Ben Askren's Fight Record: PFL Vs. Bellator

Hey fight fans! Let's dive deep into the impressive fight record of Ben Askren, a guy who's made some serious waves in the world of combat sports. Ben Askren isn't just another fighter; he's a former Olympian, a decorated collegiate wrestler, and a professional mixed martial artist with a career that spans across multiple promotions. We're going to break down his journey, looking at his wins, losses, and how his record stacks up, especially when we consider his time in organizations like the PFL (Professional Fighters League) and Bellator MMA. You guys know Ben as "Funky," and his career has been anything but boring. He's known for his unique wrestling-heavy style, which often frustrates opponents and makes for some really tactical, and sometimes controversial, fights. His transition from wrestling to MMA was highly anticipated, and he certainly delivered on the excitement.

When you look at Ben Askren's record, you see a fighter who dominated many of his opponents with his grappling prowess. He's got a submission game that's second to none, often overwhelming fighters who can't deal with his relentless pressure and takedowns. Many of his wins come by way of submission or unanimous decision, showcasing his ability to control fights from start to finish. He’s faced tough competition throughout his career, proving his mettle against seasoned veterans and rising stars alike. His dedication to the sport is clear, and his journey through different promotions highlights his willingness to test himself against the best.

Early Career and Bellator Dominance

Let's kick things off by talking about Ben Askren's early career and his dominant run in Bellator MMA. This is where "Funky" really started to make his name known in the professional MMA scene. Bellator gave him a platform, and boy, did he use it! Askren joined Bellator in 2009, and from the get-go, it was clear he was something special. His wrestling background, honed at the University of Missouri where he was a two-time NCAA Division I champion, translated incredibly well into MMA. He wasn't just winning; he was dominating. His signature style, often referred to as "wrestle-boxing" or simply elite wrestling, involved relentless takedowns, stifling control on the ground, and a ground-and-pound game that wore opponents down.

In Bellator, Askren competed in the welterweight division, and he quickly climbed the ranks. He captured the Bellator Welterweight Championship, a title he defended multiple times with impressive performances. His fights in Bellator were often characterized by his ability to neutralize his opponent's striking game and impose his will on the mat. He faced notable fighters during his Bellator tenure, including Karl "Psycho" Amoussou, Lyman "The American Nightmare" Good, and Douglas "The Phenom" Lima. Each fight presented a different challenge, but Askren's wrestling always seemed to be the trump card. He rarely found himself in danger on the feet, and when the fight went to the ground, it was usually over for his opponents. The way he controlled the pace and position in his fights was a masterclass in grappling. His championship reign solidified his status as one of the top welterweights outside of the UFC at the time. The fans loved his exciting, albeit sometimes grinding, style, and his interviews always added an extra layer of personality to his fights. His departure from Bellator marked the end of a significant chapter, leaving a legacy of dominance and a championship belt to remember him by.

Ben Askren's Bellator Championship Reign

During his time as Bellator Welterweight Champion, Ben Askren showcased a level of dominance that few fighters could match. He didn't just win fights; he commanded them. His reign began when he defeated Karl Amoussou at Bellator 53 in October 2011. What followed was a series of impressive title defenses that cemented his legacy in the promotion. He successfully defended his title against tough contenders like Jay Hieron, Douglas Lima, and Andrey Koreshkov. Each defense was a testament to his superior wrestling skills and his ability to adapt his game against high-level competition. For instance, his fight against Douglas Lima, a dangerous striker, saw Askren implement his game plan flawlessly, using takedowns and control to nullify Lima's offense and secure a unanimous decision victory. This wasn't just about winning; it was about proving his wrestling could overcome any stylistic challenge. His fights weren't always highlight-reel knockouts, but they were masterclasses in control and strategic dominance. He had a knack for grinding out wins, frustrating opponents with his relentless pressure and suffocating grappling. This methodical approach, while sometimes criticized by those looking for flashy knockouts, was incredibly effective and showcased his fight IQ. His championship reign at Bellator wasn't just a statistic; it was a demonstration of a fighter at the top of his game, proving that elite wrestling could indeed be a championship-caliber skill in mixed martial arts. He set a high bar for future welterweight champions in the promotion.

Transition to ONE Championship

After his successful tenure in Bellator, Ben Askren made a significant move to ONE Championship, one of Asia's largest combat sports organizations. This transition allowed him to continue his winning streak and face new challenges on a global stage. Joining ONE Championship in 2014, Askren immediately made an impact in their welterweight division. He was known for his confident demeanor and his unwavering belief in his wrestling-based approach. In ONE, he continued to showcase his dominant grappling, often overwhelming his opponents with takedowns and control. He faced a variety of international talent, further broadening his experience and solidifying his reputation as a world-class fighter.

Askren's time in ONE Championship was marked by another championship run. He captured the ONE Welterweight World Championship, and like in Bellator, he defended it successfully against formidable opponents. His fights in ONE often highlighted his ability to adapt and overcome different styles, proving that his wrestling was a universal language in MMA. He picked up impressive wins against fighters like Bakhtiyar Abbasov, Luis "Sapo" Santos, and Zebaztian "The Altar" Kadestam. Each victory added to his impressive undefeated record at the time, further fueling the debate about when or if he would ever compete in the UFC. His performances were consistent, demonstrating his mastery of control and his ability to dictate the pace of the fight. He was a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division, and his championship reign in ONE Championship added another prestigious title to his already decorated career. His international success proved that "Funky" could thrive anywhere.

Askren's ONE Championship Dominance and Record

Within ONE Championship, Ben Askren's dominance was on full display, and his record there further solidified his status as a top-tier welterweight. He joined the promotion with an undefeated record, and he managed to maintain that pristine status throughout his tenure. His goal was clear: to win the ONE Welterweight World Championship and defend it with authority. He achieved this, becoming a champion and holding onto the belt through several tough fights. His record in ONE Championship is a testament to his skill set, featuring wins over respected martial artists from around the globe.

He secured the vacant ONE Welterweight World Championship by defeating Nobutatsu Suzuki via TKO in the first round at ONE: Valour of a Warrior in 2014. Following this, he defended his title against Luis Santos in a controversial bout that was eventually overturned due to an accidental eye poke, but Askren ultimately won the rematch. He also defended his title against Zebaztian Kadestam, showcasing his enduring strength and tactical brilliance. His fighting style remained consistent: initiate takedowns, control the opponent on the ground, and use relentless pressure to secure a victory. While some fans yearned for him to test his skills against the UFC's elite, his undefeated streak and championship status in ONE Championship were undeniable achievements. His record in ONE Championship was a perfect reflection of his fighting philosophy – control, dominance, and an unyielding will to win.

The UFC Stint and Final Fights

Of course, no discussion of Ben Askren's career is complete without talking about his highly anticipated move to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). For years, fans debated whether "Funky" would ever grace the Octagon, and when it finally happened, the excitement was through the roof. In November 2018, the UFC announced that Askren had been traded to the promotion from ONE Championship in a blockbuster deal that sent former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson to ONE. Askren's UFC debut was a major event, and he wasted no time making an impact, albeit in a way that surprised many. He faced former UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 235 in March 2019. In a fight where many expected Askren's wrestling to prevail, he secured a controversial split-decision victory. While many felt Lawler had done enough to win, the judges saw it differently.

However, his UFC journey took a sharp downturn in his next fight. He was famously knocked out in just 5 seconds by Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239. This knockout was one of the fastest in UFC history and a brutal end to his undefeated streak. It was a moment that shocked the MMA world and marked a significant turning point in his career. Askren would go on to have one more fight in the UFC, facing Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night: Askren vs. Maia in October 2019. In this fight, Askren was submitted in the third round, adding another loss to his record. These fights in the UFC were a harsh reality check for "Funky," as he faced some of the toughest welterweights in the world. After his losses, Askren announced his retirement from professional MMA, citing that he had achieved what he set out to do and was ready to move on. His UFC stint, though brief and ending in losses, was a crucial part of his overall journey, proving that even the best can face unexpected challenges in the highest echelon of the sport.

Ben Askren's UFC Record and Retirement

Ben Askren's record in the UFC ended up being a stark contrast to his previous undefeated streaks. He entered the promotion with a ton of hype, boasting an undefeated record of 18-0. His debut against Robbie Lawler at UFC 235 was a dramatic affair. While Askren eventually got the win via split decision, it was a close fight, and the controversial nature of the decision left some fans questioning his immediate impact. This win, however, was followed by arguably the most memorable moment of his UFC career: a devastating 5-second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239. This loss not only ended his undefeated streak but also became an instant highlight reel for Masvidal and a cautionary tale for Askren. Following this, he faced Demian Maia, a submission specialist, and was submitted in the third round at UFC Fight Night: Askren vs. Maia. These two consecutive losses brought his UFC record to 1-2. After these performances, Askren decided to hang up his gloves, announcing his retirement from professional mixed martial arts. His decision came after a career filled with wrestling accolades, championship belts in Bellator and ONE Championship, and a final, challenging chapter in the UFC. His retirement marked the end of an era for a fighter who, despite the outcome of his final fights, left an indelible mark on the sport with his unique style and undeniable toughness. He certainly gave us all something to talk about!

Overall Career Statistics

Let's wrap things up by looking at the overall career statistics for Ben Askren. When you step back and view his entire MMA journey, it's clear that "Funky" was a force to be reckoned with. His professional record stands at 19 wins and 2 losses. Out of his 19 wins, a significant portion came by way of submission (6 wins) and unanimous decision (8 wins), highlighting his effective control-based fighting style. He also secured 4 wins by TKO/KO and 1 win by disqualification. This breakdown shows that while he wasn't always known for flashy knockouts, he had the ability to finish fights through various means, with submissions being a particularly strong suit due to his elite wrestling background.

His undefeated streaks in Bellator and ONE Championship were remarkable achievements, where he held championship titles and defended them multiple times. His transition to the UFC brought new challenges, and while his record there was not what he or his fans hoped for, it doesn't diminish the incredible career he built. He competed against top-tier talent throughout his professional fighting career, facing some of the most dangerous strikers and grapplers in the sport. His willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, and his unique style made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in MMA. Even with the losses in his final fights, Ben Askren's legacy as a dominant welterweight champion and a highly skilled martial artist is undeniable. He proved that wrestling could be a dominant force in MMA and inspired many with his tenacity and skill. Guys, what a career it's been for "Funky" Ben Askren!