Ben Askren: Is 'Funky' Officially Retired From Fighting?

Unpacking the Enigma of Ben Askren's Retirement

Alright guys, let's dive deep into the enduring question that seems to pop up every now and then: Is Ben Askren retired? This isn't just a simple yes or no answer when you're talking about a personality as unique and a career as storied as "Funky" Ben Askren's. For those of you who might be new to the game or just catching up, Ben Askren isn't your average fighter. He's a straight-up legend in collegiate wrestling, an Olympic athlete, and an undefeated champion in multiple major MMA organizations before even stepping foot in the UFC. His retirement status has been a topic of much discussion, especially given his brief, albeit eventful, stint in the UFC and that unforgettable boxing match against Jake Paul. We're going to explore his entire journey, from his wrestling pedigree that made him a nightmare for opponents to his surprising pivot to boxing, to truly understand if "Funky" has officially hung up the gloves for good. We'll look at the key moments that shaped his career, the injuries that played a significant role in his decisions, and his life post-fighting, to give you the clearest picture possible of where Ben Askren stands today. So, buckle up, because understanding Ben Askren's retirement means understanding a legacy that goes far beyond just wins and losses.

The Illustrious Career of "Funky" Ben Askren

Collegiate Wrestling Dominance and Olympic Aspirations

Before he was known for his grappling prowess in the MMA cage, Ben Askren was, quite frankly, a beast on the wrestling mat. We're talking about a guy who practically re-wrote the record books during his time at the University of Missouri. His collegiate career was nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by back-to-back NCAA Division I National Championships in 2006 and 2007. What made Ben truly stand out wasn't just his winning, but how he won. He pioneered and perfected a truly funky style of wrestling, characterized by his unorthodox scrambles, incredible athleticism, and relentless pressure. Opponents often found themselves caught in a bewildering web of limbs, constantly defending and rarely finding an escape. This unique approach made him a crowd favorite and a coach's nightmare for the opposing team. This dominant wrestling background wasn't just for show; it was the bedrock upon which his entire combat sports career was built. He was known for his incredible endurance and his ability to wear down even the toughest opponents. After conquering the collegiate scene, Askren set his sights on the Olympic stage, representing the United States in freestyle wrestling at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. While he didn't medal, the experience further honed his skills and competitive spirit, setting him up perfectly for his transition to mixed martial arts. This foundational phase of his career is crucial for understanding why he was such a formidable force later on.

Rise to MMA Stardom: ONE Championship and Bellator Reign

When Ben Askren made the jump to mixed martial arts, many knew he was destined for greatness, and boy, did he deliver. He quickly established himself as an unstoppable force, primarily due to his unparalleled wrestling base. His MMA career started with a bang, and he rapidly climbed the ranks in Bellator, one of the premier promotions at the time. It wasn't long before he captured the Bellator Welterweight Championship, defending it four times and cementing his status as one of the best 170-pounders in the world. He was known for his smothering top control and relentless ground-and-pound, often turning fights into grappling clinics that left his opponents exasperated. After an undefeated run in Bellator, Askren moved to ONE Championship, where he continued his dominance. He quickly won the ONE Welterweight World Championship and defended it successfully multiple times, extending his professional MMA record to an astonishing 18-0 (1 NC). Guys, his fights in ONE Championship were a testament to his unique style; he would simply impose his will, take opponents down, and control them until a submission or TKO presented itself. Many viewed him as the uncrowned king of the welterweight division, constantly wondering when he would finally make the jump to the UFC to test himself against the world's best. His unbeaten streak across two major promotions spoke volumes about his skill and the effectiveness of his wrestling-first approach, making him a truly unique and highly anticipated figure in the global MMA landscape.

The UFC Chapter: A Rollercoaster Ride and Unexpected Turns

The Historic Trade and Anticipated Debut

Okay, so after years of speculation and fan anticipation, it finally happened: Ben Askren joined the UFC. But it wasn't just any signing; it was a historic trade, the first of its kind in UFC history, with Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson heading to ONE Championship in exchange for "Funky." This move sent shockwaves through the MMA world! Everyone was buzzing. Could Askren's wrestling-heavy style translate to success in the stacked UFC welterweight division? His debut was set against the incredibly dangerous former champion, Robbie Lawler, at UFC 235. The buildup was intense, with Askren's characteristic trash talk adding fuel to the fire. The fight itself was a whirlwind. Lawler dropped Askren early and unleashed a barrage of strikes that had everyone thinking it was over. But in true "Funky" fashion, Askren survived, weathered the storm, and somehow managed to get Lawler to the ground. The controversial finish saw the referee stop the fight due to a perceived choke from Askren, which Lawler immediately protested, claiming he hadn't tapped and wasn't out. Despite the controversy, Askren secured the win, extending his undefeated record and instantly making a splash in the UFC. This debut, with all its drama and discussion, perfectly encapsulated the kind of career Ben Askren had: always entertaining, always a talking point, and never boring. It truly set the stage for what was to be an unforgettable, albeit short, chapter in his career.

Highs and Lows: Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia Bouts

Following his controversial win over Lawler, Ben Askren's UFC journey took an even wilder turn, cementing his place in MMA lore for both spectacular and devastating reasons. His next opponent was the surging Jorge Masvidal, a fight heavily promoted by their intense trash talk and genuine animosity. This bout at UFC 239 created one of the most iconic and brutal knockouts in UFC history. Just five seconds into the first round, Masvidal landed a flying knee that rendered Askren unconscious before he even hit the canvas. It was a shocking, viral moment that instantly became a meme and a highlight reel staple. For a fighter who had been undefeated for so long, this was a stunning setback, and a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins in the UFC's welterweight division. Despite the devastating loss, Askren, ever the competitor, looked to bounce back quickly. His final UFC fight was against the legendary grappler Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night 162. This fight was a purist's dream, a high-level grappling chess match between two of the best ground fighters in the sport. While Askren put up a valiant effort, he eventually succumbed to a rear-naked choke in the third round. This second consecutive loss, coupled with the previous devastating knockout, led many to question his future in the sport. These two fights, particularly the Masvidal knockout, are often the first things people recall when discussing Askren's UFC tenure, highlighting both the high-stakes nature of the promotion and the unforgiving reality of combat sports at the elite level. It truly was a rollercoaster of emotions for "Funky" fans.

The Initial Retirement Announcement and Post-MMA Ventures

UFC Exit and Hip Issues

So, after those two back-to-back losses in the UFC, the big question on everyone's mind was,