Ben Askren Post-Masvidal: What Happened Next?

What happened to Ben Askren after the Masvidal fight? It's a question many combat sports fans pondered after that infamous night. The boxing match between Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren was one of the most anticipated fights in recent memory. For Ben Askren, it was supposed to be a major comeback after a controversial UFC loss. However, it turned into one of the most devastating knockouts in boxing history. The fight lasted only five seconds. Masvidal landed a flying knee that knocked Askren out cold. Askren's career took a nosedive after this fight. In this article, we'll delve into what happened to Ben Askren after the Masvidal fight, his subsequent career moves, and his life outside the octagon.

The Infamous Masvidal Knockout

The fight between Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal, which took place on November 5, 2019, at UFC 244, is etched in the memory of every MMA fan. Ben Askren, a highly accomplished wrestler with an undefeated record heading into the UFC, was looking to rebound from a controversial submission loss to Demian Maia. He was confident and ready to prove his doubters wrong. However, Masvidal had other plans. In a moment that has become legendary (or perhaps infamous, depending on your perspective), Masvidal connected with a brutal flying knee just seconds into the fight. The impact was devastating, rendering Askren unconscious and ending the bout with a spectacular knockout. This wasn't just a loss for Askren; it was a public, brutal, and swift end to his hopes of a significant UFC run. The speed of the knockout left many stunned, including Askren himself, who later admitted to being completely blindsided. The fight's outcome immediately sparked a massive debate about Askren's striking defense and his future in the sport. It was a harsh introduction to the big leagues for Askren, and the reverberations of that single moment would be felt for a long time.

Immediate Aftermath and Retirement

Following the devastating knockout by Jorge Masvidal, Ben Askren found himself at a crossroads. The loss was not just a defeat on his record; it was a severe blow to his confidence and career trajectory. In the immediate aftermath, the focus was on his health and recovery. The brutal nature of the knockout meant that Askren needed time to recuperate, both physically and mentally. He had put so much into his transition to the UFC, and this defeat felt like a definitive end to his aspirations at the highest level of MMA. Less than a year after the Masvidal fight, in November 2019, Askren announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts. He cited a hip injury that had plagued him for years and the desire to focus on his family as primary reasons. However, it was clear that the Masvidal knockout played a significant role in his decision. The dream of becoming a UFC champion, which had seemed within reach, had evaporated in just five seconds. Retirement wasn't just about stepping away from fighting; it was about processing a career-defining moment that ended his MMA journey far sooner and more abruptly than anyone anticipated. It was a tough pill to swallow for a fighter known for his grit and determination, but ultimately, he recognized that it was time to move on.

Transition to Professional Wrestling and Boxing

Retirement from MMA didn't mean the end of Ben Askren's combat sports career, or at least, his involvement in combat sports entertainment. Despite hanging up his gloves in MMA, Askren didn't stay inactive for long. He eventually transitioned into the world of professional wrestling, making appearances in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This move allowed him to stay in the public eye and engage with fans in a different capacity. However, his most notable post-MMA venture was his foray into professional boxing. In April 2021, Ben Askren stepped into the boxing ring to face Jake Paul, the social media star who had been making waves in the boxing world. This fight was highly publicized and drew significant attention, pitting a former MMA fighter against a burgeoning boxer. Askren, with his wrestling background, was expected to bring a different skillset to the boxing ring. Unfortunately for his fans, the result was another knockout loss. Jake Paul defeated Askren in the first round with a powerful right hand. This second high-profile knockout loss further solidified the narrative of Askren's struggles in striking-focused combat sports. While he showed resilience by trying new disciplines, the results were unfortunately similar, leading many to believe that his striking limitations were a significant hurdle he couldn't overcome.

Life Outside the Combat Sports Arena

Beyond the bright lights of the octagon and the boxing ring, Ben Askren has carved out a significant life for himself. Even before his retirement from MMA, Askren was known for his sharp wit and engaging personality, which made him a fan favorite despite his sometimes polarizing fighting style. After his final professional fight against Jake Paul, Askren has continued to stay connected with the combat sports community through various avenues. He has become a popular media personality, often appearing on podcasts and discussing MMA, boxing, and other combat sports topics with insightful commentary. His wrestling background also remains a key part of his identity; he is involved in coaching and promoting wrestling, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with aspiring athletes. Furthermore, Askren has embraced his role as a family man, dedicating more time to his wife and children. He often shares glimpses of his family life on social media, showing a more relaxed and personal side. His journey after the Masvidal fight is a testament to his adaptability and his enduring spirit. While his MMA career didn't end the way he would have hoped, Askren has successfully transitioned into new roles, proving that his influence extends far beyond his fighting days. He remains a respected figure in the combat sports world, admired for his candidness, his contributions to wrestling, and his ability to reinvent himself.

Lessons Learned and Future Outlook

The career of Ben Askren offers a fascinating case study in the unpredictable nature of combat sports. The Masvidal knockout, a five-second event, had a profound impact, not just on his MMA career but on his subsequent ventures. For Askren, the lesson was clear: the transition from elite wrestling to elite striking is an immensely challenging one, even for someone as accomplished as him. The speed and precision required in striking disciplines like boxing and MMA are vastly different from the grappling arts he mastered. His fights against Masvidal and Jake Paul highlighted the stark difference between being a world-class grappler and a world-class striker. However, Askren has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Instead of disappearing, he has leveraged his experiences, both good and bad, into new opportunities. His continued involvement in the combat sports world, whether through media, coaching, or commentary, shows his passion for the game. His future likely involves continuing to be a prominent voice in combat sports, perhaps focusing more on his wrestling roots, and enjoying his life outside the arena. The story of Ben Askren after Masvidal is one of adaptation, perseverance, and finding success in new arenas, proving that a knockout in the ring doesn't have to be the end of the story.