Ben Askren Height, Weight, Religion, Net Worth, Age, Biography

About (Profile/Biography):
Ben Askren, known as "Funky Ben," is a retired American mixed martial artist and former Olympic wrestler who dominated combat sports through his unorthodox fighting style. Born in Wisconsin, he became a two-division NCAA wrestling champion before transitioning to MMA. Askren held welterweight titles in both ONE Championship and Bellator MMA, remaining undefeated for nearly a decade. His controversial UFC career, though brief, generated massive attention. Beyond fighting, he's an entrepreneur, podcast host, and wrestling coach. Askren's unique personality, combined with his elite grappling skills and trash-talking abilities, made him one of MMA's most polarizing yet respected figures.
Early Life and Wrestling Career of Ben Askren
• Ben was born in Hartland, Wisconsin, and showed exceptional athletic talent from childhood, excelling in multiple sports before focusing on wrestling.
• He earned the nickname "Funky" due to his unconventional wrestling techniques that confused opponents and frustrated coaches throughout his amateur career.
• Askren won two NCAA Division I wrestling championships at the University of Missouri, establishing himself as one of the most dominant collegiate wrestlers ever.
Olympic Journey for Ben Askren
• Ben represented Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in freestyle wrestling, competing in the 74kg weight division against the world's elite wrestlers.
• He finished seventh at the Olympics, which he later described as both his greatest achievement and biggest disappointment in competitive wrestling.
• Askren retired from amateur wrestling after Beijing, citing frustration with international wrestling politics and scoring systems that didn't favor his style.
Professional MMA Career of Ben Askren
• Ben made his professional MMA debut in 2009, quickly establishing himself as a dominant force with his superior wrestling and submission skills.
• He became Bellator Welterweight Champion in 2010, successfully defending the title twice before contract disputes led to his departure from the promotion.
• Askren signed with ONE Championship in 2013, where he captured and defended the welterweight title multiple times, remaining undefeated for years.
UFC Controversy and Retirement around Ben Askren
• Ben's long-awaited UFC debut came in 2019 via a trade with ONE Championship, generating massive hype but ending in a shocking five-second knockout loss.
• He suffered a controversial loss to Jorge Masvidal via flying knee, which became one of the most-watched knockouts in UFC history and viral internet content.
• Askren retired from MMA in 2019 after hip surgery, ending his career with a 19-2 record and cementing his legacy as an elite grappler.
Business Ventures and Media of Ben Askren
• Ben founded Askren Wrestling Academy in Wisconsin, where he trains the next generation of wrestlers using his innovative techniques and coaching philosophy.
• He became a popular podcast host and social media personality, known for his witty commentary on MMA events and controversial takes on fight predictions.
• Askren has invested in various business ventures, including cryptocurrency and real estate, leveraging his fame to build wealth beyond fighting.
Major Controversies around Ben Askren
• Ben engaged in heated social media feuds with numerous fighters, most notably with Jake Paul, which led to a highly publicized boxing match in 2021.
• His criticism of modern MMA judging and fighter pay structures often put him at odds with UFC management and fellow fighters throughout his career.
• Askren's outspoken political views and controversial statements on various social issues frequently sparked debates among fans and media personalities.
Awards and Recognitions received by Ben Askren
• Two-time NCAA Division I Wrestling Champion (2006, 2007) - University of Missouri Tigers, dominating the 174-pound weight class with technical superiority.
• Bellator Welterweight Champion (2010-2013) - Successfully defended the title twice, establishing himself as one of the promotion's most dominant champions ever.
• ONE Championship Welterweight Champion (2014-2019) - Held the title for five years, making multiple successful defenses against top international competition.
Lesser-Known Facts about Ben Askren
• Ben originally planned to become a mathematics teacher before his wrestling success opened doors to professional fighting and coaching opportunities.
• He once challenged NBA players to wrestling matches on social media, claiming he could defeat any basketball player in a grappling contest.
• Askren secretly trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for years while publicly dismissing its effectiveness, later admitting it improved his ground game significantly.