Ben Askren's MMA Record: A Deep Dive

Hey fight fans! Ever wondered about the professional mixed martial arts record of the one and only Ben Askren? You know, the guy who made a name for himself with that legendary wrestling background and a style that was... well, unique? Today, we're going to break down Ben Askren's MMA record from top to bottom, so you guys can get a clear picture of his journey in the sport. We'll look at his wins, his losses, and what made him such a talked-about figure in the MMA world. So, grab your favorite fight snack and let's get into it!

The Undefeated Run: Bellator and ONE Championship Glory

When we talk about Ben Askren's MMA record, it's impossible not to start with his incredible undefeated streak. Before he ever stepped into the octagon or faced any of the bigger promotions, Askren carved out a significant legacy. He debuted professionally in 2009, and for the next eight years, nobody could touch him. This was a period where he wasn't just winning; he was dominating. His wrestling was the stuff of legends, and he used it to control opponents like nobody else. He'd often secure takedowns early and then proceed to ride out the clock, frustrating his opponents and the audience alike, but boy, was it effective! His debut win was a first-round TKO against Josh Neer, setting the tone for what was to come. He quickly climbed the ranks, and his championship journey in Bellator began. Askren captured the vacant Bellator Welterweight Championship in 2010, defeating the tough Lyman Good. This reign wasn't short-lived; he defended his title multiple times, showcasing a grappling-heavy style that proved incredibly difficult to counter. Opponents knew what was coming – the takedowns, the control – but very few had the tools to stop it. He defeated notable fighters like Karl Thornton, Douglas Lima (yes, that Douglas Lima!), and Andrey Koreshkov during his tenure with Bellator. His fights often weren't the most action-packed slugfests, but they were masterclasses in control and strategy. After a successful run in Bellator, Askren moved on to ONE Championship in 2014. He continued his winning ways, securing the ONE Welterweight World Championship by defeating Nobutatsu Suzuki. He successfully defended his title against tough contenders like Luis Santos and Zebaztian Kadestam. His ability to consistently implement his game plan, even against diverse martial artists from different backgrounds, was truly remarkable. During this period, Askren was widely considered one of the best welterweights outside the UFC, and his undefeated record stood as a testament to his unique skill set and mental fortitude. The question on everyone's mind was: could this undefeated streak continue if he ever made the jump to the UFC? It was a storyline that captivated the fight world for years, and his dominant run in Bellator and ONE Championship solidified him as a legitimate force in the sport.

The UFC Stint and the Shocking Knockout

So, after an epic undefeated run spanning nearly a decade, the moment many fans had been waiting for finally arrived: Ben Askren signed with the UFC. This was huge! He was coming in as a former champion from two other major promotions, and his perfect record was still intact. Expectations were sky-high, and the hype train was in full effect. His UFC debut took place at UFC 235 in March 2019 against a dangerous finisher, Robbie Lawler. The fight itself was a rollercoaster. Askren, as expected, tried to implement his wrestling, but Lawler showed incredible veteran savvy and defense. There was a controversial stoppage where the referee gave Askren the win via submission (a bulldog choke) after Lawler appeared to briefly go unconscious, though Lawler later argued he was fine. This controversial win kept his undefeated record alive in the UFC, but it wasn't the clean statement everyone hoped for. The real test, and the turning point in his UFC career, came in his next fight against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239. This bout was highly anticipated, billed as a clash of styles. Askren again aimed to close the distance and get the fight to the ground. However, what happened next is etched in MMA history. Just five seconds into the fight, Masvidal landed a devastating flying knee that knocked Askren clean out. It was the fastest knockout in UFC history at the time and a brutal end to Askren's undefeated streak. This single moment dramatically altered the narrative surrounding Ben Askren's MMA record. The dream of him dominating the UFC welterweight division came crashing down in the most spectacular and shocking fashion. It was a tough pill to swallow for Askren and his fans, proving that in MMA, anything can happen on any given night, regardless of your past accomplishments or reputation.

The Boxing Match and the Final Chapter

Following the devastating knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal, Ben Askren's MMA record was no longer perfect. He had one more professional MMA fight scheduled against Demian Maia at UFC Singapore in October 2019. Maia, a legendary submission specialist, presented a different kind of challenge. Askren, clearly looking to rebound from the Masvidal fight, seemed more cautious. He managed to land some takedowns, but Maia's slick jiu-jitsu defense was on full display. Ultimately, Maia secured a second-round submission via rear-naked choke, handing Askren his second consecutive loss. This second defeat in the UFC made it clear that the dream of a UFC championship run was over for Askren. After the loss to Maia, Ben Askren officially announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts. His career in MMA concluded with a professional record of 19 wins and 2 losses. It's a record that, despite the late-career setbacks, still speaks volumes about his dominance during his prime. He was a pioneer in his own right, showcasing a wrestling-based style that forced other promotions to adapt and strategize. But the story didn't quite end there for Askren in the combat sports world. In a surprising turn of events, Ben Askren transitioned to boxing for a high-profile exhibition match against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in April 2021. This fight garnered massive attention, pitting a former combat sports athlete against a social media star. Unfortunately for Askren, his boxing debut didn't go as planned. He was knocked out in the first round by Jake Paul, marking another stoppage loss in his combat sports career. While this boxing match isn't part of his official MMA record, it's a notable event in his overall combat sports journey. It showed that while his wrestling was world-class, transitioning to other disciplines at a high level after a long MMA career presented significant challenges. So, when we sum up Ben Askren's MMA record, we remember a fighter who achieved incredible success, dominated for years, and left an indelible mark on the sport, even with the notable losses towards the end of his MMA tenure.

Final Thoughts on Askren's MMA Legacy

Looking back at Ben Askren's MMA record, it's a tale of two halves. For years, he was the guy nobody could beat. His undefeated streak, spanning two major organizations, was a testament to his unique wrestling pedigree and his ability to impose his will on opponents. He was a Bellator champion and a ONE Championship king, proving his mettle against diverse talent. His style, though sometimes criticized for being less crowd-pleasing, was undeniably effective. He controlled fights, dictated the pace, and frustrated opponents to no end. It takes immense skill and discipline to achieve that level of sustained dominance. The UFC chapter, however, is a stark reminder of how unpredictable and brutal MMA can be. The lightning-fast knockout by Jorge Masvidal and the subsequent submission loss to Demian Maia showed that even the most dominant fighters can face challenges when facing elite competition in a new environment. But here's the thing, guys: those final two losses don't erase the years of hard work and success that came before them. Ben Askren's MMA record of 19-2 is still incredibly impressive. He was a groundbreaking fighter who showed the world what was possible when you truly mastered a specific skill set and applied it relentlessly. He proved that a wrestler could absolutely thrive in a sport dominated by strikers and submission artists. His legacy isn't just about the wins and losses; it's about the journey, the innovation, and the sheer mental toughness it took to compete at the highest level for so long. So, while his UFC run might not have ended the way he or his fans hoped, Ben Askren remains a significant and respected figure in mixed martial arts history. His record speaks for itself, and his impact on the sport, particularly concerning wrestling's place in MMA, is undeniable. He was a true warrior, and we'll always remember his unique place in MMA history.