Ben Askren's Journey From Wrestling Star To MMA Retirement
Hey guys! Let's dive into the career of Ben Askren, a name that resonates strongly within the MMA community. Ben Askren, known for his wrestling prowess and outspoken personality, has had a career filled with both triumphs and controversies. He's a character that people either love or love to hate, but one thing's for sure: he's never boring. So, what exactly happened to Ben Askren? To truly understand that, we need to rewind and look at his journey from the beginning.
The Early Years: Wrestling Dominance
Ben Askren's story begins not in the cage, but on the wrestling mat. This is where he first made a name for himself. A two-time NCAA Division I National Champion and four-time All-American at the University of Missouri, Askren's wrestling credentials are truly top-tier. His unique, funky style of wrestling, characterized by relentless pressure and unconventional angles, baffled opponents and made him a dominant force. Askren didn't just win; he controlled and dictated the pace, often leaving his rivals frustrated and exhausted. This wrestling background would later become the foundation of his MMA career, a style that opponents found incredibly difficult to solve. Think of it like this: imagine trying to solve a Rubik's Cube while someone is constantly pushing you and changing the colors. That's the kind of pressure Askren brought. His success in wrestling laid the groundwork for his transition to mixed martial arts, where he sought to prove that his grappling-heavy style could translate into victories in the cage. This transition wasn't just a career move; it was a challenge, a chance to test the limits of his abilities and his wrestling-centric approach against the diverse skill sets of MMA fighters. The wrestling world saw Askren as a star, and now it was time to see if that star could shine just as brightly in the world of MMA.
Transition to MMA: A Rocky Start but Ultimate Success
Transitioning to MMA, Ben Askren initially faced skepticism. Some doubted whether his wrestling-heavy style could succeed against well-rounded mixed martial artists. His striking was often criticized, and many questioned his ability to handle fighters with superior stand-up skills. However, Askren was determined to prove his doubters wrong. He joined the world of MMA with a clear vision: to dominate using his wrestling, ground control, and relentless pressure. His early fights were a testament to this approach, as he consistently took opponents down and imposed his will on the ground. It wasn't always pretty, but it was effective. Askren's early career saw him competing in various promotions, honing his skills and developing his strategy. He quickly racked up wins, showcasing his ability to control fights and secure submissions. While his striking remained a work in progress, his grappling was undeniably world-class. It was like watching a chess grandmaster who always managed to put his opponent in checkmate, even if his opening moves weren't always the flashiest. This period was crucial for Askren, as he learned to blend his wrestling with other aspects of MMA, slowly but surely building a complete game. He was evolving, adapting, and proving that his unique style could not only survive but thrive in the world of mixed martial arts.
Bellator and ONE Championship: World Champion Status
Ben Askren's career truly took off when he joined Bellator and later ONE Championship. In Bellator, he quickly climbed the ranks, showcasing his dominant wrestling and grappling skills. He captured the Bellator Welterweight Championship, solidifying his status as one of the top welterweights in the world. His fights were often a masterclass in control, as he would relentlessly take opponents down and maintain top position, frustrating their attempts to strike or submit him. Askren's style wasn't always the most fan-friendly – some criticized his lack of striking – but it was undeniably effective. He was a puzzle that few could solve. After a successful run in Bellator, Askren made the move to ONE Championship, a major MMA promotion in Asia. There, he continued his dominance, winning the ONE Welterweight Championship and further cementing his reputation as a world-class fighter. His time in ONE Championship was marked by dominant performances and a growing fanbase in Asia. He became a star in the region, known for his wrestling prowess and his outspoken personality. Askren's success in Bellator and ONE Championship proved that his wrestling-heavy style could translate to success on the global stage. He had become a champion in two major organizations, a feat that few fighters can claim. It was a testament to his dedication, his skill, and his unwavering belief in his approach to the sport.
The UFC Chapter: High Expectations and a Controversial End
The buzz surrounding Ben Askren reached fever pitch when he finally signed with the UFC. After years of dominating in other promotions, fans were eager to see how he would fare against the best welterweights in the world. The hype was immense, and expectations were sky-high. His arrival was seen as a major coup for the UFC, adding a proven champion to their roster and injecting fresh blood into the welterweight division. However, Askren's UFC career was short-lived and filled with both excitement and controversy.
His debut fight against Robbie Lawler was a rollercoaster. Askren weathered an early storm, surviving a brutal onslaught to secure a controversial submission victory. The fight was stopped by the referee, with Lawler appearing to protest the decision, sparking debate among fans and analysts. It was a dramatic introduction to the UFC, showcasing Askren's toughness and resilience, but also raising questions about the legitimacy of the win. This fight immediately set the tone for his UFC tenure: exciting, controversial, and unpredictable.
Following the Lawler fight, Askren faced Jorge Masvidal, and this is where things took a turn. He suffered a devastating five-second knockout loss, courtesy of a flying knee that instantly became an MMA highlight reel. The loss was a shocking setback for Askren, shattering the aura of invincibility he had cultivated over years of dominance. It was a brutal reminder of the unforgiving nature of MMA, where one mistake can change everything. This defeat not only derailed his momentum but also raised serious questions about his ability to compete at the highest level of the UFC.
His final fight in the UFC was against Demian Maia, another elite grappler. Askren lost via submission, marking his second consecutive defeat. This loss seemed to signal the end of his run as a top-tier fighter. The fight with Maia was a tactical battle on the ground, a chess match between two grappling experts. However, Askren ultimately succumbed to Maia's superior submission skills, tapping out and facing the reality that his time at the top may be coming to an end. These back-to-back losses took a toll on Askren, both physically and mentally, and ultimately played a significant role in his decision to retire.
Retirement and Beyond: What is Ben Askren Doing Now?
Following his loss to Demian Maia, Ben Askren announced his retirement from MMA. Citing a hip injury that had plagued him for years and the accumulation of damage from a long career, Askren decided to hang up his gloves. The hip injury, in particular, had become a significant issue, affecting his mobility and his ability to train at the highest level. He knew that to continue fighting would not only be detrimental to his health but also prevent him from performing at his best. Retirement was a difficult decision, but Askren felt it was the right one for his long-term well-being. So, what is Ben Askren doing now?
Since retiring from MMA, Askren has remained active in the combat sports world, albeit in different roles. He has transitioned into coaching, sharing his wrestling expertise with aspiring fighters. His deep understanding of grappling and his unique approach to wrestling make him a valuable asset to any training camp. Askren enjoys mentoring young athletes and helping them develop their skills, passing on the knowledge he accumulated over his years in the sport.
Askren has also become a prominent figure in the MMA media landscape. He frequently appears on podcasts and radio shows, offering his insights and opinions on the latest happenings in the sport. Known for his candid and often controversial takes, Askren is never afraid to speak his mind. His experience as a fighter gives him a unique perspective, and his analysis is often insightful and entertaining. He has a knack for cutting through the noise and getting to the heart of the matter, making him a popular voice in the MMA community.
In addition to coaching and media work, Askren has also ventured into other business endeavors. He has leveraged his brand and his platform to explore various opportunities, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. While he may no longer be competing in the cage, Ben Askren remains a significant figure in the world of combat sports. He has successfully transitioned from fighter to coach, analyst, and entrepreneur, proving that his skills and his personality extend far beyond the realm of MMA.