🔥 Trending Ben Askren: MMA Fighter, Wrestler, and Health Warrior

Ben Askren is a former American mixed martial artist (MMA) and Olympic wrestler, widely recognized for his dominant wrestling background, unique fighting style, and charismatic, often outspoken, personality. He is particularly known for his undefeated record in MMA for many years and his later foray into professional boxing.

Early Life and Wrestling Career

Born on July 18, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ben Askren grew up in Hartland, Wisconsin. His athletic prowess became evident early on, particularly in wrestling.

• High School Wrestling: Askren was a two-time state champion at Arrowhead High School in Wisconsin.
• Collegiate Wrestling: He attended the University of Missouri, where he had an incredibly successful collegiate wrestling career.
• NCAA Division I National Champion: Askren won two NCAA Division I national titles (2006, 2007) in the 174-pound weight class.
• Dan Hodge Trophy: He was awarded the Dan Hodge Trophy in 2006 and 2007, an award given to the most dominant collegiate wrestler in the nation.
• Undefeated Senior Season: Askren finished his senior year with a perfect 42-0 record.
• Olympic Wrestling: Following his collegiate success, Askren competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in freestyle wrestling (74 kg weight class), although he did not medal.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Career

Askren transitioned to professional MMA in 2009, bringing his elite wrestling skills to the cage. His fighting style, heavily reliant on his exceptional grappling and ground control, earned him the nickname "Funky" and often frustrated opponents.

Major Accomplishments in MMA:

• Bellator Welterweight Champion: Askren joined Bellator Fighting Championships in 2010 and quickly rose through the ranks. He captured the Bellator Welterweight Championship in 2010 and successfully defended it four times.
• ONE Championship Welterweight Champion: After leaving Bellator, Askren signed with ONE Championship, Asia's largest MMA promotion. He continued his dominance, winning the ONE Welterweight Championship in 2014 and defending it three times before "retiring" from MMA in 2017 with an undefeated record of 18-0 (1 NC).

UFC Stint and Retirement:

In a surprising move, Askren was part of a historic "trade" between the UFC and ONE Championship in 2018, where he was traded to the UFC in exchange for Demetrious Johnson.

• UFC Debut: He made a memorable UFC debut in March 2019, submitting Robbie Lawler in a controversial stoppage.
• First MMA Losses: Askren's undefeated record was broken in July 2019 when he suffered a devastating five-second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal, the fastest knockout in UFC history. He then lost his next fight to Demian Maia via submission.
• MMA Retirement: Following his loss to Maia, Askren officially retired from MMA in 2019, citing hip issues. His final MMA record stood at 19-2 (1 NC).

Post-MMA Ventures: Boxing and Commentary

After his MMA retirement, Askren remained in the public eye, primarily through his podcast "Funky & The Champ" with Daniel Cormier and his work as a wrestling coach.

Professional Boxing Debut:

Askren made an unexpected return to combat sports in April 2021, stepping into the boxing ring to face YouTube personality Jake Paul in a professional boxing match.

• Jake Paul Fight: The fight, heavily promoted by Triller Fight Club, garnered significant attention. Askren, despite his combat sports background, was known for his grappling, not striking. He lost the boxing match via first-round technical knockout.

Why He's Gaining Attention Now

Ben Askren remains a figure of interest for several reasons:

• Combat Sports Commentary and Analysis: He frequently provides commentary and analysis on MMA and wrestling, often offering candid and insightful opinions.
• "Funky" Persona: His unique personality, characterized by his confidence, wit, and willingness to speak his mind, continues to resonate with fans.
• Legacy of Dominance: Despite his later losses, his long undefeated streak and championship reigns in two major MMA organizations solidify his place as one of the most dominant grapplers in MMA history.
• Influence on Wrestling: Askren's "funky" wrestling style, which emphasized scrambles and unorthodox positions, has influenced a generation of wrestlers.

Ben Askren's career is a testament to the power of a specialized skill set in combat sports, and his post-MMA ventures continue to keep him relevant in the public discourse.