Ben Askren's UFC Record: A Look At His Losses

Hey fight fans! Today, we're diving deep into the career of a truly unique fighter, Ben Askren. Known for his dominant wrestling background and, let's be honest, his sometimes controversial personality, Askren made a significant splash when he entered the UFC. But like any fighter, his journey wasn't without its bumps. We're going to break down Ben Askren's UFC record losses, examining what happened in those fights and what they meant for his career in the biggest MMA organization in the world. It's a story of high expectations, brutal finishes, and the harsh realities of elite mixed martial arts competition. So, grab your favorite fight snack, settle in, and let's get into it!

The Highly Anticipated Arrival of 'Funky' Ben

When Ben Askren officially signed with the UFC in late 2018, it was a huge deal. This guy wasn't just some random prospect; he was a former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion, boasting an undefeated professional record of 18-0. His wrestling pedigree was legendary – an NCAA Division I champion and a two-time Olympian. Guys who could implement a wrestling game like Askren's are always a problem in MMA, especially in the welterweight division where takedown defense is often a weak point for many strikers. The hype was real, and fans were eager to see how his unique style would translate against the UFC's elite welterweights. His moniker, 'Funky' Ben, hinted at his unconventional approach, and many believed he had the tools to be a serious contender. The UFC, always looking for a big draw, certainly saw the potential. His debut was one of the most talked-about in recent memory, setting the stage for what many thought would be a dominant run. The wrestling credentials alone suggested he could control almost anyone on the ground, and his ground-and-pound was usually suffocating. We were all waiting to see if his striking, which was often criticized as rudimentary, would hold up against the sharper, more dynamic strikers in the UFC. The anticipation for his first fight was palpable, with many pundits and fans alike predicting a swift ascent to the top of the welterweight rankings. It felt like the UFC had finally acquired a piece that could shake up the division.

The Jorge Masvidal Knockout: A Career-Altering Moment

The first entry in Ben Askren's UFC record losses came in spectacular fashion at UFC 239 in July 2019, just a few months into his UFC tenure. His opponent was the always dangerous and well-respected Jorge Masvidal. The fight was highly anticipated, pitting Askren's suffocating wrestling against Masvidal's striking prowess. What unfolded was one of the most shocking knockouts in UFC history. In just five seconds, Masvidal landed a flying knee that instantly knocked Askren out cold. It was a brutal and definitive end to Askren's undefeated streak and a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in MMA. The speed of the knockout was unprecedented at the time for a UFC headliner and sent shockwaves through the MMA community. Askren, who had weathered tough fights and out-wrestled many opponents, was simply caught off guard by Masvidal's incredible athleticism and perfectly timed offensive explosion. This loss wasn't just a defeat; it was a statement. It showed that even with an incredible wrestling base, a fighter could still be vulnerable to a perfectly executed, high-impact strike. The replay became an instant classic, replayed countless times, solidifying Masvidal's status as a dangerous knockout artist and leaving Askren with a lot to reconsider. The aftermath saw Askren grappling with the sudden end of his perfect record and the sheer brutality of his introduction to the UFC's highest echelon. It was a harsh lesson in the unpredictable nature of the sport.

Demian Maia Submission: A Tactical Masterclass Against 'Funky' Ben

Following the devastating loss to Masvidal, Ben Askren was determined to get back on track. His next fight was against another highly skilled Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Demian Maia, at UFC on ESPN+ 19 in October 2019. Maia, known for his submission game, presented a different kind of challenge for Askren. Many expected this to be a grappling chess match, with Askren trying to impose his wrestling and Maia looking for submissions. The fight unfolded with Askren attempting to use his wrestling to control Maia, but Maia's defense was exceptional. He managed to stuff most of Askren's takedowns and even secured a crucial takedown of his own later in the first round. In the second round, the fight continued on the ground, where Maia's jiu-jitsu superiority became evident. He was able to secure a dominant position and lock in a rear-naked choke, forcing Askren to tap out at 3:10 of the second round. This second consecutive loss, both by finish, marked another significant blow to Askren's UFC career. Ben Askren's UFC record losses now included two high-profile defeats, showcasing that while his wrestling was elite, his submission defense and ability to deal with high-level grapplers on the ground, particularly when he wasn't dictating the pace, were areas that needed significant improvement. Maia's tactical brilliance in nullifying Askren's strengths and exploiting his weaknesses was a masterclass. It highlighted that in the UFC, you face specialists who can counter even the most dominant styles. This submission loss, while less instantaneous than the Masvidal knockout, was arguably more telling about the technical aspects of Askren's MMA game at that elite level. It demonstrated that grappling alone, without well-rounded striking and submission defense, could be a vulnerability.

The Retirement and Legacy

After suffering two quick, high-profile losses via stoppage, Ben Askren announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts shortly after the Demian Maia fight. His UFC career, which began with so much anticipation, ended abruptly. While his time in the UFC was short, Askren's impact is undeniable. He brought a unique wrestling-heavy style that challenged conventional MMA thinking. His fights, though few, were memorable and often dramatic. Even in defeat, he showed incredible toughness and a willingness to compete against the best. The Ben Askren UFC record losses to Masvidal and Maia, while painful, are part of a larger narrative of a fighter who dared to test himself against the world's elite. His legacy extends beyond wins and losses. He's remembered as a pioneer of wrestling in MMA, a fighter who proved that a dominant grappling game could be a formidable weapon. His outspoken personality and willingness to engage with fans also made him a memorable figure. While he may not have achieved the UFC championship status many predicted, Askren's career is a testament to the unpredictable and challenging nature of professional fighting. He inspired many aspiring wrestlers to transition into MMA, showing them that their base skills could be a powerful foundation. His influence on how grappling is viewed and utilized in the sport is significant. He was never afraid to be himself, and that authenticity resonated with many, making him a beloved, albeit sometimes polarizing, figure in the fight world. The story of Ben Askren in the UFC is one of intense highs and deeply challenging lows, but it's a story that will undoubtedly be part of MMA history for a long time to come.