Ben Askren has an estimated net worth of $500,000 to $1 million, built primarily through his elite collegiate wrestling career, dominant championship runs in Bellator and ONE Championship, and high-profile paydays in the UFC. While internet rumors often sensationalize fighter bank accounts, Askren's financial reality reflects a pragmatic approach to wealth rather than a billion-dollar corporate empire.
Famed for his exceptional grappling skills and blunt personality, "Funky" Askren earned a reputation as one of the sport's most effective competitors before pivoting to coaching, podcasting, and real estate investments with his wife, Amy.
Collegiate Wrestling and Early Success
Long before stepping into an MMA cage, Askren established himself as an American grappling legend. He wrestled for the University of Missouri, where he became a two-time NCAA Division I national champion and a four-time finalist. His dominance earned him the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy twice, an honor given to the nation's best college wrestler.
- Represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- Won gold medals at international submission grappling and freestyle tournaments.
- Built a foundational platform that later translated into major promotional leverage.
Amateur wrestling doesn't offer massive prize money, but these accolades laid the groundwork for lucrative coaching clinics and high-level training opportunities.
Championship Dominance in Bellator and ONE
Askren transitioned to mixed martial arts with an undefeated amateur background, quickly signing with Bellator MMA. He captured the Bellator Welterweight Championship and successfully defended it multiple times.
After parting ways with Bellator, Askren signed with Asia-based promotion ONE Championship. He dominated the welterweight division there as well, holding their title until his initial retirement. Financial terms in these promotions were rarely fully disclosed, though public interviews and reports indicate he commanded solid six-figure guarantees per bout.
The UFC Run and Boxing Payday
In late 2018, a historic promotional trade sent Askren to the UFC in exchange for former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. His short-lived UFC stint generated substantial revenue despite mixed athletic outcomes:
- UFC 235: Defeated Robbie Lawler, earning a total payout estimated around $353,500.
- UFC 239: Faced Jorge Masvidal, resulting in a historic knockout loss, though Askren secured a disclosed purse of over $200,000.
- UFC Fight Night 162: Lost to Demian Maia in a bout that earned a Fight of the Night bonus.
Following his retirement from MMA, Askren stepped into a professional boxing ring against social media personality Jake Paul. While he lost via technical knockout, the event generated over a million pay-per-view buys, netting Askren the single largest payday of his combat sports career.
Investments, Real Estate, and Post-Fighting Life
Unlike fighters who spend lavishly on luxury vehicles and designer clothing, Askren has famously maintained a frugal lifestyle. He famously drove an older-model sedan with high mileage long after achieving athletic fame.
Instead of chasing flash, Askren and his wife, Amy, focused on practical wealth accumulation. They invested heavily in real estate properties and local businesses around Wisconsin. Furthermore, Askren stays active in the combat sports ecosystem through coaching at Roufusport, running wrestling camps, and co-hosting combat sports podcasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ben Askren's biggest career payday?
His boxing match against Jake Paul generated his largest single event payout, driven by massive pay-per-view distribution and gate revenue.
Did Ben Askren win an Olympic medal?
No. He competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in freestyle wrestling but did not medal, finishing in seventh place.
What does Ben Askren do now?
He focuses on real estate investments, coaching youth and elite wrestlers, and producing media content related to combat sports.
Why did Ben Askren retire from MMA?
After suffering consecutive losses in the UFC and dealing with lingering hip injuries, Askren announced his official retirement from mixed martial arts in November 2019.
