestling dominance and ended with a series of challenging fights in the UFC.

However, Askren's story didn't end there. In 2021, he stepped into the boxing ring to face YouTube star Jake Paul in a Triller Fight Club event. This fight was a spectacle, to say the least, pitting a former MMA champion against a social media celebrity with boxing aspirations. Askren, known for his grappling and lack of striking prowess, was a significant underdog. The fight ended quickly, with Paul knocking Askren out in the first round. This foray into boxing was largely seen as a one-off event, a chance for Askren to earn a payday and experience a different combat sport.

What is Ben Askren Doing Now?

So, what is Ben Askren doing now? Since retiring from active competition, Askren has remained involved in the combat sports world. He's transitioned into coaching, sharing his wrestling expertise with aspiring fighters. He also provides commentary and analysis for various MMA events, offering his unique perspective on the sport. Askren has also been active on social media, engaging with fans and sharing his thoughts on the latest happenings in MMA. He's become a bit of a personality in the MMA world, known for his candid opinions and dry wit.

Askren's journey is a fascinating one. He was a wrestling prodigy who transitioned to MMA and achieved considerable success. While his UFC stint didn't pan out exactly as many had hoped, he remains a respected figure in the combat sports community. His story serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes can face challenges and setbacks, and that sometimes, the most important thing is to know when to move on to the next chapter. So, while his fighting days may be over, Ben Askren's impact on the sport will certainly be remembered.

Key Takeaways from Ben Askren's Career

Ben Askren's career, though complex, offers some valuable lessons and insights for aspiring fighters and fans alike. First, it highlights the importance of having a strong foundation. Askren's wrestling background was the cornerstone of his MMA success. It allowed him to control fights, dictate the pace, and neutralize his opponents' strengths. However, it also showed that a single discipline, even one as dominant as wrestling, isn't always enough at the highest levels of MMA. You need to develop a well-rounded skill set to compete with the best.

Second, Askren's career underscores the unpredictable nature of combat sports. His devastating loss to Jorge Masvidal is a prime example of how quickly things can change in a fight. One mistake, one perfectly timed strike, and the entire outcome can be altered in an instant. This unpredictability is part of what makes MMA so exciting, but it also makes it a very unforgiving sport.

Finally, Askren's story demonstrates the importance of adaptability. While his wrestling-heavy style was successful for much of his career, it ultimately proved to be a limitation against certain opponents. The ability to adapt and evolve your game is crucial for long-term success in MMA. Askren's willingness to try new things, even venturing into boxing, shows a willingness to step outside his comfort zone and embrace new challenges.

In conclusion, the story of Ben Askren is a compelling one. He was a wrestling phenom who made a significant impact on the MMA world. While his UFC career may not have reached the heights that some had predicted, he remains a fascinating figure in combat sports. His journey is a reminder that success is not always linear, and that even in defeat, there are valuable lessons to be learned. And hey, guys, that's what makes the sport so captivating, right? The ups, the downs, and the stories of the fighters who dare to step into the cage or the ring. Ben Askren's story is definitely one worth remembering!