On July 6, 2019, at UFC 239 in Las Vegas, the combat sports world witnessed the fastest knockout in promotional history. It took Jorge Masvidal precisely five seconds to end Ben Askren's undefeated aura with a flying knee that reverberated through mixed martial arts culture forever. This iconic clash wasn't just a brief fight; it was a cultural collision between two contrasting martial arts philosophies and an explosive culmination of personal animosity.
To understand why this five-second sequence remains a watershed moment, you have to look beyond the highlight reel. The bout pitted an elite, Olympic-pedigree chain wrestler against a seasoned, street-bred Muay Thai striker who had spent nearly two decades earning his stripes in regional circuits and major promotions alike. When the cage door closed, preparation met opportunism in the most violent way possible, altering the trajectory of both men's careers instantly.
The Buildup and Feud
The animosity between Askren and Masvidal didn't materialize overnight. Askren arrived in the Ultimate Fighting Championship with immense hype after dominant runs in Bellator and ONE Championship. Known for his abrasive trash talk and suffocating wrestling pedigree, "Funky" Ben immediately targeted the welterweight division's elite veterans, including Masvidal.
Masvidal, who had carved out a reputation as a gritty veteran willing to fight anyone anywhere, took exception to Askren's persistent verbal jabs. Their media exchanges grew increasingly personal during fight week. Askren dismissed Masvidal's striking credentials, while Masvidal promised to inflict serious physical damage. This bad blood raised the stakes far beyond normal divisional rankings, setting the stage for one of the most tense opening bells in UFC history.
The Anatomy of the Five-Second Finish
When referee Jason Herzog signaled the start of the bout, Askren didn't waste time establishing his trademark rhythm. Instead of circling or feinting, Askren immediately dipped his head and lunged forward to shoot for a traditional double-leg takedown. It was the exact entry he had used successfully thousands of times across collegiate wrestling mats and MMA cages.
Masvidal had anticipated this exact reaction. During fight camp, American Top Team coaches had studied Askren's tendency to drop his level instantly upon the referee's touch. Masvidal sprinted across the canvas from his corner, launched himself into the air, and timed a devastating flying knee directly into the path of Askren's oncoming head.
The impact was absolute. Askren was rendered unconscious before he hit the canvas, collapsing face-first in a heap. Masvidal followed up with two short hammerfists before Herzog frantically pulled him away, though the fight was effectively over the millisecond the knee connected.
- The Sprint: Masvidal covered nearly half the Octagon in a full sprint before launching.
- The Level Change: Askren committed to his shot without setting it up with strikes, exposing his chin.
- The Timing: The collision occurred at precisely 0:05 of the first round, shattering previous promotional records.
Diverging Career Trajectories
The aftermath of UFC 239 sent both fighters down drastically different professional paths. For Masvidal, the knockout served as a career rocket ship. Already a respected veteran, he transformed into an immediate crossover superstar, capturing the symbolic "BMF" championship later that year against Nate Diaz and securing massive pay-per-view main event slots.
For Askren, the defeat was a devastating physical and psychological shock. It was the first loss of his professional career, snapping a 19-fight unbeaten streak. Although he returned later that year to face Demian Maia—ultimately losing via submission—the damage to his momentum was permanent. Askren announced his retirement from mixed martial arts shortly thereafter, pivoting toward coaching, grappling events, and combat sports commentary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the official time of the Masvidal vs Askren knockout?
The official time recorded by the UFC was 5 seconds of the first round, making it the fastest knockout in UFC history, a record that still stands today.
Did Ben Askren suffer any long-term injuries from the knee?
While Askren recovered consciousness quickly inside the Octagon, he later admitted to suffering a brief memory lapse of the immediate aftermath and underwent standard neurological evaluations following the bout.
Why did Ben Askren shoot for a takedown immediately?
Askren relied primarily on his elite wrestling base throughout his entire career. Shooting instantly was his default tactical reflex, which Masvidal and his coaching staff successfully predicted and capitalized on.
Did Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal ever have a rematch?
No rematch ever materialized. Following the bout, their careers moved in opposite directions, and Askren retired from MMA competition not long after his subsequent loss to Demian Maia. You can read more about historical matchups on UFC Stats.
