If you’ve ever watched a wrestling‑heavy MMA bout, you’ve probably seen Ben Askren’s name pop up. The guy made a name for himself by turning Olympic‑level wrestling into a unique fighting style. Fans love his clinch work, and critics love debating his striking.
Askren started as a college wrestler, winning titles and even a world championship in folk‑style. Around 2010 he switched to mixed martial arts, signing with smaller promotions before landing a big break in Bellator. In Bellator he racked up an unbeaten streak, mostly winning by decision. His style was all about controlling the pace, staying low, and using his grappling to wear opponents down.
That unbeaten run earned him a spot in the UFC in 2015. The jump was huge – the level of striking in the UFC was a step up from what he’d faced before. Still, Ben proved he could hang with the best, pulling off a quick TKO over Ryan Caltaldi and a tight decision win against Dustin Poirier.
The fight that still gets people talking today is his bout with former champion Robbie Lawler in 2016. It was a fast finish – Lawler knocked Askren out in just 39 seconds. The loss shocked many because it showed how dangerous striking can be against a wrestler who relies on staying on the mat.
Another crowd‑pleaser was his fight against K.J. Noons in 2015. Askren used his wrestling to control the fight, leading to a unanimous decision win. Fans praised his ability to adapt mid‑round and keep the pressure on.
Since leaving the UFC, Askren turned to coaching and occasionally appears on podcasts. He’s also been involved in professional wrestling shows, adding another layer to his combat résumé.
What’s the biggest takeaway from Ben Askren’s career? It’s that a strong wrestling base can take you far in MMA, but you need to keep improving striking and defense. For new fighters, studying Askren’s clinch transitions and ground control offers a master class in how to dominate without relying on knockout power.
Whether you love his fights or critique his style, Ben Askren remains a talking point in the MMA community. Stay tuned for any future appearances, whether it’s a guest spot in a gym, a podcast interview, or a surprise return to the cage.
Jul, 17 2023
Predicting the outcome between Jake Paul and Ben Askren is a tough call. Both are strong competitors with unique skills - Paul with his boxing prowess and Askren with his MMA background. While Paul has a track record of knockout power, Askren boasts an impressive wrestling career. However, the result is uncertain as it's a boxing match which could tilt the odds in Paul's favor. No matter who wins, it's sure to be a spectacle.