Ben Askren: The Unfinished Legacy of MMA’s Most Polarizing Wrestler

Ben Askren remains one of MMA’s most fascinating enigmas. A collegiate wrestling legend who dominated Bellator and ONE Championship, his UFC run left fans with more questions than answers. Looking back at his career still sparks heated debates among hardcore fans.

The Funky One’s Controversial Path to the UFC

Remember when Ben Askren was the best fighter not in the UFC? For years, the undefeated welterweight champion was crushing opponents in other promotions while Dana White insisted he wasn’t UFC material. When he finally signed in that historic “trade” for Demetrious Johnson, expectations couldn’t have been higher.

I still remember the buzz around his debut. Here was this Olympic-level wrestler with a perfect record and a personality that could sell fights. But what followed became one of MMA’s strangest short chapters.

From Undefeated Champion to UFC Question Mark

Askren’s UFC run was a rollercoaster that lasted just three fights:

• A controversial submission win over Robbie Lawler that many still debate
• The five-second flying knee knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal that created the “Superstar BMF” Masvidal
• A submission loss to Demian Maia in what proved to be his final MMA fight

Just like that, the undefeated champion was gone from MMA, retiring with a 19-2 record that hardly tells the full story.

Beyond the Octagon: Askren’s Lasting Impact

What makes Askren so intriguing isn’t just his fighting career but his willingness to speak his mind. Even in retirement, he remains one of MMA’s most engaging personalities on social media and podcasts. He’s transformed into something more valuable to the sport – an authentic voice who doesn’t play the promotional games.

You might disagree with his takes, but you can’t deny his wrestling credentials or his ability to stay relevant in the combat sports conversation years after his last fight.

The Jake Paul Boxing Match: A Final Chapter?

Just when you thought Askren’s combat sports story was over, he stepped into the boxing ring against YouTuber Jake Paul in 2021. The quick knockout loss might have been embarrassing, but it added another unexpected twist to a career full of them.

What’s often forgotten is how Askren approached that fight with his typical honesty – admitting he was there for the payday while still representing MMA. That self-awareness is what continues to endear him to many fans.

The Wrestling Legacy That Can’t Be Denied

Lost in all the UFC controversy is just how revolutionary Askren’s wrestling approach was. His funky style prioritized control and position over traditional takedowns. When he dominated in Bellator and ONE, he wasn’t just winning – he was showcasing a wrestling approach we hadn’t seen in MMA before.

Younger fighters like Chase Hooper have cited Askren as an influence on their grappling approach. That’s the kind of legacy that lasts beyond win-loss records.

What’s Next for Funky Ben?

Today, Askren seems content coaching wrestling, running his academies, and staying involved in combat sports commentary. His Twitter presence remains as unfiltered as ever, offering takes on everything from wrestling technique to UFC matchmaking.

For a fighter whose UFC career lasted just three fights, it’s remarkable how often his name still comes up in MMA conversations. That’s the mark of someone who made an impact beyond just their fighting skills.

Whether you were a fan or critic, Ben Askren gave us something authentic in a sport that increasingly prioritizes marketability over substance. And in today’s MMA landscape, that might be his most valuable contribution.

Source: Sports Inquirer