What Happened to Ben Askren? Unraveling the MMA Phenom's Journey

Hello, MMA enthusiasts and curious minds! Today, we're diving into the fascinating career and life of former MMA star, Ben Askren. You might be wondering, "What happened to Ben Askren?" Well, buckle up as we take you through his incredible journey, filled with triumphs, controversies, and a sudden retirement that left the MMA world buzzing. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and ben askren what happened to him.

From Wrestling Mat to MMA Cage

Let's rewind to the early 2000s, where our story begins. Ben Askren, born on July 18, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was a standout wrestler in high school and college. He won two NCAA Division I National Championships while at Missouri, earning the moniker "Funky" for his unorthodox yet effective wrestling style.

After graduation, Askren made the transition to MMA, debuting in 2009. His wrestling background served him well, as he racked up an impressive record of 15-0, with 10 of those wins coming via submission or knockout. Askren's dominant performances caught the attention of MMA fans and promoters alike, setting the stage for his next big move.

Ben Askren's Time in ONE Championship

In 2014, Askren signed with ONE Championship, an MMA promotion based in Asia. This was a significant move for Askren, as it allowed him to compete against some of the best fighters in the world while also expanding his reach to a broader audience.

Askren's time in ONE Championship was marked by success, with him capturing the welterweight title in 2015. He defended his belt five times, showcasing his relentless pace, brutal ground-and-pound, and, of course, his infamous "funky" style. Askren's performances in Asia earned him a massive following and cemented his status as one of the best welterweights in the world.

The Trades and Controversies

In 2018, Askren made headlines once again when he was traded to the UFC in exchange for Demian Maia. The trade was a part of a larger deal that also involved the exchange of fighter contracts and money. While the trade was historic, it also sparked controversy, with many questioning the value of Askren's contract and the fairness of the trade.

Askren's UFC debut was highly anticipated, but it didn't go as planned. He faced off against former UFC lightweight champion, Conor McGregor, in a bizarre matchup that saw McGregor knock Askren out in just five seconds. The loss was a shock to the MMA world and left Askren with a lot to prove.

The Retirement and What's Next

Following his loss to McGregor, Askren returned to the cage once more, defeating former UFC lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier, via submission. However, just a few months later, Askren announced his retirement from MMA. The sudden retirement caught fans off guard, leaving many to wonder, "What happened to Ben Askren?"

In a statement, Askren cited a variety of factors for his retirement, including his desire to spend more time with his family, his struggles with mental health, and his dissatisfaction with the direction of his career. He also hinted at potential opportunities in the world of sports media and podcasting, which he has since pursued.

Ben Askren's Legacy

Askren's retirement may have been sudden, but his impact on the world of MMA is undeniable. He was a pioneer in the sport, using his wrestling background to carve out a unique and successful fighting style. He was also a trailblazer in the world of MMA promotions, becoming one of the first American fighters to find success in Asia.

Askren's legacy extends beyond his fighting career, too. He was a vocal advocate for fighters' rights and fair compensation, often using his platform to speak out against the practices of MMA promotions. He was also a mentor to many young fighters, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of MMA stars.

Where Is Ben Askren Now?

Since retiring from MMA, Askren has kept busy with a variety of projects. He co-hosts the popular podcast, "Believe You Me," with fellow MMA personality, Chael Sonnen. He also works as an analyst and commentator for various MMA promotions, including the UFC and ONE Championship.

Askren has also been open about his struggles with mental health, using his platform to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help when they need it. He has been an inspiration to many, showing that it's okay to prioritize mental health and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Final Thoughts

So, what happened to Ben Askren? After a storied career filled with triumphs, controversies, and unexpected turns, Askren chose to retire from MMA, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue new opportunities. While his retirement was sudden, his impact on the world of MMA is undeniable. He was a pioneer, a trailblazer, and a mentor to many. And though he may no longer be competing in the cage, his legacy lives on, inspiring the next generation of MMA stars.

As for what's next for Askren, only time will tell. But one thing is for sure - wherever he goes, he'll do it with the same dedication, passion, and "funky" style that made him a legend in the world of MMA.

Thanks for joining us on this journey through the career of Ben Askren. Until next time, MMA fans!