Ben Askren carved out one of the most polarizing and fascinating legacies in combat sports history. Known universally as "Funky," he built an elite reputation as an NCAA Division I wrestling champion and Olympian before transitioning to mixed martial arts. While casual fans often remember his short and brutal stint in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), his broader professional career showcased an elite grappling pedigree that dominated multiple international promotions.
Understanding what happened to Ben Askren requires looking past brief viral moments and examining a career defined by suffocating chain-wrestling, outspoken media commentary, and a late-career pivot into high-profile boxing matches. His journey through Bellator, ONE Championship, and the UFC reveals how an elite specialist navigated the shifting landscape of professional fighting.
Wrestling Foundations and Early Athletic Peak
Long before stepping into a professional cage, Askren established himself as a premier American amateur grappler. Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he developed an unorthodox folkstyle wrestling background characterized by constant movement, riding time, and relentless pressure.
- NCAA Success: Wrestling for the University of Missouri, Askren reached the NCAA Division I finals twice before winning consecutive national championships at 174 pounds in 2006 and 2007.
- Freestyle and Olympics: He secured a spot on the United States freestyle wrestling team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, competing on the world's biggest amateur stage.
- Transition to MMA: Following the Olympics, Askren turned his attention to mixed martial arts, bringing his elite wrestling base directly into the welterweight division.
His style relied almost entirely on grappling dominance. Rather than seeking flashy knockouts, Askren used his unorthodox cradle techniques and smothering top control to exhaust opponents, earning a reputation as a fighter who could take down virtually anyone.
Championship Dominance Outside the UFC
Askren entered professional MMA in 2009 and quickly racked up wins on regional circuits before signing with Bellator MMA. At the time, Bellator was emerging as a premier organization, and Askren rapidly climbed through their ranks.
In 2010, he defeated Lyman Good by unanimous decision to capture the Bellator Welterweight Championship. He successfully defended the belt four times against challengers like Jay Hieron and Andrey Koreshkov. Despite holding an undefeated record and defending his title multiple times, contract disputes and a perceived lack of finishing aggression led to his departure from the organization.
Reigning in ONE Championship
Following his exit from Bellator, Askren signed with Asia-based promotion ONE Championship in 2013. This phase cemented his status as an international star. He quickly captured the ONE Welterweight Championship by defeating Nobutatsu Suzuki in 2014.
During his tenure with ONE Championship, Askren defended his title successfully and maintained his undefeated professional record. He announced plans to retire multiple times while under contract, but high-profile promotional maneuvers eventually set the stage for a historic trade with the UFC.
The UFC Run and Defining Moments
In late 2018, the combat sports world buzzed when the UFC and ONE Championship completed a groundbreaking trade. The UFC acquired Askren in exchange for former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. Fans finally got to see whether Askren's elite wrestling could translate against the toughest roster in the world.
The Robbie Lawler Fight
Askren made his promotional debut at UFC 235 in March 2019 against former champion Robbie Lawler. The bout started with terrifying chaos as Lawler slammed Askren onto his head and unleashed a furious barrage of punches.
Referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the fight after Lawler dropped Askren's arm, ruling it a technical submission via bulldog choke. However, replays showed Askren's arm was still conscious and he immediately protested, making it one of the most controversial stoppages in UFC history. The chaotic finish created immediate demand for a rematch that never materialized.
The Jorge Masvidal Knockout
Just months later at UFC 239 in July 2019, Askren faced Jorge Masvidal. The bout resulted in the fastest knockout in UFC history. As the referee signaled the start of the round, Masvidal exploded across the canvas and landed a flying knee that rendered Askren unconscious in just five seconds.
The clip immediately became one of the most replayed highlights in combat sports history, fundamentally altering the public perception of Askren's career trajectory.
Final UFC Appearance
Seeking to rebound, Askren faced veteran submission specialist Demian Maia in October 2019 in Singapore. The fight showcased a high-level grappling exchange, but in the third round, Maia locked in a rear-naked choke that forced Askren to tap out, marking the first submission loss of his professional career.
Retirement and Transition to Boxing
Following the loss to Maia, Askren announced his official retirement from mixed martial arts in November 2019, citing ongoing hip issues and the wear and tear of a lifelong combat sports career. He required hip replacement surgery shortly after hanging up his four-ounce gloves.
However, retirement did not keep him out of the headlines entirely. In April 2021, Askren stepped into the squared circle for a professional boxing match against YouTube personality Jake Paul. Despite drawing massive pay-per-view interest, Askren was stopped via technical knockout in the first round. While the bout drew criticism from purists, it highlighted Askren's willingness to embrace high-profile entertainment spectacles.
Life After Fighting
Today, Askren focuses heavily on coaching wrestling, managing real estate ventures, and offering unfiltered commentary on the state of combat sports. He operates wrestling academies and mentors the next generation of athletes, staying connected to the sport that built his legacy. You can read more about his athletic roots through the USA Wrestling official portal or follow industry updates via ESPN MMA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ben Askren's professional MMA record?
Ben Askren finished his professional MMA career with a record of 19 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no-contest.
Why did Ben Askren retire from MMA?
Askren retired primarily due to mounting physical injuries, particularly chronic hip issues that ultimately required full replacement surgery, compounded by his tough losses in the UFC.
Did Ben Askren ever win a world title?
Yes. Before joining the UFC, Askren was a dominant champion in both Bellator and ONE Championship, successfully defending his belts multiple times in both organizations.
How fast was the knockout against Jorge Masvidal?
Jorge Masvidal knocked out Ben Askren in exactly five seconds at UFC 239, setting the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history.
