Ben Askren's Career: What Went Wrong?

Hey fight fans, let's dive into the wild world of MMA and specifically, what went down with Ben Askren's career. This guy was a legit beast in the wrestling world and had a seriously impressive run in the regional MMA scene. But things took a turn when he hit the big leagues. So, what actually happened to Ben Askren? Let's break it down, shall we?

The Wrestling Phenom: Ben Askren's Dominance

Before he was known for his short-lived MMA career, Ben Askren was a wrestling machine. Seriously, the guy was a two-time NCAA Division I national champion at the University of Missouri. He also represented the United States at the 2008 Olympics. That's some serious pedigree, folks! Askren's wrestling style was all about control, top position, and grinding out wins. He was a master of takedowns and holding opponents down, which made him a nightmare matchup for a lot of guys. His wrestling base was the foundation of his MMA game, and it was a winning formula... at first.

Askren transitioned to MMA in 2009 and immediately started making waves. He signed with Bellator MMA and quickly became their welterweight champion. He steamrolled through the competition, racking up wins and building a reputation as one of the best fighters outside the UFC. He was known for his relentless wrestling, his smothering style, and his ability to neutralize his opponents' strengths. He was a difficult matchup for anyone, and his success in Bellator seemed to signal a bright future. During his time at Bellator, Ben Askren was absolutely dominant. He defended his welterweight title multiple times, and he became one of the most talked-about fighters in the sport. He was a master of his craft and knew exactly how to use his wrestling to control his opponents and win fights. He had a unique ability to dictate where the fight took place and at what pace, making it hard for other fighters to impose their will. Askren's success in Bellator built a strong foundation for his overall career. It showed that his wrestling-heavy style could translate very effectively into MMA, and it also helped him gain the attention of the larger MMA community. This success eventually led to him signing with ONE Championship, where he continued his winning ways and further solidified his reputation as one of the best welterweights in the world. He was a highly sought-after fighter, and his skills were constantly being tested against the best competition.

Askren's dominance in Bellator and ONE Championship showcased the power of elite wrestling in MMA. He showed that a strong wrestling base could be the cornerstone of a successful fighting career. This wrestling-centric approach created a path for others to follow, highlighting how important it is to have a good ground game. Askren's success also added fuel to the debate about the best approach to MMA, wrestling versus striking. For Askren, wrestling was the undeniable key to his success, and it made him a unique and challenging fighter to face. But even with all of this success, his time in the UFC would prove to be a different story. His reliance on wrestling and his lack of striking experience would become his downfall in the biggest stage of the sport. His career serves as a great reminder of how the sport can shift quickly.

The ONE Championship Reign and UFC Hype

After leaving Bellator, Ben Askren made the move to ONE Championship, where he continued his winning streak and added another belt to his collection. He was a force to be reckoned with, and his name was constantly mentioned in discussions about the best fighters in the world. The hype around Askren was at an all-time high, and fans were clamoring to see him test himself against the top talent in the UFC. His ONE Championship run was just as dominant as his Bellator run. He showcased the same wrestling prowess and control that had made him so successful in the past. He was able to adapt to new opponents and situations, making him an incredibly versatile fighter. He was a true champion, and his performance in ONE Championship continued to build up the excitement around his eventual move to the UFC.

The anticipation for Askren's arrival in the UFC was huge. He was seen as a potential title contender, and fans were eager to see how he would fare against the best welterweights in the world. The signing of Askren by the UFC was a big deal. The UFC finally gave in to the pressure and made the deal. It was a massive win for the fans, but also for Askren, who would now have the opportunity to showcase his skills against the best competition in the world. The UFC’s welterweight division was stacked with talent at the time, and the arrival of Askren added even more intrigue. Fans could not wait to see him take on the likes of Georges St-Pierre, Tyron Woodley, and other top-tier fighters. The prospect of these matches was incredibly exciting, and many believed that Askren had the skills to compete at the highest level. The hype was real, and everyone wanted to see how this wrestler could perform. His style was so unique that it was difficult to tell how it would translate against the top strikers in the world. There was a lot of excitement surrounding his debut, and fans were eager to see if he could live up to the hype.

The UFC Struggles: What Went Wrong?

Alright, this is where things get interesting, guys. After all the hype, Ben Askren finally made his UFC debut in 2019. And well, things didn't exactly go as planned. His UFC run was short, and not particularly sweet. What happened? Let's break down some of the key factors:

• Striking Deficiencies: Askren's wrestling was top-notch, but his striking, let's be honest, wasn't his strong suit. He had a very rudimentary striking game, which made him vulnerable to powerful strikers. In the UFC, where everyone is elite, this became a major problem. He struggled to close the distance and often got caught by strikes. This lack of a developed striking game made him less versatile in the Octagon and easier for his opponents to neutralize.
• Quick Knockout Losses: His UFC career is most notably remembered for two brutal knockout losses. The first, to Jorge Masvidal, was one of the fastest knockouts in UFC history. Masvidal landed a flying knee just seconds into the fight, and Askren was out cold. That loss was a huge setback, not only for his career but also for his reputation. He followed that up with a loss to Demian Maia, where he was TKO'd by strikes after being taken down. These losses exposed the weaknesses in his striking defense and made it clear that he was not ready for the UFC's top competition.
• The Jorge Masvidal KO: Jorge Masvidal absolutely annihilated Askren with a flying knee in just five seconds. It was a highlight-reel knockout that went viral, and it instantly became a symbol of Askren's struggles in the UFC. This loss did more than just bruise his ego; it shattered the aura of invincibility that he had built in other promotions. The speed and brutality of the knockout raised questions about his chin and his ability to handle the power of UFC strikers. It was a shocking moment for the fans, and it drastically changed the perception of Askren's fighting ability. This loss was a major blow, both mentally and physically, and it had a lasting impact on his career.
• Demian Maia's Submission: The loss to Demian Maia was a different kind of setback. While Askren was known for his wrestling dominance, he was submitted by Maia's ground game. This exposed a vulnerability in his ground game, which was supposed to be a strength. He was a dominant wrestler, but he lacked the skills to defend against the submission threats of a high-level grappler like Maia. This defeat further fueled the narrative that Askren’s skills did not translate well to the UFC, and it raised doubts about his overall skill set.
• The Adjustment to the UFC: The UFC is a different beast than Bellator or ONE Championship. The level of competition is higher, the striking is more refined, and the pressure is intense. Askren struggled to adapt to these new challenges. He wasn't able to use his wrestling to the same degree as he had in the past, and he was exposed to the weaknesses in his game. This adjustment was simply too difficult for him to overcome. The UFC fighters are some of the best in the world, and they all have great fight camps. Askren had to compete with a great group of fighters, so the transition was difficult for him. He also had to adapt to the higher level of the sport, and it proved to be a tough adjustment. The pressure and the high stakes of the UFC did not allow Askren to thrive.

Post-UFC Career and Legacy

After his disappointing run in the UFC, Ben Askren retired from MMA. He transitioned to the world of boxing, where he fought Jake Paul in an exhibition match. He lost that fight by knockout, but it was another opportunity for him to stay in the public eye. Askren continues to be involved in the MMA community. He works as an analyst and commentator, and he shares his insights and knowledge of the sport. His legacy is a complex one. He was a dominant wrestler and a successful MMA fighter. However, his short and unsuccessful stint in the UFC will always be a part of his story. His career has taught us some valuable lessons about the sport. It highlighted how the nuances and strategies in combat can make the difference between a win or a loss. Askren's career underscores the importance of a well-rounded skill set. It also demonstrates how a fighter's success in one promotion doesn't guarantee success in another. His experiences provide many lessons for future fighters.

In conclusion, Ben Askren's story is a reminder that the world of MMA can be unpredictable. Despite his wrestling pedigree, his UFC career was cut short due to his striking deficiencies and the high level of competition. However, he remains an important figure in the sport, and his contributions will be remembered. He has made an undeniable impact on the sport of MMA. He has left behind a legacy that is both admirable and thought-provoking. While his UFC journey was not successful, his overall career serves as a great example of the challenges and opportunities of the sport. The story of Ben Askren is a reminder that the fight game is a complex and ever-evolving one.