For years, Ben Askren was known as one of the most unusual and dominant grapplers in mixed martial arts. His wrestling heavy style, outspoken personality, and long undefeated streak made him one of the most recognizable fighters outside the UFC before he eventually joined the promotion.
Because his fighting career included dramatic victories, a famous knockout loss, and serious health issues later in life, many fans search online asking what happened to him.
The reality is that Askren’s career did not simply disappear. Instead, it evolved through several phases that included professional fighting, retirement, and new roles in combat sports.
Early Wrestling Career
Before entering mixed martial arts, Ben Askren was already a highly accomplished wrestler.
He competed for the University of Missouri wrestling team and quickly became one of the best collegiate wrestlers in the United States.
During his college career he won multiple national championships in the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.
His wrestling style was unconventional but extremely effective. Askren relied heavily on balance, leverage, and control rather than explosive takedowns.
That approach would later define his fighting style in mixed martial arts.
Transition to Mixed Martial Arts
After his wrestling career, Askren transitioned into professional MMA. His elite grappling skills made him extremely difficult for opponents to defeat.
He quickly built an undefeated record and became champion in the promotion Bellator MMA.
Later he moved to ONE Championship where he continued dominating opponents using his wrestling based strategy.
By the time he finished his run in Asia, Askren was widely considered one of the best fighters outside the UFC.
Fans and analysts debated whether he would eventually compete in the sport’s largest organization.
Joining the UFC
In 2019, Ben Askren finally joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
His debut fight was dramatic. He defeated Robbie Lawler in a controversial submission victory that sparked debate among fans.
However, his next fight became one of the most famous moments in MMA history.
The Fastest Knockout
In July 2019, Askren faced Jorge Masvidal.
Just seconds after the fight began, Masvidal delivered a flying knee knockout that ended the match almost instantly.
The knockout became the fastest finish in UFC history and quickly spread across the internet as a viral highlight.
While the loss was shocking, it also became one of the most talked about moments in the sport.
Askren fought once more in the UFC before announcing his retirement from MMA later in 2019.
Post Fighting Career
After retiring from professional fighting, Ben Askren remained active in the combat sports world.
He became involved in coaching wrestling and MMA athletes. He also launched podcasts and online content discussing combat sports, training, and current events in the fighting world.
Askren’s outspoken personality translated well to media, where he often shares opinions about fighters, promotions, and strategies.
Many former fighters choose similar paths after retirement because their knowledge of the sport remains valuable.
The Boxing Match with Jake Paul
In 2021, Askren briefly returned to competition in a different sport when he participated in a boxing match against Jake Paul.
The fight generated enormous attention due to the unusual matchup between a former MMA champion and a social media celebrity turned boxer.
The match ended quickly when Paul won by knockout in the first round.
Although the fight drew criticism from some combat sports fans, it also demonstrated the growing crossover between internet personalities and professional fighting.
Health Challenges
In 2025, serious news about Askren’s health circulated when reports indicated that he was dealing with severe pneumonia and complications that required hospitalization.
The situation concerned many fans who remembered his athletic career.
However, updates later indicated that he was receiving medical treatment and support from family and friends.
Health issues like these remind people that professional fighters endure years of intense physical strain throughout their careers.
What Ben Askren Is Doing Now
Today, Ben Askren remains involved in wrestling and combat sports as a coach, commentator, and podcast host.
He continues to share insights about training techniques, fight analysis, and athlete development.
While his days of professional fighting are over, his influence in the sport continues through coaching and media work.
The Legacy of Ben Askren
Ben Askren’s career stands out because of his unique wrestling style and his willingness to speak openly about the sport.
He proved that elite grappling could dominate in mixed martial arts and helped inspire younger wrestlers to transition into MMA.
His story also illustrates how athletes often reinvent themselves after retirement.
Instead of disappearing from the sport, Askren transformed into a coach, analyst, and mentor for the next generation of fighters.
