Ben Askren: Career, Legacy, And What He's Up To Now

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the world of one of the most unique and unforgettable fighters in mixed martial arts history: Ben Askren. If you've followed combat sports for any length of time, you've undoubtedly heard the name Ben "Funky" Askren. He's a guy who literally made a career out of defying expectations, frustrating opponents, and charming fans with his unconventional style and even more unconventional personality. From his dominant wrestling days to his undefeated runs in Bellator and ONE Championship, and even his surprising, albeit brief, stint in the UFC, Ben Askren's journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. He wasn't your typical knockout artist or a slick submission specialist in the traditional sense; instead, he was a grappling phenom who took down virtually everyone he faced, grinding them into submission or a decision loss with his relentless pressure and suffocating top control. We're talking about a multi-time NCAA Division I National Champion, an Olympian, and a man who translated that wrestling prowess into an incredible MMA career, becoming a world champion in two major organizations before ever stepping foot in the octagon. It's a truly fascinating story, especially when you consider how polarizing his style was. Some loved the pure grappling mastery, while others yearned for more striking. Regardless of your preference, you couldn't deny his effectiveness. We're going to explore all the facets of his professional fighting life, analyze the impact he had on the sport, and, most importantly for many of you guys, find out what Ben Askren is up to now after hanging up his gloves and even dabbling in celebrity boxing. So, buckle up, because we're about to unpack the career of one of the most distinctive athletes to ever grace the cage. His legacy isn't just about wins and losses; it's about pioneering a style, challenging perceptions, and always, always staying true to himself, the self-proclaimed "Funky" one.

The "Funky" Phenomenon: Askren's Unique Fighting Style

When we talk about Ben Askren's unique fighting style, we're really talking about a masterclass in wrestling dominance that translated seamlessly, and often controversially, into mixed martial arts. Folks, before he even stepped into an MMA cage, Askren had already established himself as an all-time great in amateur wrestling. We're not just talking about good; we're talking NCAA Division I National Champion two times over, a four-time finalist, and an Olympian representing the United States in the 2008 Beijing Games. This unparalleled grappling mastery formed the bedrock of his entire fighting philosophy. When he transitioned to MMA, many pundits wondered if a pure wrestler could succeed at the highest levels without developing elite striking. Ben Askren emphatically answered that question with a resounding, "Yes!" His approach was simple yet devastatingly effective: get his opponents to the ground and keep them there. He was known for his unorthodox, scrambly takedowns, often dubbed "funky" by his wrestling coaches, which earned him his iconic nickname. Once on the mat, his top control was suffocating, his ground and pound relentless, and his submission game opportunistic. Opponents would spend entire rounds desperately trying to escape his grasp, only to find themselves utterly exhausted and outmatched. This style, while incredibly dominant, was also polarizing. Some fans adored the intricate grappling exchanges and the sheer technical brilliance of his wrestling. They appreciated the strategic aspect of draining an opponent's will and gas tank. Others, however, craved stand-up exchanges and explosive knockouts, often finding Askren's fights to be less "exciting." But here's the kicker, guys: it worked. He built an undefeated record through multiple organizations, first becoming the Bellator Welterweight Champion, defending that belt successfully four times against formidable opponents like Douglas Lima and Karl Amoussou. He then moved to ONE Championship, where he continued his reign of terror, capturing the ONE Welterweight World Championship and defending it with similar success, often finishing his opponents or dominating them for five rounds. His ability to impose his will, regardless of the opponent's striking credentials or jiu-jitsu black belts, was a testament to his sheer skill and mental fortitude. He wasn't afraid to take a punch to secure a takedown, and once he had you grounded, escape was a luxury rarely afforded. This made Ben Askren a legitimate force, an almost insurmountable challenge for anyone in the welterweight division outside of the UFC for a long, long time. His reputation grew with every victory, making him one of the most talked-about fighters outside of the biggest promotion, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated transfers in MMA history.

From Undefeated Champion to UFC Debut: The Big Trade

Alright, folks, let's talk about one of the most talked-about, jaw-dropping moments in recent MMA history: Ben Askren's UFC debut and, more specifically, the unprecedented Demetrious Johnson trade. For years, MMA fans debated whether Ben Askren, with his undefeated record and two world titles outside the UFC, could hang with the best in the world's premier organization. The question wasn't if he could win, but if the UFC, specifically Dana White, would ever sign a fighter whose style was so polarizing. Believe it or not, the impossible happened. In a move that shocked the entire combat sports world, the UFC traded its former flyweight king and pound-for-pound great, Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson, to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren. This wasn't just a signing; it was a historic, one-for-one fighter swap, the first of its kind between major MMA promotions. The hype surrounding his UFC debut was immense. Everyone wanted to see if the "Funky" one could continue his unbeaten streak against the absolute elite. His first opponent was none other than former UFC Welterweight Champion, Robbie Lawler. The fight at UFC 235 was an instant classic, filled with drama and controversy. Lawler dropped Askren early and unleashed a flurry, but Ben somehow survived, got the takedown, and secured a bulldog choke. While the referee controversially stopped the fight believing Lawler was unconscious, "Ruthless" protested, claiming he was still conscious. Regardless of the controversy, Ben Askren got the win, extending his undefeated record and proving he belonged. However, his next fight, at UFC 239 against Jorge Masvidal, would forever be etched into MMA history, for all the wrong reasons for Askren. Just five seconds into the fight, Masvidal landed a flying knee knockout that sent Askren crashing to the canvas, unconscious. It was a brutal, highlight-reel finish that not only handed Ben his first professional loss but also became the fastest knockout in UFC history. The image of Askren lying on the canvas quickly went viral, a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sport. Despite the devastating loss, Askren showed his resilience, returning to the octagon just a few months later to face another grappling wizard, Demian Maia. This fight was a pure grappling chess match, a treat for ground fighting enthusiasts. While Askren had his moments, Maia ultimately proved superior on the ground, securing a rear-naked choke in the third round, handing Askren his second consecutive loss. Following this defeat, Ben Askren announced his retirement from professional MMA due to nagging hip injuries that had plagued him for years. His short but memorable UFC run, though not ending in championship glory, certainly left an indelible mark, proving that even a pure wrestler could command attention and challenge the very best in the world. He came, he saw, he grappled, and he gave us some truly unforgettable moments, cementing his place in the sport's lore, even if his time in the Octagon was brief and dramatic.

Life After MMA: What's Ben Askren Up To Now?

So, after a career that saw him dominate in the wrestling room, become a two-division world champion in MMA, and then have a brief but impactful run in the UFC, many of you guys might be wondering: what's Ben Askren up to now? Well, let me tell you, life after fighting for the "Funky" one has been anything but quiet! Following his official retirement from professional MMA in late 2019, primarily due to persistent hip issues that required surgery, Ben didn't just fade into the background. Instead, he seamlessly transitioned into a new chapter, leveraging his unique personality and deep understanding of combat sports. One of his most visible ventures has been in the world of podcasting. He's a co-host on the "Funky & The Champ" podcast with fellow wrestling and MMA legend Daniel Cormier, where they break down fights, share stories, and offer their often hilarious and insightful perspectives on the current state of combat sports. This platform has allowed Ben Askren to stay connected to the fight game, share his analytical prowess, and continue to entertain fans with his unfiltered opinions. Beyond podcasting, he's also a sought-after MMA analyst and commentator, making appearances on various sports networks and online shows. His expertise, particularly in grappling, provides valuable insights that other commentators might miss, truly adding value to any broadcast he's a part of. But perhaps the most surprising post-MMA endeavor for Ben Askren was his foray into celebrity boxing, specifically his highly publicized match against YouTube sensation Jake Paul. This fight, which took place in April 2021, generated an enormous amount of buzz, pitting a legitimate former world champion against a social media influencer. While the Jake Paul fight didn't go Askren's way, ending in a first-round TKO loss, it was a massive cultural event that drew millions of eyeballs and a significant payday. It further highlighted Askren's willingness to step outside his comfort zone and embrace new challenges, even if it meant taking a punch (or many punches!) for entertainment. On a more personal note, Askren is also very much involved in coaching and mentoring. He's a prominent figure in the wrestling and MMA community, often sharing his knowledge with aspiring athletes. He's passionate about developing the next generation of grapplers and fighters, and you can often find him at various wrestling camps or events, giving back to the sport that gave him so much. Beyond all the public appearances, Ben Askren is a dedicated family man, often sharing glimpses of his life with his wife Amy and their children on social media. He's also known to have various business interests and investments, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. In essence, while his days of competing at the highest level of MMA are behind him, Ben Askren remains a vibrant and influential figure in the combat sports landscape. He's found a way to stay relevant, impactful, and, most importantly, authentic to his "Funky" self, proving that there's a thriving life and plenty of opportunities even after the fighting stops.

The Enduring Legacy of "Funky" Ben Askren

When we look back at the career of Ben Askren, his enduring legacy is far more complex and compelling than just a simple tally of wins and losses. He's a true MMA legend who, despite a relatively short stint in the UFC, left an indelible mark on the sport, primarily through his unconventional path and his unparalleled wrestling impact. First and foremost, Askren challenged the prevailing narrative that a fighter needed to be well-rounded in striking, grappling, and submissions to reach the pinnacle of MMA. He proved that elite, suffocating wrestling could be the foundation of a world-class, championship-level career. For years, he was virtually untouchable outside of the UFC, dominating two major promotions with a style that many criticized but none could effectively counter. This dominance forced opponents and analysts alike to rethink the importance of pure grappling in a sport that sometimes overemphasizes knockout power. Ben Askren showed that control, pressure, and the sheer ability to impose your will on the ground were just as, if not more, effective than flashy striking. His journey, marked by an undefeated run spanning over a decade, is a testament to the power of specialized skill and unwavering confidence in one's strengths. Beyond his technical prowess, Askren's personality played a massive role in shaping his legacy. He was never one to shy away from speaking his mind, often delivering witty, sometimes provocative, soundbites that kept fans engaged and opponents frustrated. His genuine, often goofy, demeanor outside the cage contrasted sharply with his ruthless efficiency inside it, making him a unique and captivating figure. He wasn't trying to be anyone else; he was simply Ben "Funky" Askren, and that authenticity resonated with a huge segment of the fanbase. His UFC arrival, facilitated by the historic trade for Demetrious Johnson, was a moment that transcended the sport. It brought immense attention to both Askren and the welterweight division, creating narratives that still resonate today. While his UFC run didn't end with a title, the fights themselves were unforgettable – the controversial win over Robbie Lawler, the shocking knockout by Jorge Masvidal, and the grappling clinic against Demian Maia. These moments, for better or worse, are now woven into the fabric of UFC history. What can we learn from his career? We learn about perseverance, about staying true to your style even when it's unpopular, and about the power of self-belief. Ben Askren never apologized for being a wrestler in an MMA world that sometimes yearned for striking. He perfected his craft, applied it masterfully, and became a champion. Even in retirement, he continues to influence the sport, not just as an analyst but as an advocate for wrestling and a mentor for young athletes. His legacy is one of a true pioneer, a relentless competitor, and a personality that simply refused to be ignored. He wasn't just a fighter; he was a phenomenon, and the "Funky" one will forever be remembered as one of MMA's most distinctive and impactful figures.