Ben Askren Career And Retirement An In Depth Analysis

Ben Askren, a name synonymous with wrestling excellence and a unique fighting style in mixed martial arts (MMA), has had a career filled with remarkable achievements and memorable moments. However, like all athletes, Askren's time in the spotlight eventually came to an end. This article delves into the journey of Ben Askren, exploring his wrestling dominance, his transition to MMA, the highs and lows of his fighting career, and ultimately, what led to his retirement from the sport. We will examine his accomplishments, analyze his fighting style, and discuss the injuries that played a significant role in his decision to hang up his gloves. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of combat sports, this comprehensive look at Ben Askren's career will provide valuable insights into the life and legacy of this captivating athlete.

A Wrestling Prodigy: Ben Askren's Early Years and Collegiate Success

Before making waves in the world of MMA, Ben Askren established himself as one of the most decorated wrestlers in American history. His wrestling journey began in high school, where he quickly gained recognition for his unorthodox and highly effective style. Askren's relentless pressure, exceptional scrambling ability, and unique pinning combinations set him apart from his peers. This foundation of unconventional techniques and unwavering determination would later become the hallmark of his MMA career. His folkstyle wrestling game is based on control, pressure, and relentless pursuit of takedowns, which often demoralizes opponents and leads to dominant positions on the mat. It's a style that, while not always the flashiest, is incredibly effective, especially at the collegiate level where the emphasis is on control and positional dominance.

Askren's collegiate career at the University of Missouri was nothing short of legendary. He became a two-time NCAA Division I National Champion, winning the coveted title in 2006 and 2007. This accomplishment places him in an elite group of wrestlers who have achieved multiple national championships, solidifying his place among the greats of collegiate wrestling. He is one of only a handful of wrestlers in NCAA history to achieve this feat, highlighting the significance of his accomplishment. Moreover, Askren's distinctive wrestling style, characterized by his relentless pursuit of takedowns and his ability to scramble from any position, captivated audiences and earned him a dedicated following. Beyond the national championships, Askren also earned four All-American honors, a testament to his consistent performance and unwavering dedication throughout his collegiate career. These accolades showcase not only his talent but also his incredible work ethic and competitive spirit. His achievements in college wrestling laid a solid foundation for his future success in mixed martial arts, where his wrestling prowess would become a key component of his fighting style. Askren's folkstyle wrestling game is based on control, pressure, and relentless pursuit of takedowns, which often demoralizes opponents and leads to dominant positions on the mat.

Transition to MMA: The Rise of "Funky" Ben

Following his illustrious wrestling career, Ben Askren transitioned to the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), a move that intrigued many due to his unique style and proven grappling dominance. While his striking skills were often questioned, his wrestling pedigree was undeniable, and he quickly adapted his grappling prowess to the cage. Askren's entry into MMA marked the beginning of a new chapter in his athletic career, and he approached the sport with the same dedication and strategic mindset that had made him a wrestling champion. His moniker, "Funky," perfectly encapsulates his unconventional fighting style, which relied heavily on his wrestling base but also incorporated elements of unorthodox striking and grappling techniques. This unique blend of skills allowed him to control fights and impose his will on opponents, often leading to dominant victories. His style may not have been the flashiest, but it was incredibly effective in the cage. This adaptation is a testament to his athletic intelligence and his commitment to mastering the nuances of MMA. Askren's transition was not just about adding striking to his wrestling; it was about seamlessly integrating the two disciplines to create a well-rounded and formidable fighting style.

Askren's early MMA career saw him competing in smaller promotions where he rapidly showcased his wrestling dominance and ability to control fights on the ground. His wrestling background gave him a distinct advantage over many opponents, allowing him to dictate the pace and location of the fight. He quickly amassed a string of victories, demonstrating his potential as a future star in the sport. These early fights were crucial in honing his skills and building his confidence in the cage. Askren's ability to transition smoothly from wrestling to MMA was evident in his early performances. He demonstrated an understanding of how to use his wrestling to neutralize his opponents' striking and how to secure takedowns and maintain dominant positions. His ground-and-pound game, while not the most brutal, was effective in wearing down his opponents and setting up submissions. Askren's early success paved the way for his entry into larger, more prestigious MMA organizations. His impressive record and dominant performances caught the attention of fight promoters and fans alike, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the sport. These early wins were not just about accumulating victories; they were about building a foundation for a long and successful career in MMA.

ONE Championship and Bellator: Title Reigns and Undefeated Streak

Ben Askren's career reached new heights when he joined ONE Championship and Bellator, two of the world's leading MMA organizations. In these promotions, he showcased his dominance, capturing titles and maintaining an impressive undefeated streak. His time in ONE Championship and Bellator solidified his status as one of the top welterweights in the world, and he became known for his exceptional grappling skills and his ability to impose his will on opponents. This period in his career was marked by consistent performances and a growing reputation as a formidable competitor. He continued to hone his unique fighting style, relying heavily on his wrestling base but also incorporating elements of striking and submission grappling. Askren's ability to control fights and dictate the pace made him a difficult opponent for anyone, and his undefeated streak became a source of pride for him and his fans.

In Bellator, Askren quickly made an impact, winning the Bellator Welterweight Championship and defending it multiple times. His victories in Bellator solidified his reputation as a top-tier fighter and demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level of the sport. He faced a variety of opponents, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, but Askren's wrestling and grappling skills proved to be a constant challenge for his adversaries. His fights in Bellator were often characterized by his relentless pursuit of takedowns and his ability to control the fight on the ground. He demonstrated a mastery of positioning and an ability to wear down his opponents, often leading to dominant victories. Askren's time in Bellator was a testament to his skill and dedication, and it established him as one of the most successful welterweights in the promotion's history. His reign as champion was marked by consistent performances and a growing fan base, and he left Bellator with an impressive legacy. He was a dominant force in the division, and his impact on the promotion is still felt today.

Moving to ONE Championship, Askren continued his undefeated streak, capturing the ONE Welterweight Championship and further cementing his status as a world-class fighter. His performances in ONE Championship showcased his versatility and adaptability as a martial artist, as he faced opponents from various backgrounds and fighting styles. Askren's ability to impose his wrestling-heavy game plan on his opponents, regardless of their strengths, was a testament to his skill and strategic approach. His fights in ONE Championship were often highly anticipated, as fans eagerly watched to see how he would overcome the challenges presented by his opponents. He continued to evolve his fighting style, incorporating new techniques and strategies to stay ahead of the competition. Askren's time in ONE Championship was marked by impressive victories and a growing international fan base. He became a popular figure in Asia, where ONE Championship has a strong following, and his fights were often broadcast to a large audience. His reign as champion in ONE Championship solidified his status as one of the top welterweights in the world, and it paved the way for his eventual move to the UFC.

The UFC Chapter: A Short but Eventful Stint

Ben Askren's arrival in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was highly anticipated, as fans and analysts were eager to see how his unique style would fare against the top welterweights in the world. The UFC is the premier MMA organization, and Askren's move to the promotion was seen as a significant step in his career. His signing with the UFC brought with it a wave of excitement, as he was matched up against some of the most talented fighters in the division. The UFC provided Askren with the opportunity to test his skills against the best, and his tenure with the promotion was filled with memorable moments, both positive and negative.

His UFC debut against Robbie Lawler was a controversial and thrilling affair. Askren secured a bulldog choke on Lawler, and the referee stopped the fight, believing Lawler was unconscious. However, Lawler immediately protested, claiming he was still conscious. The replay showed Lawler's arm going limp, but the stoppage remained controversial, with many fans and pundits debating the referee's decision. Despite the controversy, Askren was awarded the victory, marking a successful, albeit contentious, start to his UFC career. The fight itself was a back-and-forth battle, with Lawler initially dominating Askren with strikes before Askren was able to secure the takedown and the submission attempt. The controversy surrounding the stoppage overshadowed Askren's victory, but it also added to the intrigue surrounding his UFC career. The fight highlighted both Askren's strengths, his grappling and submission skills, and his weaknesses, his striking defense. It was a memorable UFC debut, and it set the stage for Askren's subsequent fights in the promotion.

Following the Lawler fight, Askren faced Jorge Masvidal, a fight that would become one of the most talked-about in UFC history. Masvidal defeated Askren with a record-breaking five-second flying knee knockout, the fastest knockout in UFC history. The knockout was a stunning blow, and it immediately went viral, becoming a defining moment in both fighters' careers. Masvidal's flying knee perfectly timed and executed, caught Askren completely off guard, ending the fight before it even had a chance to develop. The loss was a significant setback for Askren, who had entered the fight as a favorite. The defeat was a harsh reminder of the unpredictable nature of MMA, where one mistake can change the course of a fight in an instant. The Masvidal loss was a turning point in Askren's career, and it raised questions about his ability to compete against the top strikers in the UFC.

Askren's final fight in the UFC was against Demian Maia, a submission specialist known for his world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Maia defeated Askren via rear-naked choke in the third round, highlighting Askren's vulnerability against high-level grapplers. The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters showcasing their grappling skills. Askren had moments of success, securing takedowns and controlling Maia on the ground, but Maia's superior submission skills ultimately proved to be the difference. The loss to Maia marked the second consecutive defeat for Askren in the UFC, and it raised further questions about his future in the sport. Askren's performance against Maia showed his resilience and his grappling ability, but it also exposed his limitations against top-tier submission artists. The fight was a fitting end to Askren's UFC career, as it showcased both his strengths and his weaknesses as a fighter.

Retirement and Beyond: Injuries and Legacy

Ben Askren's UFC stint was short-lived, and he announced his retirement from MMA shortly after his loss to Demian Maia. Injuries played a significant role in his decision to retire, as he had been dealing with a nagging hip injury that hampered his training and performance. The wear and tear of years of wrestling and fighting had taken its toll on Askren's body, and he recognized that it was time to prioritize his long-term health. Askren's retirement marked the end of a remarkable career, but it also opened the door for him to pursue other interests and opportunities. He remained involved in the MMA community, providing commentary and analysis, and he also explored other ventures outside of the sport. His decision to retire was a difficult one, but it was ultimately the right choice for him, allowing him to step away from the sport on his own terms.

Askren had been dealing with a hip injury for some time, and it had become increasingly difficult for him to train and compete at the highest level. The injury affected his mobility and his ability to generate power, both of which were crucial to his fighting style. He underwent hip surgery in 2019, but the recovery process was long and arduous, and he ultimately decided that he could no longer compete at his best. The hip injury was a major factor in Askren's decision to retire, as it limited his ability to train and perform at his peak. The wear and tear of years of wrestling and fighting had taken a toll on his body, and he recognized that it was time to prioritize his long-term health. His decision to retire was a difficult one, but it was ultimately the right choice for him, allowing him to step away from the sport on his own terms.

Despite the setbacks in the UFC, Ben Askren leaves behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished wrestlers to transition to MMA. His unique style, relentless pressure, and grappling dominance made him a formidable opponent, and he achieved considerable success in Bellator and ONE Championship. Askren's impact on MMA extends beyond his wins and losses. He brought a different perspective to the sport, emphasizing the importance of wrestling and grappling in a sport often dominated by striking. He also challenged the conventional wisdom of MMA training, advocating for a more strategic and analytical approach to the sport. Askren's legacy is one of innovation and determination, and he will be remembered as a fighter who always stayed true to his style and beliefs. His ability to blend wrestling with MMA created a style that, while unorthodox, proved incredibly effective. He demonstrated that wrestling could be a dominant force in MMA, even against opponents with superior striking skills. Askren's legacy is one of resilience and adaptability, and he will be remembered as a fighter who always found a way to compete at the highest level of the sport. He left an indelible mark on the world of combat sports, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.