The Ben Askren Story What Happened To The MMA Star

Hey guys! Ever wondered what happened to Ben Askren, the highly decorated wrestler who transitioned into the world of MMA and became a major figure in the sport? If so, you're in the right place. This article dives deep into Ben Askren's fascinating career, from his wrestling days to his MMA highs and lows, and finally, his transition into coaching and commentating. We'll explore the key moments, the controversies, and the legacy he's built. So, buckle up and get ready for a comprehensive look at the journey of “Funky” Ben Askren!

From Wrestling Phenom to MMA Prospect

Ben Askren's journey begins long before his foray into mixed martial arts. As a wrestler, Askren achieved unparalleled success, building a foundation that would later serve him well in the cage. His unique style, characterized by his relentless pursuit of takedowns and his unorthodox scrambling ability, set him apart from his peers. He wasn’t just winning matches; he was dominating opponents, racking up accolades and establishing himself as one of the most promising wrestlers of his generation. His collegiate wrestling career at the University of Missouri is the stuff of legend, marked by two NCAA Division I national championships and four All-American honors. This level of achievement isn't just luck; it's the result of years of dedication, grueling training, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Askren's wrestling prowess wasn't limited to the collegiate level; he also represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. Though he didn't medal at the Olympics, the experience undoubtedly shaped his competitive spirit and further fueled his desire to compete at the highest levels. It’s this wrestling background that provided the bedrock for his transition into MMA. The discipline, the mental toughness, the physical conditioning – all these aspects honed through years of wrestling would prove invaluable as he stepped into the world of mixed martial arts. Askren's decision to transition to MMA wasn't a spur-of-the-moment thing. He saw the opportunity to apply his wrestling skills in a new and exciting arena, a place where he could test his abilities against a diverse range of martial artists. This transition wasn't without its challenges, of course. Wrestling is a different beast than MMA, requiring the mastery of striking, submissions, and the ability to seamlessly blend these disciplines together. But Askren, with his unwavering confidence and his relentless work ethic, was ready to take on the challenge. He knew he had the wrestling base to be successful, and he was eager to learn the other aspects of the game. This early stage of his career was all about adapting, learning, and building the foundation for his future success in the world of MMA.

The Rise of "Funky" Ben in MMA

Transitioning from wrestling to MMA, Ben Askren carved out a remarkable career, marked by dominant performances and a unique fighting style that earned him the moniker "Funky." It wasn't just his wrestling pedigree that set him apart; it was his unconventional approach to the sport, his willingness to take risks, and his unwavering belief in his abilities. Early in his MMA career, Askren quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He racked up wins in various promotions, showcasing his exceptional grappling skills and his ability to control opponents on the ground. He wasn't just winning; he was dominating, often overwhelming his opponents with his relentless takedowns and suffocating top control. This early success was a clear indication of his potential in the sport, and it wasn't long before he was competing on bigger stages. Askren's stint in Bellator MMA was particularly noteworthy. He captured the Bellator Welterweight Championship and defended it multiple times, solidifying his position as one of the top welterweights in the world. His performances were a masterclass in wrestling-based MMA, demonstrating how effectively a strong grappling base could be utilized in the cage. He wasn't just a one-dimensional fighter; he was constantly evolving his game, adding new wrinkles to his striking and improving his submission skills. His time in ONE Championship further cemented his status as an elite fighter. He continued his dominant run, capturing the ONE Welterweight Championship and showcasing his skills on the international stage. ONE Championship provided Askren with a platform to compete against a diverse range of opponents, further honing his skills and expanding his global fanbase. It was during this period that his "Funky" style truly came to the forefront. He wasn't afraid to take risks, to scramble, to put himself in unorthodox positions. This unpredictable style made him incredibly difficult to prepare for, and it often left his opponents bewildered and frustrated. Askren's success in Bellator and ONE Championship wasn't just about his wrestling; it was about his adaptability, his mental toughness, and his unwavering belief in his game plan. He was a master of controlling the pace of the fight, dictating where the action took place, and imposing his will on his opponents. This period of his career was a testament to his hard work, his dedication, and his relentless pursuit of excellence. He had proven himself to be one of the best welterweights in the world, and he was eager to test himself against the best in the UFC.

The UFC Stint and Retirement

Ben Askren's arrival in the UFC was met with considerable anticipation. After dominating in Bellator and ONE Championship, fight fans were eager to see how his unique style would fare against the elite competition in the world's premier MMA organization. The trade that brought Askren to the UFC, sending former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship, was a significant event in the MMA world. It signaled the UFC's commitment to adding top-tier talent to its roster and Askren's desire to compete against the best. His UFC debut was nothing short of dramatic. Facing Robbie Lawler, Askren found himself in early trouble, weathering a furious onslaught from the former champion. However, in a display of his unyielding toughness and grappling prowess, Askren weathered the storm and secured a controversial submission victory. The fight was stopped by the referee due to a bulldog choke, but Lawler protested the stoppage, claiming he was not unconscious. This controversial win immediately thrust Askren into the spotlight and set the stage for a highly anticipated run in the UFC. However, Askren's UFC tenure didn't quite live up to the initial hype. His subsequent fights proved to be challenging, and he faced setbacks that ultimately led to his early retirement from the sport. The Jorge Masvidal fight is perhaps the most memorable, and for Askren, the most devastating. Masvidal landed a flying knee just seconds into the fight, knocking Askren out cold in record time. It was a stunning defeat, a highlight-reel knockout that quickly went viral and became synonymous with Askren's UFC career. This loss was a major setback for Askren, and it raised questions about his ability to compete at the highest level of the UFC. Following the Masvidal loss, Askren faced Demian Maia, a highly respected grappler known for his submission skills. In a back-and-forth fight, Askren was eventually submitted by Maia, marking his second consecutive loss in the UFC. These defeats, coupled with lingering injuries, took a toll on Askren. He had always been a fighter who relied on his physicality and his ability to impose his will on his opponents. But the wear and tear of a long career, combined with the challenges of facing the top fighters in the UFC, began to take its toll. Shortly after the loss to Maia, Askren announced his retirement from MMA. He cited a hip injury as a major factor in his decision, stating that he was no longer able to train and compete at the level required to be successful in the UFC. His UFC run may not have been as successful as he had hoped, but it shouldn't overshadow the remarkable achievements he had accomplished throughout his career. He had reached the pinnacle of the sport, competed against the best in the world, and left an indelible mark on the world of MMA.

Life After Fighting: Coaching, Commentating, and Beyond

Life after fighting has been busy and fulfilling for Ben Askren. Transitioning away from active competition, he's found new avenues to utilize his expertise and passion for combat sports. He hasn’t completely stepped away from the world of MMA; instead, he's channeled his knowledge and experience into coaching and commentating, staying connected to the sport he loves while also exploring new opportunities. Askren's coaching endeavors have been a natural extension of his wrestling and MMA background. He's worked with several fighters, sharing his knowledge of grappling, takedowns, and overall fight strategy. His unique perspective and his ability to break down complex techniques into simple, actionable steps make him a valuable asset to any fighter's training camp. He's not just teaching techniques; he's imparting the mental toughness and strategic thinking that were crucial to his own success. His coaching style is characterized by his directness, his honesty, and his commitment to helping his athletes reach their full potential. He's not afraid to push his fighters, to challenge them, and to hold them accountable. But he's also incredibly supportive, providing them with the tools and the guidance they need to succeed. In addition to coaching, Askren has also ventured into the world of commentating. His insightful analysis and his candid opinions have made him a popular figure in the MMA media landscape. He's not afraid to speak his mind, and he often provides a unique perspective on fights and fighters. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the commentary booth, drawing on his own experiences as a fighter to provide context and analysis that resonates with fans. He's also known for his sense of humor and his ability to connect with viewers on a personal level. He's not just a commentator; he's a storyteller, weaving narratives around the fights and the fighters that make the sport so compelling. Beyond coaching and commentating, Askren has also explored other ventures. He's been involved in various business endeavors, leveraging his entrepreneurial spirit and his growing public profile. He's also remained active in the wrestling community, supporting the sport that gave him his start. He's a vocal advocate for wrestling, and he's passionate about giving back to the community that has shaped him. Askren's post-fighting career is a testament to his adaptability, his work ethic, and his unwavering passion for combat sports. He's not content to simply rest on his laurels; he's constantly seeking new challenges and new opportunities to grow and evolve. He's a true testament to the fact that life after fighting can be just as rewarding and fulfilling as life in the cage. He's taken the lessons he learned as a fighter – the discipline, the mental toughness, the unwavering belief in himself – and applied them to his new endeavors, achieving success in a variety of different fields. Ben Askren's journey is a compelling story of athletic achievement, personal growth, and the pursuit of excellence. From his wrestling dominance to his MMA career and his current endeavors, he has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his goals. He's a fighter in every sense of the word, and his story is an inspiration to athletes and fans alike.

Ben Askren's Legacy

Ben Askren's legacy in the world of combat sports is a complex and multifaceted one. He's not just remembered for his wins and losses; he's remembered for his unique style, his outspoken personality, and his contributions to the sport of MMA. He may not have achieved UFC gold, but his impact on the sport is undeniable. Askren's wrestling pedigree is a cornerstone of his legacy. His dominant wrestling style, characterized by his relentless takedowns and his ability to control opponents on the ground, revolutionized MMA. He demonstrated the effectiveness of a wrestling-heavy approach, proving that a strong grappling base could be a recipe for success in the cage. He wasn't just a wrestler; he was a master strategist, using his wrestling skills to dictate the pace of the fight and impose his will on his opponents. He showed the world that wrestling isn't just about takedowns; it's about control, pressure, and the ability to break an opponent's will. His "Funky" style is another defining aspect of his legacy. He wasn't afraid to take risks, to scramble, to put himself in unorthodox positions. This unpredictable style made him incredibly difficult to prepare for, and it often left his opponents bewildered and frustrated. He was a puzzle that many fighters couldn't solve, and his unique approach to the sport made him a fan favorite. His willingness to be different, to challenge conventional wisdom, and to forge his own path is an inspiration to many fighters. Askren's outspoken personality has also played a significant role in shaping his legacy. He's never been afraid to speak his mind, to challenge his opponents, and to promote his fights. He's a master of self-promotion, and he's used his personality to build his brand and to generate interest in his fights. He's also been a vocal advocate for fighter pay and fighter rights, using his platform to speak out on issues that are important to him. He's not just a fighter; he's a voice for the fighters. While his UFC stint may not have been as successful as he had hoped, it shouldn't overshadow his accomplishments in Bellator and ONE Championship. He was a dominant champion in both organizations, and he proved himself to be one of the best welterweights in the world. He's a testament to the fact that success in MMA isn't just about fighting in the UFC; it's about building a legacy, making a name for yourself, and leaving your mark on the sport. Ben Askren's legacy is one of innovation, determination, and individuality. He's a fighter who dared to be different, who challenged the status quo, and who left an indelible mark on the world of MMA. He's a true original, and his story will continue to inspire fighters and fans for years to come.

So, there you have it, guys! The story of Ben Askren, from his wrestling days to his MMA career and beyond. He’s a true legend in the sport, and his legacy will continue to inspire for years to come. Thanks for joining me on this journey through his career! And keep an eye out for more deep dives into the stories of your favorite fighters!