Ben Askren

Ben Askren – Life, Career, and Legacy of “Funky”

Learn about Ben Askren — American Olympian wrestler turned MMA champion — his journey from mat to cage, signature style, recent health battles, and his enduring influence on combat sports.

Introduction

Benjamin Michael “Ben” Askren (born July 18, 1984) is an American former wrestler, mixed martial artist, and boxer whose career arcs illustrate dominance, innovation, and resilience. Known by the nickname “Funky”, Askren’s unorthodox wrestling style made him one of the most feared grapplers in MMA’s welterweight divisions. Beyond fighting, his story now includes a dramatic health challenge, reminding us of the fragility of even the strongest athletes.

Early Life & Family

Ben Askren was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but grew up primarily in Hartland, Wisconsin and nearby communities. Arrowhead High School (in Wisconsin), where he became a two-time state wrestling champion before advancing to collegiate wrestling.

Growing up, Askren developed traits that would characterize his career: tenacity, a love for control, and an ability to think creatively on the mat.

Wrestling Career & Early Achievements

Collegiate Wrestling — Missouri Tigers

Askren wrestled collegiately for the University of Missouri. His record at Missouri was outstanding:

• He was a four-time NCAA finalist, and won two NCAA Division I national championships.

• He also won the Dan Hodge Trophy twice (2006, 2007), a prestigious award in wrestling, reflecting dominance and pinning ability.

• His collegiate record was 153–8, an extraordinary mark, with many victories by pin.

• In the Big 12 Conference, he captured multiple conference titles and was consistently among the top competitors.

Askren’s wrestling style was often described as unorthodox, scrambly, and pressure-based — his “funky” approach allowed him to execute transitions that many conventional wrestlers would not anticipate.

Freestyle / International Wrestling & Olympics

Askren extended his success into freestyle wrestling:

• He represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 74 kg (163 lb) class.

• In freestyle competition, he also secured a Pan American Championship and remained active in international and club-level tournaments.

• Although he did not medal at the Olympics, his performance highlighted the adaptability of his style to international competition.

Askren occasionally returned to wrestling events even while pursuing MMA, illustrating his enduring connection to the sport.

Transition to MMA & Professional Fighting Career

After building a legendary wrestling resume, Askren transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2009.

Bellator MMA

• In Bellator, he quickly made his mark. After winning the Bellator Season 2 Welterweight Tournament, he went on to claim the Bellator Welterweight Championship.

• He successfully defended the title multiple times, cementing his status as one of the organization’s top fighters.

ONE Championship

• Askren then signed with ONE Championship, where he became the ONE Welterweight Champion, defending the title several times.

• In ONE, he continued to emphasize wrestling control and ground dominance.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

• In 2018, Askren was traded to the UFC (in exchange for Demetrious Johnson).

• His UFC debut was against Robbie Lawler at UFC 235 (in 2019), which he won via a controversial bulldog choke stoppage.

• However, in his next fight, he suffered one of the fastest knockouts in UFC history — knocked out in 5 seconds by Jorge Masvidal.

• He then fought Demian Maia, losing by submission in the third round, after which he retired from MMA in November 2019.

His professional record ended at 19 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no-contest.

Boxing Match

• Askren made a brief venture into boxing: in April 2021, he faced Jake Paul and lost by TKO in the first round.

Personality, Style & Public Presence

Askren’s personality and presence are as recognizable as his fighting style:

• He is known for his brash and humorous social media commentary and interviews, often engaging in trash talk and entertaining exchanges.

• His nickname “Funky” reflects his unconventional movement, style, and odd angles on the mat and in fights.

• Even after retiring from full-time competition, he has remained active in wrestling circles—as commentator, coach, podcaster, and promoter of the sport.

• He and his wife Amy have three children.

Health Crisis & Recent Developments

In 2025, Askren faced a serious and life-threatening medical crisis: a severe pneumonia progressed to lung damage, necessitating a double lung transplant.

• During the crisis, he lost approximately 50 pounds and reportedly flatlined four times.

• He has shared that he remembered little of the period between late May and early July, and his wife kept a journal of his condition.

• He is now in recovery and adjusting to a new life phase.

• In August 2025, Askren announced that the transplant likely ends any return to professional fighting.

The resilience he showed in his athletic career is now tested in a new arena: recovery, adaptation, and life beyond competition.

Legacy & Influence

Ben Askren’s legacy in combat sports is substantial and multi-faceted:

1. Wrestling Influence

   • His “funky” style challenged traditional approaches, especially in the U.S. folkstyle and freestyle communities.

   • Many younger grapplers study his transitions, scrambles, and ability to improvise under pressure.

2. MMA Impact

   • Askren proved that elite wrestling can dominate in MMA—he controlled many fights using his grappling and top control.

   • His undefeated streak in multiple organizations (Bellator, ONE) demonstrated consistency across rulesets and opponents.

   • His quick knockout loss in UFC vs. Masvidal remains a cautionary tale about striking risk, and is widely cited in discussions of fighter vulnerability.

3. Crossover & Visibility

   • Because of his personality, media presence, and controversies, he drew attention to MMA and wrestling in mainstream culture.

   • His brief boxing bout with Jake Paul drew crossover audiences, illustrating how athletes cross between combat sports genres.

4. Role in the Sport Post-Competition

   • He continues to be involved in wrestling promotion, commentary, podcasting, and helping nurture future athletes.

   • His journey through illness and recovery may inspire awareness about athlete health, medical vulnerability, and life beyond competition.

Possible Quotes & Statements

While Askren is more known for his actions than for polished aphorisms, a few of his statements and notable lines reflect his mindset:

• During his wrestling years, he was quoted expressing confidence in his dominant style and adaptability.

• In interviews, he often humorously highlights his “funky” approach and willingness to test boundaries in technique.

• On his health crisis, he has said in social media that he “can only think forward,” focusing on recovery and gratitude.

Given the gravity of his health struggle, new statements may emerge and gain wider recognition.

Lessons from Ben Askren’s Story

• Mastery through uniqueness: His success underlines that innovation and unconventional technique can triumph over orthodox methods.

• Versatility holds power: Transitioning from wrestling to MMA to boxing requires adaptation and courage.

• Resilience in adversity: His recovery from life-threatening illness echoes his mindset in facing difficult fights.

• Life beyond sport: Health, family, mentoring, and reinvention may be equally important chapters.

• Humility & preparation: Losing quickly (as in the UFC loss) is a reminder that even elite athletes must respect all dimensions—striking, defense, unpredictability.

Conclusion

Ben Askren’s life narrative is one of dominance, intensity, and transformation. From a small-town wrestler to world champion in MMA, he defined what it means to be a grappler in modern combat sport. Yet perhaps the most dramatic chapter is the one unfolding now—his recovery from severe illness—and how he shapes his legacy beyond competition. For those who love wrestling, MMA, or stories of resilience, Askren remains a fascinating and complex figure.

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