Ben Askren's UFC Career: A Deep Dive

What's up fight fans! Today, we're diving deep into the octagon career of one of the most polarizing and undeniably talented wrestlers to ever step foot in the UFC: Ben Askren. Guys, Askren's journey to the biggest MMA stage in the world was anything but conventional. A two-time NCAA Division I All-American and a multiple-time world champion in wrestling, he dominated the sport for years before making the leap into professional MMA. His transition wasn't immediate, but when he did start fighting, he was a force to be reckoned with, particularly in promotions like Bellator and ONE Championship, where he remained undefeated for a significant chunk of his career. His grappling prowess was legendary, earning him the nickname "Funky" for his unorthodox yet incredibly effective style. He wasn't just a takedown machine; he possessed a surprisingly dangerous striking game, often using it to set up his suffocating ground control. When the UFC finally acquired his contract in a blockbuster trade that sent Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship, the hype around Askren was absolutely immense. Many believed he was the puzzle that could finally solve the UFC's welterweight division, a division that has always been known for its depth and highly competitive nature. His unique style, combined with his undefeated record, made him a legitimate threat and a must-watch fighter for any MMA enthusiast. This article aims to explore his fights, his impact, and the lasting legacy of Ben Askren within the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The Highly Anticipated UFC Debut

Alright guys, let's talk about Ben Askren's UFC debut, a moment that fight fans had been clamoring for years. When the UFC officially brought "Funky" Ben into the fold, it was a massive deal, especially after his incredible undefeated run in other major promotions. He was instantly booked against a tough veteran, Robbie Lawler, at UFC 235 in March 2019. The anticipation was sky-high. Askren, with his background as a dominant collegiate and international wrestler, was expected to simply ragdoll Lawler and secure an easy win. Lawler, a former UFC welterweight champion known for his brutal striking and knockout power, was considered Askren's toughest test to date. The fight itself was a wild rollercoaster. Askren, true to form, looked to implement his grappling early, but Lawler showed incredible defense and toughness. In the first round, Lawler landed some significant shots and even appeared to be on the verge of finishing Askren. It looked like Askren's undefeated streak might be in jeopardy. However, showing the heart and resilience that defined his career, Askren weathered the storm. He survived the onslaught and eventually secured a crucial takedown. From there, he transitioned to a dominant position and locked in an arm-triangle choke. Lawler, known for his toughness, refused to tap initially, but eventually succumbed to the submission. The victory was controversial for some due to the sequence of events, with some arguing Lawler was perhaps saved by the bell or that the choke wasn't fully locked in. Regardless, it was a massive win for Askren, announcing his arrival in the UFC in dramatic fashion and setting the stage for what many thought would be a championship run. This debut was a testament to his unique skillset and his ability to adapt and overcome adversity against a truly elite opponent in his first outing in the promotion.

The Jorge Masvidal Knockout That Shocked the World

Now, if there's one moment that fans will forever associate with Ben Askren's UFC career, it's the Jorge Masvidal knockout. After his debut win over Robbie Lawler, Askren was eager to continue his climb up the welterweight rankings. He was then matched up against another high-profile and dangerous striker, Jorge Masvidal, at UFC 239 in July 2019. This fight was supposed to be another classic grappling vs. striking matchup. Masvidal, known for his aggressive boxing and Muay Thai background, was seen by many as the perfect stylistic opponent to test Askren's striking defense. Askren, confident after his debut win, aimed to get the fight to the ground and impose his will, just like he had done his entire career. However, what happened in the first 11 seconds of the fight is now etched in UFC history and remains one of the most shocking knockouts ever. As the opening bell rang, Masvidal came charging across the octagon with a flying knee. Askren, perhaps anticipating a different type of approach or simply caught off guard by the sheer speed and ferocity, went down hard. Masvidal followed up with a brutal right hand while Askren was unconscious on the canvas. The referee, Herb Dean, quickly waved off the fight, signaling the end. It was an absolutely devastating and brutal finish. The fight was over before it even truly began, and Askren, who had never been knocked out before, was defeated in the fastest knockout in UFC history at the time. This loss was a massive setback for Askren's title aspirations and a humbling experience for the undefeated wrestler. It highlighted the inherent dangers of MMA and how a single, perfectly timed shot can change everything. The image of Masvidal standing over a downed Askren, with the crowd roaring, is an iconic one, representing the unpredictable and often brutal nature of the sport. It was a stark reminder that in the UFC, styles make fights, and sometimes, the most unexpected outcomes occur.

The Demetrious Johnson Trade and Askren's UFC Acquisition

Let's rewind a bit, guys, and talk about the move that brought Ben Askren to the UFC. It wasn't a typical signing; it was part of a blockbuster trade that sent shockwaves through the MMA world. In late 2018, the UFC and ONE Championship, a major MMA promotion based in Asia, executed a groundbreaking deal. The core of this trade involved two of the most dominant champions from each promotion: the UFC's pound-for-pound king, Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson, and ONE's reigning welterweight champion, Ben Askren. Johnson, after a controversial split decision loss to Henry Cejudo, had moved to ONE Championship, where he competed in their flyweight grand prix. Askren, meanwhile, was an undefeated, world-class wrestler and a former champion in both Bellator and ONE, but he had never competed in the UFC. The UFC was eager to acquire Askren, seeing him as a potential game-changer in their deep welterweight division. His undefeated record and unique grappling pedigree made him an instant contender in the eyes of many fans and analysts. The trade was unprecedented in its scale, involving the exchange of high-profile fighters between two major global promotions. For Askren, it was the culmination of a long-held dream to compete against the best welterweights in the world under the UFC banner. The UFC saw him as a legitimate threat to reigning champions and a fighter who could bring a fresh dynamic to the division. This trade wasn't just about acquiring talent; it was a strategic move that signaled a new era of inter-promotional cooperation and fighter movement. It generated immense excitement among fight fans, who had been debating Askren's potential in the UFC for years. The acquisition of "Funky" Ben through this unique trade immediately placed him in the spotlight, raising expectations for his UFC debut and his potential impact on the welterweight landscape.

Askren's Final UFC Fight and Retirement

Following the devastating knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal, Ben Askren faced a tough road ahead in the UFC's stacked welterweight division. His next fight was against Demian Maia, a legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and submission specialist, at UFC Fight Night 164 in October 2019. This was another fascinating stylistic matchup: Askren's wrestling against Maia's BJJ. Many expected this fight to play out on the ground, potentially showcasing the clash of grappling titans. However, much like his fight with Masvidal, this bout took an unexpected turn. While Askren did manage to get Maia down early, he couldn't maintain control effectively. Maia, a master of submission defense and transitions, managed to reverse positions and eventually find his own dominant spot. In the second round, Maia secured a deep arm-triangle choke. Askren, who had survived tough spots before, fought valiantly but ultimately had to tap out. This second consecutive submission loss marked a significant downturn for Askren in the UFC. Two losses in a row, both by submission, and both after significant hype, took a heavy toll. Just a few months later, in November 2019, Ben Askren announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts. He cited the accumulation of injuries and the desire to focus on other aspects of his life as reasons for his decision. It was a surprising but perhaps understandable end to a career that had seen so much promise and so much unconventional success. Askren left the sport with a professional record of 19 wins and 2 losses, but his impact transcended his win-loss record. He brought a unique wrestling-heavy style to MMA that challenged conventional wisdom and inspired many. While his UFC run was shorter than many had hoped, his tenure there was marked by unforgettable moments, including his debut and the infamous Masvidal knockout. His retirement signaled the end of an era for a truly unique fighter who left his mark on the sport.

The Legacy of "Funky" Ben Askren in MMA

The legacy of Ben Askren in mixed martial arts is a complex and fascinating one, guys. He wasn't just another fighter; he was an innovator, a pioneer, and a constant source of discussion. His wrestling background was second to none in MMA, and he used it to dominate opponents in a way that few ever have. Askren's approach to MMA was fundamentally different from most fighters. He prioritized control and submission over flashy striking, and his undefeated streak for years was a testament to the effectiveness of his methodical, grappling-centric style. He proved that you didn't necessarily need to be a knockout artist or a submission wizard in the traditional sense to be a champion. If you could effectively neutralize your opponent's strengths and impose your own, you could win. His success in Bellator and ONE Championship, where he became a two-division champion, cemented his status as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters outside the UFC. The acquisition by the UFC through the Demetrious Johnson trade was a huge moment, bringing his unique skillset to the biggest stage. While his UFC run was short and ended with two consecutive submission losses, it didn't diminish the respect he earned from many in the fight community. The Masvidal knockout, while brutal, became an iconic moment in MMA history, a reminder of the sport's inherent volatility. Askren's influence can be seen in how other wrestlers approach the sport, with more emphasis on takedown defense and offensive grappling. He challenged the notion of what a top-tier MMA fighter should look and fight like. Beyond the wins and losses, Askren is remembered for his outspoken personality, his intelligence, and his dedication to the sport. He was a true martial artist who pushed boundaries and left an indelible mark on MMA, proving that wrestling is indeed a superpower in the cage when applied correctly. His career will always be debated, but his impact is undeniable.