The name Ben Askren resonates through the halls of combat sports history as a symbol of stylistic uniqueness and elite wrestling pedigree. Known globally by his moniker Funky, Askren defied the traditional aesthetics of modern athletics to become one of the most successful and discussed figures in both amateur wrestling and mixed martial arts. His journey from the mats of the University of Missouri to the bright lights of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a testament to the power of specialized skill and psychological resilience. To understand the impact of Ben Askren, one must look beyond the highlight reels and examine a career built on a relentless “scrambling” style that neutralized some of the most dangerous strikers and grapplers in the world.

Ben Askren was born on July 18, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a state known for its deep-rooted wrestling culture. From a young age, Askren displayed an aptitude for the sport, but it was his unorthodox approach that set him apart. Unlike the explosive, power-based wrestlers common in the American circuit, Askren relied on flexibility, leverage, and a seemingly chaotic ability to find advantageous positions from anywhere. This style, which later earned him his famous nickname, allowed him to dominate opponents who were often physically stronger or faster. His high school career in Wisconsin further solidified his potential, leading him to a collegiate career that would eventually redefine NCAA wrestling standards.

At the University of Missouri, Askren became a legend. Competing in the 174-pound division, he reached the NCAA finals four times, winning the national championship in both 2006 and 2007. His collegiate record of 153–8 remains one of the most impressive in the sport’s history, punctuated by a staggering 91 pins. Askren was a two-time winner of the Dan Hodge Trophy, the wrestling equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, making him one of only a handful of athletes to receive the honor twice. His dominance was not merely about winning; it was about the psychological toll he exerted on his rivals, who found themselves trapped in his web of unorthodox transitions and relentless pressure.

Following his collegiate success, Askren turned his sights toward the international stage. His goal was the pinnacle of amateur wrestling: the Olympic Games. In 2008, he secured a spot on the United States Olympic Team for the Beijing Games by winning the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Competing in the 74 kg freestyle division, Askren demonstrated that his “funky” style could translate to the world stage. Although he did not secure a medal in Beijing, losing to István Veréb and Iván Fundora, his presence as an Olympian cemented his status as an elite world-class athlete. The experience in Beijing served as a pivotal turning point, as Askren began to contemplate how his wrestling dominance could be applied to the rapidly growing sport of mixed martial arts.

Transitioning from pure wrestling to MMA is a path many have taken, but few have done so with the singular focus of Ben Askren. He began his professional MMA career in 2009, making his debut for the Headhunter Productions organization. From the outset, Askren made no apologies for his wrestling-heavy approach. He understood that his ability to dictate where the fight took place was his greatest asset. By closing the distance and initiating clinches or takedowns, he effectively neutralized the striking of his opponents, forcing them into a grappling match where he held a massive technical advantage. This strategy led to a rapid rise through the regional ranks and caught the attention of major promotions.

The first major chapter of Askren’s MMA career unfolded in Bellator Fighting Championships. Joining the promotion in 2010, he entered the Season 2 Welterweight Tournament. Askren systematically dismantled his competition, defeating Ryan Thomas twice and Dan Hornbuckle to win the tournament and earn a shot at the title. In October 2010, Askren faced Lyman Good for the Bellator Welterweight Championship. Over five rounds, Askren utilized his wrestling to control the champion, winning a unanimous decision and capturing his first major world title. This victory marked the beginning of a dominant era that would see Askren remain undefeated for nearly a decade.

During his tenure as the Bellator Welterweight Champion, Askren defended his title six times against high-level competition, including Jay Hieron, Douglas Lima, and Andrey Koreshkov. His fight against Douglas Lima, who would go on to become a multi-time champion himself, was a masterclass in positional control. Askren took Lima down repeatedly, preventing the dangerous striker from finding any rhythm. Despite criticism from some fans who preferred high-impact striking, Askren’s efficiency was undeniable. He was an “unsolvable puzzle” for the welterweight division, combining elite cardio with a grappling intelligence that allowed him to stay safe while punishing his opponents on the ground.

Despite his success in Bellator, contractual disputes led to Askren’s departure from the organization in 2013. Rather than signing immediately with the UFC, as many expected, Askren took his talents to Asia, signing with ONE Championship. This move was significant for his global brand, as he became the face of the welterweight division in one of the world’s largest MMA markets. In August 2014, he faced Nobutatsu Suzuki for the ONE Welterweight World Championship, winning the title via TKO in the first round. His time in ONE Championship allowed him to showcase an evolving game, where he integrated more ground-and-pound and finishing sequences into his wrestling base.

Askren’s reign in ONE Championship was characterized by absolute dominance. He defended his title against challengers like Nikolay Aleksakhin and Agilan Thani, and he capped off his run with a high-profile win over Japanese legend Shinya Aoki. By the time he announced his initial retirement in 2017, Askren possessed a professional record of 18–0 with one no-contest. He was widely considered the best fighter outside of the UFC, and his “retired” status was short-lived as the MMA world clamored for a chance to see him compete against the elite roster of the UFC. The opportunity finally arrived in 2018 through a historic “trade” between promotions.

The trade involved the UFC sending former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren. It was the first move of its kind in MMA history, and it brought Askren into the Octagon at a time when the welterweight division was filled with massive stars. Askren’s UFC debut took place at UFC 235 against former champion Robbie Lawler. The fight was a whirlwind of drama; Lawler nearly finished Askren early with a devastating slam and a barrage of punches. However, showing immense durability, Askren survived the onslaught and secured a bulldog choke. The referee stopped the fight, awarding Askren the win, though the stoppage remains one of the most debated moments in the sport.

Following the Lawler victory, Askren’s next appearance would become one of the most viral moments in sports history. At UFC 239, he faced Jorge Masvidal. The buildup was intense, with Askren’s trademark trash talk meeting Masvidal’s stoic intensity. Just five seconds into the first round, Masvidal landed a flying knee that knocked Askren unconscious instantly. This loss was the first of Askren’s career and fundamentally changed the trajectory of his UFC run. While the knockout was a catastrophic setback, Askren handled the aftermath with a level of grace and humor that earned him respect from many fans, acknowledging the risks inherent in professional fighting.

Askren returned to the Octagon later that year to face grappling specialist Demian Maia in Singapore. The bout was a dream matchup for fans of technical ground fighting. Askren and Maia engaged in high-level transitions, but ultimately, Maia secured a rear-naked choke in the third round. Following this loss, and citing a deteriorating hip condition that required major surgery, Askren announced his retirement from mixed martial arts for the second time in November 2019. He finished his MMA career with a record of 19–2, having held world titles in two of the top three promotions in the world.

The post-MMA life of Ben Askren has been anything but quiet. In 2021, he made a high-profile return to combat sports, but this time in the boxing ring. He was selected as the opponent for YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul. The event was a massive commercial success, drawing millions of pay-per-view buys and bringing Askren back into the global spotlight. While Paul won the fight via first-round knockout, the payday and the exposure further cemented Askren’s status as a crossover icon. He leveraged this visibility to expand his media presence, becoming a prominent voice in the wrestling community and a frequent guest on sports podcasts.

One of Askren’s most significant contributions to the sport today is his work with the Askren Wrestling Academy (AWA). Along with his brother Max Askren, Ben has established multiple locations dedicated to teaching the “Funky” style of wrestling to the next generation. The academy focuses on creativity, position-based wrestling, and developing the mental toughness required for high-level competition. Many of the students from AWA have gone on to achieve success at the state and national levels, ensuring that Ben’s technical legacy lives on through the athletes he coaches. His commitment to the roots of the sport remains his primary passion.

Beyond coaching and combat, Askren has embraced several eclectic interests that mirror his unique personality. He is an avid disc golfer, frequently competing in professional-level tournaments and advocating for the sport’s growth. His social media presence is marked by his involvement in the cryptocurrency space, where he has been an early and vocal supporter of Bitcoin. Askren’s ability to transition from a world-class athlete to a coach, media personality, and hobbyist influencer demonstrates a multifaceted character that defies the “meathead” stereotype often associated with professional fighters.

The technical brilliance of Ben Askren’s wrestling style is often studied by analysts seeking to understand how he was able to neutralize so many world-class athletes. His “scrambling” ability is not just about flexibility; it is about an intimate understanding of balance and weight distribution. In a typical wrestling match, an athlete tries to maintain a solid base. Askren, however, was comfortable being off-balance, knowing that he could bait his opponent into a transition where he could ultimately come out on top. This “funk” wrestling changed how many coaches approached the sport, emphasizing the importance of staying calm in unconventional positions.

To summarize the career of Ben Askren, one must highlight the following key achievements that define his legacy in sports:

• Dual-Promotion World Champion: Ben Askren is one of the few fighters to have held the Welterweight World Championship in both Bellator MMA and ONE Championship, maintaining an undefeated streak across both organizations for years. This achievement highlights his ability to adapt his style to different rule sets and global markets.
• Two-Time Dan Hodge Trophy Winner: Winning the most prestigious award in collegiate wrestling twice puts Askren in an elite category of athletes. His dominance at the University of Missouri was characterized by a record-breaking pin rate and a technical innovation that still influences NCAA wrestling today.
• 2008 U.S. Olympian: Representing the United States in the Beijing Olympics in freestyle wrestling remains one of the highest honors of his career. Despite the transition to MMA, Askren always identified as a wrestler first, and his Olympic run was the realization of a lifelong dream.
• Pioneer of the “Funky” Style: Askren popularized a method of wrestling that prioritized scrambling and creativity over traditional power moves. This style proved to be highly effective in MMA, where he used it to control and exhaust opponents who had no answer for his constant positional shifts.
• Cultural Crossover Icon: From the historic UFC trade to the high-stakes boxing match with Jake Paul, Askren has consistently been at the center of major combat sports moments. His ability to stay relevant across different disciplines has made him a recognizable name even to casual sports fans.

Askren’s impact on the financial and business side of MMA cannot be overlooked either. His trade to the UFC was a watershed moment for fighter movement between organizations. It proved that “super-fights” and “cross-promotional” interests could lead to creative deals that benefited both the fans and the athletes. Askren’s outspoken nature regarding fighter pay and the inner workings of the industry has also made him a significant figure in the ongoing discussion about the evolution of professional mixed martial arts as a business entity.

Throughout his career, Askren was often the target of criticism for his “boring” style. Critics argued that his focus on control over damage was detrimental to the entertainment value of the sport. However, Askren always maintained a pragmatic view: his goal was to win without taking unnecessary damage. This philosophy allowed him to stay healthy for the majority of his career and achieve a level of consistency that few can match. In many ways, he was a specialist in an era of generalists, proving that elite-level mastery of a single discipline could still dominate the world stage.

As we look at the current landscape of MMA, the influence of Ben Askren is visible in the new generation of “wrestler-heavy” fighters. Athletes are now more aware of the importance of the “chain wrestling” and positional control that Askren mastered. He didn’t just win fights; he provided a blueprint for how a grappler can dictate the terms of engagement against elite strikers. His career serves as a case study for any aspiring martial artist on the importance of having a “base” so strong that it forces every opponent to play your game rather than their own.

Pro Tips for Aspiring Wrestlers and MMA Athletes

If you are looking to emulate the success of Ben Askren, consider these professional insights into his training and mindset. First, focus on positional awareness over raw strength. Askren often won because he knew where his center of gravity was at all times, allowing him to use his opponent’s momentum against them. Second, embrace scrambling drills. Spend time in “bad” positions and learn how to navigate them with composure. Developing a “funky” style requires the ability to remain calm when things get chaotic. Finally, prioritize conditioning and durability. Askren’s ability to maintain a high pace for five rounds was a result of rigorous cardio training that ensured he never faded, even when the wrestling matches became grueling. Learning to “embrace the grind” is the most important mental hurdle for any combat athlete.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ben Askren

What is Ben Askren’s professional MMA record?
Ben Askren finished his professional mixed martial arts career with a record of 19 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no-contest. He remained undefeated for the first 19 fights of his career before his setbacks in the UFC against Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia.

Did Ben Askren ever win a UFC title?
No, Ben Askren did not win a UFC title. While he was a dominant champion in Bellator and ONE Championship, his UFC career was brief, consisting of three fights. He reached the top 5 in the rankings but retired before he could challenge for the UFC welterweight belt.

Why was Ben Askren called “Funky”?
The nickname “Funky” refers to his unorthodox wrestling style. Instead of traditional, linear moves, Askren used flexible, scrambly, and often strange-looking techniques to win matches. This style became his trademark throughout his collegiate and professional careers.

What is Ben Askren doing now?
Currently, Ben Askren is heavily involved in coaching at the Askren Wrestling Academy. He also hosts several podcasts, competes in professional disc golf tournaments, and remains an active commentator and personality in the wrestling and MMA communities.

Is Ben Askren in the Wrestling Hall of Fame?
Ben Askren was inducted into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame. Given his two NCAA titles and Olympic background, he is widely considered a future candidate for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport in the United States.

In conclusion, Ben Askren’s career is a remarkable narrative of specialized excellence. From his early days as a dominant collegiate wrestler to his time as a world champion in two major MMA organizations, Askren proved that a unique approach, backed by world-class skill, could conquer the world. While his UFC tenure was defined by a historic knockout, it does not diminish the decade of dominance that preceded it. Today, his legacy continues through the athletes he mentors and the “funky” philosophy he popularized. Ben Askren remains one of the most intriguing and successful figures in the history of combat sports, a man who truly did it his way and left an indelible mark on the mats and the cage alike.

Meta Description: Explore the detailed biography of Ben Askren, from his legendary NCAA wrestling career and Olympic journey to his world championship reigns in Bellator and ONE Championship. Discover the story of the “Funky” icon.

 

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