Ben Askren What Happened To The MMA Star? His Career And Beyond

Hey guys! Ever wonder what happened to Ben Askren? He was such a prominent figure in the MMA world, known for his unique wrestling style and outspoken personality. But where is he now? Let's dive into the career, the controversies, and the eventual retirement of this fascinating fighter.

Ben Askren's Wrestling Roots and Early MMA Career

Before we get into what happened to Ben Askren later in his career, let's take a look at where it all began. Ben Askren's journey to MMA stardom started on the wrestling mats. He was an absolute beast in the wrestling world, achieving incredible success at the collegiate level. Askren wrestled for the University of Missouri, where he became a two-time NCAA Division I National Champion and a four-time All-American. His unorthodox style, characterized by his relentless pressure and scrambling ability, made him a formidable opponent. He even represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top wrestlers in the country.

Transitioning from wrestling to MMA seemed like a natural progression for Askren. He brought his dominant wrestling base into the cage, quickly developing a reputation for his ability to take opponents down and control them on the ground. Early in his MMA career, Askren fought for organizations like Bellator and ONE Championship. In Bellator, he captured the welterweight title, showcasing his grappling prowess and ground-and-pound skills. After a contract dispute, Askren moved to ONE Championship, where he continued his winning ways. He became the ONE Welterweight Champion, defending his title multiple times and establishing himself as one of the best welterweights outside of the UFC. During this period, many fans and analysts wondered what happened to Ben Askren that kept him from competing in the UFC, the world's premier MMA organization. There were ongoing discussions about his contract situation and his sometimes-contentious relationship with Dana White, the UFC president. Despite his success overseas, the question of whether Askren would ever compete in the UFC remained a significant talking point in the MMA community.

His early career was marked by a dominant wrestling style that many found both effective and, at times, controversial. Some critics argued that his fights weren't always the most exciting, as he often relied heavily on his wrestling to grind out victories. However, there was no denying his effectiveness. Askren's ability to control his opponents and nullify their striking made him a challenging matchup for anyone. This early success laid the foundation for his eventual move to the UFC, a move that was highly anticipated by fans eager to see how his style would translate against the UFC's top welterweights. The anticipation surrounding his eventual UFC debut only added to the mystique of Ben Askren and further fueled the discussion about what happened to Ben Askren throughout his career.

The Highly Anticipated UFC Arrival and the Jorge Masvidal Fight

The moment finally arrived when Ben Askren signed with the UFC. This was huge news! MMA fans were buzzing with excitement to see how his skills would stack up against the best welterweights in the world. His debut fight was against Robbie Lawler, a former UFC Welterweight Champion known for his toughness and striking ability. The fight was a wild affair, with Lawler initially coming out strong and landing some heavy shots. However, Askren weathered the storm and eventually secured a controversial submission victory via bulldog choke. The controversy stemmed from the referee's stoppage, with some arguing that Lawler had not actually lost consciousness. Regardless, the win propelled Askren into the upper echelon of the UFC's welterweight division. This victory only heightened the anticipation for his future fights and further fueled the discussion surrounding his career trajectory.

Then came the fight that everyone remembers: Ben Askren vs. Jorge Masvidal. This matchup had all the ingredients for a classic: two fighters with contrasting styles and personalities, a heated build-up, and a guaranteed clash inside the Octagon. Askren, with his wrestling-heavy approach, was looking to take Masvidal down and control him on the ground. Masvidal, a seasoned veteran with knockout power, was aiming to keep the fight standing and test Askren's striking defense. The fight lasted a mere five seconds. Yes, you read that right, five seconds. Masvidal landed a flying knee that connected perfectly with Askren's head, resulting in an instant knockout. It was one of the most spectacular and shocking finishes in UFC history. This knockout loss significantly impacted Askren's career and legacy. It not only halted his momentum in the UFC but also raised questions about his ability to compete at the highest level. The defeat became a defining moment in his career, a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of MMA. This fight is often the first thing people think of when considering what happened to Ben Askren. The viral nature of the knockout only amplified its impact, solidifying it as a permanent fixture in MMA highlight reels and discussions.

The Masvidal fight is a crucial point in understanding what happened to Ben Askren. It showed the brutal reality of MMA, where one mistake can change everything. The loss not only affected his standing in the division but also seemed to take a toll on his overall confidence and enthusiasm for the sport.

The Demian Maia Loss and Retirement

Following the devastating loss to Jorge Masvidal, Ben Askren faced another tough challenge in Demian Maia, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend. This fight was a classic grappler versus grappler matchup, with both fighters possessing exceptional ground skills. Maia, known for his submission expertise, presented a unique threat to Askren's wrestling-based style. The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters having moments of success on the ground. However, Maia's superior jiu-jitsu proved to be the difference. He eventually secured a rear-naked choke submission in the third round, handing Askren his second consecutive loss in the UFC.

The loss to Demian Maia was a significant blow to Askren's career. It not only marked his second defeat in a row but also raised further questions about his future in the sport. The MMA world is unforgiving, and consecutive losses at the highest level can be incredibly damaging. After the Maia fight, Askren announced his retirement from MMA. The announcement came as a surprise to some, but it was also understandable given the circumstances. The physical toll of a long wrestling and MMA career, combined with the recent setbacks, likely played a role in his decision. Askren cited a hip injury as a contributing factor in his retirement, stating that he had been dealing with the injury for some time and that it had impacted his ability to train and compete effectively. This injury, coupled with the two losses, made it clear that the time was right for him to step away from the sport. When considering what happened to Ben Askren, it's important to remember the physical and mental toll that professional fighting can take on an athlete. Askren's retirement marked the end of an era for many fans who had followed his career closely. It also brought closure to the question of whether he could truly compete at the highest level of the UFC, a question that had lingered since his arrival in the organization.

His retirement announcement brought an end to a career filled with impressive achievements and frustrating setbacks. It also marked a turning point in the narrative surrounding what happened to Ben Askren, shifting the focus from his in-cage performances to his post-retirement endeavors.

Post-Retirement: Boxing Jake Paul and Other Ventures

Retirement from MMA didn't mean the end of Ben Askren's public life. In fact, he continued to stay in the spotlight, albeit in different arenas. One of the most notable post-retirement ventures was his foray into the world of boxing. Askren accepted a boxing match against Jake Paul, a social media personality turned boxer. The fight generated significant buzz, largely due to Paul's growing popularity and Askren's established name in the combat sports world. However, the boxing match did not go Askren's way. Paul defeated Askren via first-round TKO, adding another loss to Askren's combat sports record. While the fight was primarily seen as a spectacle, it did provide Askren with a lucrative payday and kept him relevant in the public eye.

Aside from boxing, Askren has remained active in the wrestling community, offering coaching and mentorship to young athletes. He has also been involved in various business ventures, leveraging his platform and brand to explore opportunities outside of combat sports. Askren's post-retirement activities demonstrate his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to adapt to new challenges. He has successfully transitioned from being a full-time fighter to a multifaceted personality with interests ranging from coaching to business. When answering the question of what happened to Ben Askren, it's essential to consider his post-retirement life as a testament to his resilience and adaptability. He didn't let the setbacks in his MMA career define him; instead, he found new avenues to pursue his passions and interests.

What Happened to Ben Askren? A Summary

So, what happened to Ben Askren? He had an incredible wrestling career, transitioned to MMA where he became a champion in Bellator and ONE Championship, and eventually made his way to the UFC. His UFC run was marked by both highs and lows, including a controversial win, a devastating knockout loss, and a subsequent defeat that led to his retirement. Post-retirement, Askren has explored boxing and other ventures, demonstrating his versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.

Ben Askren's story is a reminder that a fighter's journey is not always linear. There are ups and downs, triumphs and setbacks. While his UFC career may not have gone as planned, his overall contribution to combat sports is undeniable. He remains a respected figure in the MMA community, admired for his wrestling skills, his outspoken personality, and his willingness to take on challenges. Next time someone asks, "What happened to Ben Askren?" you'll have the full story!