View source for Ben Askren

{{short description|American wrestler and mixed martial artist (born 1984)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name            = Ben Askren        
| image           = Ben Askren Nov 2018.jpg
| image_size      = 200px
| alt             = 
| caption         = Askren in 2018
| birth_name      = Benjamin Michael Askren
| birth_date      = {{Birth date and age|1984|7|18}}
| birth_place     = [[Cedar Rapids, Iowa]], U.S.
| residence       = 
| nickname        = Funky
| height          = 5 ft 10 in
| height_footnote = 
| weight          = 170 lb<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ufcstats.com/fight-details/c6f803543d6f175f | title=Stats &#124; UFC }}</ref>
| weight_class    = [[Cruiserweight (boxing)]]<br />[[Middleweight (MMA)|Middleweight]] / [[Welterweight (MMA)|Welterweight]] ([[MMA]]) {{efn|During Askren's tenure in ONE Championship, he competed at 185 lbs. ONE Championship refers to their 185 lb division as Welterweight, but per the Association of Boxing Commissions in the United States, 185 lbs is considered Middleweight.}}
| reach_in        = 72
| reach_footnote  = <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/ben-askren|title=Ben Askren {{!}} UFC|website=www.ufc.com|date=December 27, 2018|access-date=2019-03-21}}</ref>
| style           = [[Wrestling]]
| fighting_out_of = [[Hartland, Wisconsin]], U.S.
|stance           = Orthodox
| team            = [[Roufusport]] (2009–present)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/4/16/22386491/tyron-woodley-teammates-bullish-on-ben-askren-breaking-down-jake-paul|title=Tyron Woodley, teammates bullish on Ben Askren breaking down Jake Paul|date=April 16, 2021|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Steven Marrocco|access-date=May 15, 2021}}</ref><br />[[Evolve MMA]] (2014–2017)
| wrestling       = [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[NCAA Division I|Division I]] [[Collegiate wrestling|Wrestling]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.teamusa.org/usa-wrestling/athletes/Ben-Askren|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023204522/http://www.teamusa.org/usa-wrestling/athletes/Ben-Askren|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 23, 2015|title=Ben Askren|publisher=United States Olympic Committee|website=teamusa.org|access-date=July 7, 2019}}</ref> <br /> Olympic [[Freestyle wrestling|Freestyle Wrestling]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.flocombat.com/articles/6050393-ben-askren-complete-story-of-a-wrestling-legend|title=Ben Askren: Complete Story Of A Wrestling Legend|website=flocombat.com|author=Duane Finley|date=November 23, 2017}}</ref>
| rank            = Brown belt in [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://jitsmagazine.com/ben-askren-reveals-that-he-wishes-he-trained-more-bjj/ | title=Ben Askren Reveals That He Wishes He Trained More BJJ | date=August 12, 2020 }}</ref>
| years_active    = 2005–2010, 2013–2015, 2019 ([[freestyle wrestling]])<br /> 2009–2017, 2019 ([[MMA]])<br /> 2021 ([[boxing]])
| box_win         = 0
| box_kowin       = 0
| box_loss        = 1
| box_koloss      = 1
| box_draw        = 
| box_nc          = 
| mma_kowin       = 6
| mma_subwin      = 6
| mma_decwin      = 7
| mma_koloss      = 1
| mma_subloss     = 1
| mma_decloss     = 
| mma_draw        = 
| mma_nc          = 1
| occupation      = 
| university      = [[University of Missouri]]
| spouse          = 
| relatives       = 
| students        = 
| club            = 
| school          = 
| url             = 
| sherdog         = 42390
| boxrec          = 992504
| footnotes       = 
| updated         = 
| pb             = 
| medaltemplates = 
{{MedalCountry|the {{USA}}}}
{{MedalSport | Men's [[Freestyle Wrestling|freestyle wrestling]] }}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Pan American Wrestling Championships|Pan American Championships]] }}
{{MedalGold | 2005 Guatemala City| 84 kg }}
{{MedalSport | Men's [[Grappling]] }}
{{MedalCompetition | [[FILA World Grappling Championships|World Championships]] }}
{{MedalGold | 2009 Fort Lauderdale|84 kg (No-Gi) }}
{{MedalSport | [[Collegiate Wrestling]]}}
{{MedalCountry | the}} [[Missouri Tigers#Wrestling|Missouri Tigers]]
{{MedalCompetition|[[NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|NCAA Division I Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[2006 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|2006 Oklahoma City]]|174 lb}}
{{MedalGold|2007 Auburn Hills|174 lb}}
{{MedalSilver|2004 St. Louis|174 lb}}
{{MedalSilver|2005 St. Louis|174 lb}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Big 12 Conference|Big 12 Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold|2004 Ames|174 lb}}
{{MedalGold|2006 Ames|174 lb}}
{{MedalGold|2007 Columbia|174 lb}}
{{MedalSilver|2005 Omaha|174 lb}}
| show-medals    = yes
}}

'''Benjamin Michael Askren'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ben Askren |url=https://fanaticwrestling.com/blogs/news/ben-askren#:~:text=Benjamin%20Michael%20Askren%20was%20born,compete%20against%20at%20the%20time. |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=Fanatic Wrestling |language=en}}</ref> (born July 18, 1984) is an American former professional [[mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]], [[professional boxer]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/992504|title=BoxRec: Ben Askren}}</ref> and Olympic [[Wrestling|wrestler]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/11/4/18060798/dana-white-says-bringing-ben-askren-to-the-ufc-was-a-great-deal-for-me|title=Dana White says bringing Ben Askren to the UFC was 'a great deal for me'|date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> He was the former [[List of Bellator MMA champions#Welterweight World Championship|Bellator]] and [[List of ONE Championship champions#Welterweight World Championship|ONE Welterweight Champion]], remaining undefeated for over a decade before competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship ([[UFC]]).

An accomplished [[Grappling|grappler]], he was a 2008 US [[Wrestling at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's freestyle 74 kg|Olympic]] Team Member and National champion in [[freestyle wrestling]]. He also was the 2005 [[Pan American Wrestling Championships|Pan American]] champion as a freestyle wrestler. In college, Askren was a two-time [[NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships#1999–2024|NCAA Division I national champion]] (four-time finalist), and three-time [[Big 12 Conference]] champion (four-time finalist) for the [[Missouri Tigers wrestling|Missouri Tigers]], and was the second wrestler to secure multiple [[Dan Hodge Trophy|Dan Hodge Trophies]] (the wrestling equivalent of the [[Heisman Trophy]]) in [[Folkstyle|folkstyle wrestling]]. He was also a [[FILA Grappling#World Grappling Championship|world champion]] in [[submission wrestling]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-08-20|title=Merrill: A week in the life of an Olympic athlete|url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/summer08/columns/story?id=3544007|access-date=2021-04-17|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ben Askren (2011) - Hall of Fame|url=https://mutigers.com/honors/hall-of-fame/ben-askren/184|access-date=2021-04-17|website=University of Missouri Athletics|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=June 20, 2019|title=#Throwback Thursday: See three Ben Askren bouts at 2009 UWW Grappling Worlds in Florida|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2019/June/20/2009-Ben-Askren-Grappling-World-bouts|url-status=dead|website=Team USA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417211631/https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2019/June/20/2009-Ben-Askren-Grappling-World-bouts |archive-date=April 17, 2021 }}</ref>

== Wrestling career ==
=== Early career and folkstyle ===
Askren was introduced to the sport of [[wrestling]] by his father Chuck at age six, but only took the sport seriously when he started the [[sixth grade]] and joined a club.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ben Askren|url=https://fanaticwrestling.com/blogs/news/ben-askren|access-date=2021-04-17|website=Fanatic Wrestling|language=en}}</ref> During [[Scholastic wrestling|high school]], he became a two-time [[Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association|WIAA]] state champion out of [[Arrowhead High School]] in [[Wisconsin]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arrowhead Union High School - 2017 Inductees|url=https://www.arrowheadschools.org/activities/hall-of-fame/2017-inductees.cfm?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=9fff6be93e9b9a22e106f91d81b8da1a6ba86a34-1618687476-0-AT5fjDvIod4VjcTrg4HzjkZDtjGvQqB08D4hf8FNJ7yQqYilm2kyQSD8JptM4Qe70Rs-STyZt-GAhNy5nIgFLi4dJbUTgIspg0gtNsu10UDwgccJ0HeXA0RVnm0PUY3snXMHuhxJbXsVLubzmGhjyyWpw5g2GnwDW3ICpOkMy9anDk2JYEOzNiMFlRn0DmFExtuFjIx7uZ1LYrtNWkAmcn9qy_BS8OnCVlJ5ifGPBrd7ierz_Qkg1Fsf6gQwfBOIWENRhUmkgPnsrvLWZoJqj_NmzzJGrdVXIK5ED0HWqWYPXCg9Zvhz6IrNs7zCGIzSCKjTbTEmhmGZFlOhYlpGLr_YmAxsjLbmcjbnPNr60v3SeaXu7BkDVKHbrqWv0A4G5B3T1dgbOrewouoa8ZjidzmLI7tNQqXi0dd00TdiZhiT0v8oCIOl7dYqI2E53ccGgSP17rFWh9_ZYYDieia-zNAmPs-UX7MvrMW4_btrN9vmOQs-AxmbMIBXVxrl8fT2YhR9wIXtU5IZfKtMLJj4r8kd627mfIkau-CHSmQhuLPFFnaiRXYMIGrgqBpTkY5Tbh_wZdpaBy4fQ_mg8BNUY8BJ5g41AGwOjqfjk16B5LGMwoXCoX-rOzQYjv1ez2CMhWOrVf8ITMoHLgwT7N6EjuQn7uyP6cYfDvvC8kDydIvfCej6ZHs-X6Wvxc7gfxP3JjJtzECYV1sNabGYJyIXziU|access-date=2021-04-17|website=www.arrowheadschools.org}}</ref> Nationally, he placed at multiple US National tournaments in [[folkstyle]], [[Freestyle wrestling|freestyle]] and [[Greco-Roman wrestling|Greco-Roman]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wisconsin Wrestling Hall of Fame :: Askren, Ben|url=https://www.wiwrestlinghofhonorees.org/alpha/a/askren-ben/|access-date=2021-04-17|website=www.wiwrestlinghofhonorees.org}}</ref>

In [[Collegiate wrestling|college]], Askren wrestled for the [[Missouri Tigers wrestling|Missouri Tigers]] at 174 pounds, where he was teammates with future [[UFC Welterweight Champion]] [[Tyron Woodley]] and future [[Bellator Lightweight Champion]] [[Michael Chandler]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-26|title=How the bond between Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren changed Missouri wrestling|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/26075817/how-bond-tyron-woodley-ben-askren-changed-missouri-wrestling|access-date=2021-04-17|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref> During his [[Freshman#United States|freshman]] campaign (2003–2004), Askren won the [[Big 12 Conference]] Championships and placed second at the NCAA Championships, with both matches being against standout from [[Oklahoma State Cowboys wrestling|Oklahoma State]] [[Chris Pendleton]]. During his [[Sophomore#United States|sophomore]] campaign (2004–2005), Askren placed second at both the NCAA and Big 12 Championships, losing both championship matches to Pendleton.<ref name="Connelly">{{Cite web|last=Connelly|first=Bill|date=2015-07-22|title=The Greatest, #1: Ben Askren|url=https://www.rockmnation.com/2015/7/22/8962615/ben-askren-missouri-greatest-dan-hodge-mma-olympics|access-date=2021-04-17|website=Rock M Nation|language=en}}</ref> After being a runner-up for half of his career, Askren shined as a [[Junior (education year)#United States|junior]] and a [[Senior (education)#United States|senior]], becoming the third athlete to ever earn the [[Dan Hodge Trophy]] in multiple occasions, as he received the award in both seasons after compiling a combined 87–0 record.<ref name="Connelly"/> Throughout his career, Askren defeated multiple [[NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships#1999–2024|NCAA champions]] such as [[Jake Herbert]] and Keith Gavin.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Matter|first=Dave|title=Matter's Best of Mizzou: No. 2, Ben Askren|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/matters-best-of-mizzou-no-2-ben-askren/article_05ecb1e2-0799-5102-99c7-bbe4637aa3fb.html|access-date=2021-04-17|website=STLtoday.com|date=April 25, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Richard Anderson Mann|title=Ben Askren defeats world silver medalist Jake Herbert in Midlands super match|date=January 5, 2011 |url=https://prommanow.com/2011/01/03/ben-askren-jake-herbert-in-midlands-super-match/|access-date=2021-04-17|language=en-US}}</ref> After a legendary run, Askren graduated with a 153–8 record (seven of the losses were handled by [[Chris Pendleton]] and one of them by Ryan Lange), two [[Dan Hodge Trophy|Dan Hodge Trophies]] (2006, 2007) and [[Schalles Award]]s (2006, 2007),<ref>{{cite web |title=Schalles Award Winners |url=https://www.win-magazine.com/win-awards/schalles-award/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=WIN magazine}}</ref> two NCAA championships, three Big 12 Championships and 91 [[Pin (amateur wrestling)|pins]], the third most in [[NCAA Division I]] history.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ben Askren Claims Dan Hodge Award for Second Consecutive Year|url=http://big12sports.com/news/2007/3/26/1521732.aspx|access-date=2021-04-17|website=big12sports.com|date=March 26, 2007 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mutigers.com/news/2006/3/27/Ben_Askren_Named_2006_Recipient_of_Dan_Hodge_Trophy.aspx?path=wrestling  |title=Ben Askren Named 2006 Recipient of Dan Hodge Trophy |publisher=MU Tigers Athletics via website |date=March 27, 2006}}</ref>

One of the most dominant collegiate wrestlers of all time, Askren's "funky" style relied heavily in unorthodox scrambling techniques and was known for his [[Pin (amateur wrestling)|pinning]] ability as well as his massive afro.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Funky Wrestling With Ben Askren|url=https://fanaticwrestling.com/blogs/news/funky-wrestling-with-ben-askren|access-date=2021-04-17|website=Fanatic Wrestling|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ben Askren named 2007 Rev Wrestler of the Year|url=http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/2661|access-date=2021-04-17|website=InterMat|archive-date=April 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419084252/https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/2661|url-status=dead}}</ref> His peculiar and uncommon body shape for a [[wrestler]] allowed him to complete moves that his competition could not, thus constantly putting them in awkward positions.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bumpus|first=Austin|date=2020-01-29|title=Former UFC fighter Ben Askren paying it forward with wrestling academy after retirement from MMA|url=https://sotsports.com/2020/01/29/former-ufc-fighter-ben-askren-paying-it-forward-with-wrestling-academy-after-retirement-from-mma/|access-date=2021-04-17|website=The Swing of Things|language=en}}</ref> On January 9, 2012, it was announced that Askren would be one of six new inductees to the [[University of Missouri]] Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.<ref>{{cite web|date=2012-01-09|title=Six chosen for University of Missouri Athletics Hall of Fame|url=http://www.heartlandconnection.com/sports/story.aspx?id=705673|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918161234/http://www.heartlandconnection.com/sports/story.aspx?id=705673|archive-date=2013-09-18|access-date=2012-01-10|publisher=KTVO-TV via website}}</ref>

=== Freestyle ===
Despite his style relying heavily in [[folkstyle]] rules, Askren was able to adapt fairly well to [[freestyle wrestling]] after his graduation from college.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gallo|first=Ed|title=Domination: Jordan Burroughs vs. Ben Askren Match Recap - MMA Sucka|date=May 7, 2019|url=https://mmasucka.com/2019/05/07/jordan-burroughs-ben-askren-match-recap/|access-date=2021-04-17|language=en-US}}</ref> After working on adapting his style during 2007, Askren claimed the US National Championship in April and followed up by making the US Olympic Team in June.<ref>{{Cite web|last=MURPHY/MISSOURIAN|first=TOM|title=Ben Askren's goal is to win an Olympic gold medal.|url=https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/other_sports/ben-askrens-goal-is-to-win-an-olympic-gold-medal/article_54668022-91ac-5c44-a01a-3000d9473cc1.html|access-date=2021-04-17|website=Columbia Missourian|date=July 21, 2008 |language=en}}</ref> At the [[2008 Summer Olympics]], Askren defeated Hungarian [[István Veréb]] via [[Pin (amateur wrestling)|fall]] in the first round, but fell in the quarterfinals to Cuba's [[Iván Fundora]] on points. Fundora was then defeated by Russia's [[Buvaisar Saitiev]], thus eliminating Askren's chances of competing for a medal.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Earl|date=2019-05-05|title=A Look at the Remarkable Wrestling Career of Ben Askren|url=https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/a-look-at-the-remarkable-wrestling-career-of-ben-askren/72973|access-date=2021-04-17|website=The Open Mat|language=en-US|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630002454/https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/a-look-at-the-remarkable-wrestling-career-of-ben-askren/72973|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Askren was then asked if inexperience in the new ruleset was a factor, but he responded; "That wasn't it," he said with tears in his eyes, "I just wasn't good enough. I sucked."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.espn.com/olympics/summer08/columns/story?id=3544007 | title=Askren's long wait for shot on Olympic mat ends in tears | date=August 20, 2008 | publisher=ESPN via website}}</ref>

=== Post-Olympic career ===
Although Askren decided to pursue a career in [[MMA]] after the Olympics, he continued to compete in wrestling occasionally. In 2010, he avenged his Olympic loss by defeating [[Ivan Fundora|Fundora]] in the semifinals of the [[Cerro Pelado International]] in Cuba. This came shortly after Askren won the [[Dave Schultz (amateur wrestler)|Dave Schultz]] Memorial International. Later the same year, Askren defeated 2009 world silver medalist [[Jake Herbert]] in a folkstyle rules match at the Midlands Tournament. Askren also competed in the Agon Wrestling Championships and the Flo Premier League. In May 2019, Askren lost by technical superiority to [[List of World and Olympic Champions in men's freestyle wrestling#5 World Level Championships|five-time World and Olympic champion]] [[Jordan Burroughs]] in the annual Beat the Streets benefit event.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mindenhall|first=Chuck|date=2019-05-07|title=Ben Askren got smoked at Beat the Streets, but wrestling is alive and well|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/5/7/18535315/ben-askren-got-smoked-at-beat-the-streets-but-wrestling-is-alive-and-well|access-date=2021-04-17|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}</ref>

After spending a little over a year in retirement from his MMA career, Askren announced a successful hip surgery in 2020 and revealed that he intends to return to competitive freestyle wrestling soon.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-25|title=Ben Askren Will Wrestle Again And Won't Rule Out Return To MMA|url=https://jitsmagazine.com/ben-askren-will-wrestle-again-and-wont-rule-out-return-to-mma/|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Jitsmagazine.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Mixed martial arts career ==

=== Early career ===
Askren made his professional MMA debut on February 7, 2009.<ref name=mmadebut>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/13837/collegiate-wrestling-stand-out-ben-askren-makes-pro-mma-debut-feb-7.mma |title=Collegiate wrestling stand-out Ben Askren makes pro MMA debut Feb. 7 |publisher=MMAJunkie.com |date=2009-01-27 |access-date=2010-06-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090308091114/http://mmajunkie.com/news/13837/collegiate-wrestling-stand-out-ben-askren-makes-pro-mma-debut-feb-7.mma |archive-date=2009-03-08 }}</ref> It was held by Headhunter Productions at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center in [[Columbia, Missouri]]. He defeated Josh Flowers via TKO early in the first round.<ref name=mmafight1>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/13950/mma-rookie-and-olympian-ben-askren-ufc-vet-din-thomas-win-in-missouri.mma |title=MMA rookie and Olympian Ben Askren, UFC vet Din Thomas win in Missouri |publisher=MMAJunkie.com |date=2009-02-08 |access-date=2010-06-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090314045827/http://mmajunkie.com/news/13950/mma-rookie-and-olympian-ben-askren-ufc-vet-din-thomas-win-in-missouri.mma |archive-date=2009-03-14 }}</ref>

Askren had his second fight at Patriot Act 2 in [[Columbia, Missouri]]. He defeated Mitchell Harris via submission by arm triangle. The fight was at a [[catchweight]] of 175 pounds.<ref name=mmafight2>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/14701/ncaa-champ-ben-askren-moves-to-2-0-with-weekend-mma-win.mma |title=NCAA champ Ben Askren moves to 2–0 with weekend MMA win |publisher=MMAJunkie.com |date=2009-04-27 |access-date=2010-06-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430095722/http://mmajunkie.com/news/14701/ncaa-champ-ben-askren-moves-to-2-0-with-weekend-mma-win.mma |archive-date=2009-04-30 }}</ref>

=== Grappling ===
Askren competed at the 2009 [[ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship]] from September 26–27, in Barcelona, Spain. He won his first match against Toni Linden by [[arm triangle choke]]. He lost his second match to [[Pablo Popovitch]], a veteran grappler he had trained with the previous summer, by figure four [[footlock]] early in the match. Popovitch went on to win the championship in the under 77&nbsp;kg (169&nbsp;lb) division.<ref>{{cite web |author=SCHEDULE September 23, 2009 — sebastianvalle |url=http://adccbarcelona.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525121417/http://adccbarcelona.com/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=May 25, 2009 |title=ADCC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BARCELONA 2009 |publisher=Adccbarcelona.com |date=2009-09-23 |access-date=2014-04-08}}</ref>

Askren also competed at the 2009 [[International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles|FILA]] 2° World Grappling Championship. Askren faced the 2008 World Champion, [[Jacob Volkmann]], in the 84&nbsp;kg [[no-gi]] division. Askren out-wrestled Volkmann and won gold in the category.<ref>{{cite web |author=International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles |url=http://www.fila-official.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=567%3Achampionnat-du-monde-a-fort-lauderdale&catid=56%3Aactualite&Itemid=100210 |title=Championnat du Monde en Floride |publisher=Fila-official.com |access-date=2014-04-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316213824/http://www.fila-official.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=567:championnat-du-monde-a-fort-lauderdale&catid=56:actualite&Itemid=100210 |archive-date=2012-03-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Bellator Fighting Championships ===
Askren was a participant in [[Bellator Fighting Championships]] [[Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Two|Season 2]] Welterweight Tournament.<ref name=bellator>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/17138/welterweight-prospect-ben-asken-announced-as-bellators-newest-signee.mma |title=Welterweight prospect Ben Askren announced as Bellator's newest signee |publisher=MMAJunkie.com |date=2009-12-09 |access-date=2010-06-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208232126/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17138/welterweight-prospect-ben-asken-announced-as-bellators-newest-signee.mma |archive-date=2010-02-08 }}</ref> In his first fight, Askren defeated [[Ryan Thomas (fighter)|Ryan Thomas]] via technical submission at [[Bellator 14]] on April 15, 2010. The outcome of the fight was controversial because Thomas protested the stoppage as soon as Askren released the choke.<ref name=bellator14>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/18738/bellator-14-recap-imada-askren-reis-and-curran-advance-in-tourney-action.mma |title=Bellator 14 recap: Imada, Askren, Reis and Curran advance in tourney action |publisher=MMAJunkie.com |date=2010-04-15 |access-date=2010-06-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629161615/http://mmajunkie.com/news/18738/bellator-14-recap-imada-askren-reis-and-curran-advance-in-tourney-action.mma |archive-date=29 June 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

After [[Jim Wallhead]] was pulled from the tournament, Thomas was given another chance to compete. Thomas defeated Jacob McClintock by TKO in the first round at [[Bellator 15]] and was awarded a rematch with Askren. When the two fought at [[Bellator 19]], Askren came out victorious again with a unanimous decision after controlling Thomas with [[wrestling]] for three rounds.<ref name=bellator19>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/19230/bellator-19-recap-soto-stops-saraiva-askren-and-hornbuckle-book-finals-date.mma |title=Bellator 19 recap: Soto stops Saraiva; Askren and Hornbuckle book finals date |publisher=MMAJunkie.com |date=2010-05-20 |access-date=2010-06-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629161009/http://mmajunkie.com/news/19230/bellator-19-recap-soto-stops-saraiva-askren-and-hornbuckle-book-finals-date.mma |archive-date=29 June 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

At [[Bellator 22]], Askren defeated [[Dan Hornbuckle]] via unanimous decision with his superior wrestling dominating Hornbuckle for all three rounds, becoming the [[Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Two#Welterweight Tournament Bracket|Bellator Season Two Welterweight Tournament Champion]].<ref name=bellator22>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/19589/bellator-22-recap-dan-hornbuckle-cant-stop-the-funk-ben-askren-claims-tourney-win.mma |title=Bellator 22 recap: Dan Hornbuckle can't stop the funk; Ben Askren claims tourney win |publisher=MMAJunkie.com |date=2010-06-17 |access-date=2010-06-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621030731/http://mmajunkie.com/news/19589/bellator-22-recap-dan-hornbuckle-cant-stop-the-funk-ben-askren-claims-tourney-win.mma |archive-date=2010-06-21 }}</ref>

On October 21, 2010, in Philadelphia Askren took on the Bellator Welterweight Champion [[Lyman Good]]. Despite being hit with a brutal upkick and almost getting caught in a triangle choke with one minute left, he was able to take down and control Good in every round. Askren won via unanimous decision (49–46, 48–47, and 50–45) to win the Bellator Welterweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/10/21/ben-askren-beats-lyman-good-for-bellator-welterweight-title/ |title=Ben Askren Beats Lyman Good for Bellator Welterweight Title |date=October 21, 2010 |publisher=MMA Fighting |access-date=2014-04-08}}</ref>

Askren next returned at [[Bellator 40]] to fight and defeat [[Nick Thompson (fighter)|Nick Thompson]] after taking down and controlling Thompson for all three rounds. Although Askren started off quickly in the third round with a spinning back fist and several other strikes, he was caught with an overhand right by Thompson, causing Askren to take down and control Thompson for the remainder of the round. Askren went on to win by unanimous decision (30–26, 30–27, and 30–27).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sbnation.com/mma/2011/4/9/2101575/bellator-40-results-ben-askren-vs-nick-thompson |title=Bellator 40 Results: Ben Askren Dominates Nick Thompson Over Fifteen Minutes |date=April 9, 2011 |publisher=SBNation.com |access-date=2014-04-08}}</ref>

Following his unanimous decision win over  Thompson in a non-title affair at [[Bellator 40]] in [[Newkirk, Oklahoma]], Askren revealed that he was moving to [[Milwaukee]] to train under [[Duke Roufus]] at [[Roufusport]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Breen |first=Jordan |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Bellator-Champ-Askren-Milwaukee-Bound-Set-to-Join-Roufusport-Camp-31477 |title=Bellator Champ Askren Milwaukee-Bound, Set to Join Roufusport Camp |publisher=Sherdog.com |date=2011-04-09 |access-date=2014-04-08}}</ref>

Askren successfully defended his title against season 4 welterweight tournament winner [[Jay Hieron]] at [[Bellator 56]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Leidecker |first=Tim |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/10-October-Tussles-Worth-Watching-36076 |title=10 October Tussles Worth Watching |publisher=Sherdog.com |date=2011-09-30 |access-date=2014-04-08}}</ref> following a close split decision.

Askren successfully defended his title against season 5 welterweight tournament winner [[Douglas Lima]] at [[Bellator 64]] on April 6, 2012, on Good Friday at the Caesars in Windsor, Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmainterplay.com/bellator-news/ben-askren-vs-douglas-lima-welterweight-title-bout-set-for-bellator-64-56951/ |title=Ben Askren vs. Douglas Lima welterweight title bout set for Bellator 64 &#124; MMA News |publisher=Mmainterplay.com |date=2012-02-08 |access-date=2014-04-08}}</ref>

Next for Askren was a title defense against [[Karl Amoussou]],<ref name="mmajunkie.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/29818/bellator-72-results.mma/ |title= |website=www.mmajunkie.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724015828/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/29818/bellator-72-results.mma/ |archive-date=July 24, 2012}}</ref> the fight taking place at [[Bellator 86]] on January 24, 2013. Askren once again used his top control wrestling to shut down his opponents [[grappling]], and opened a cut on Amoussou's forehead with an elbow strike. The doctor stepped in between the third and fourth rounds, judging the cut too severe for Amoussou to continue.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Bellator-86-Results-PlaybyPlay-Updates-49273#ben-askren-karl-amoussou |title=BELLATOR 86 RESULTS: PLAY-BY-PLAY & UPDATES |first=Mike |last=Whitman |website=Sherdog |date=2013-01-24 |access-date=2013-02-14}}</ref>

In the final fight of his contract, Askren faced tournament winner [[Andrey Koreshkov]] at [[Bellator 97]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://themmareport.com/2013/05/bellator-97-takes-place-on-july-31st-in-new-mexico-with-askren-koreshkov-and-lima-saunders/ |title=Bellator 97 takes place on July 31st in New Mexico with Askren-Koreshkov and Lima-Saunders |publisher=The MMA Report |date=2013-05-21 |access-date=2014-04-08}}</ref> He dominated the fight with his wrestling and ground strikes, outstriking his opponent by a wide 248 to 3 margin before winning via TKO in the fourth round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/7/31/4576730/bellator-97-results-michael-chandler-ben-askren-cruise-to-easy-title |title=Bellator 97 results: Michael Chandler, Ben Askren cruise to easy title defenses |author=Thomas, Luke |date=July 31, 2013 |publisher=MMAJunkie.com}}</ref>

On November 14, 2013, following a negotiation period, Bellator announced they had released Askren from the company, and that he was now an unrestricted free agent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/11/14/bellator-releases-welterweight-champion-ben-askren/ |title=Bellator releases welterweight champion Ben Askren |publisher=MMAJunkie.com |date=2013-11-14 |access-date=2013-11-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114154253/http://mmajunkie.com/2013/11/14/bellator-releases-welterweight-champion-ben-askren/ |archive-date=2013-11-14 }}</ref>

=== ONE Championship ===
On December 9, 2013, Askren signed a two-year, six-fight contract with [[ONE Championship]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/undefeated-former-bellator-champion-ben-011835957--mma.html |title=Undefeated Former Bellator Champion Ben Askren Signs with One FC|date=December 10, 2013 }}</ref>

Askren met Bakhtiyar Abbasov, who had been riding a nine-fight win streak, in the main event of ONE FC: Honor and Glory on May 30.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmanuts.com/news/ben-askren-make-one-fc-debut-may/ |title=Ben Askren to Make One FC Debut in May |publisher=mmanuts.com |author=Chris Pagliuca |date=April 7, 2014 |access-date=April 7, 2014}}</ref> He won the fight via submission (arm-triangle choke) in the first round, and proceeded to call out ONE champion [[Nobutatsu Suzuki]], stating "Suzuki is going to bring me my belt. He can put it in the middle of the cage and give it to me, or I can take it the hard way!”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cagepages.com/2014/05/30/one-fc-16-honor-glory-results-askren/ |title=ONE FC 16: Honor & Glory Results: Ben Askren Submits Abbasov in Debut, Latoel Upsets Ng |publisher=cagepages.com |author=Kevin Thang |date=May 30, 2014 |access-date=May 30, 2014}}</ref>

Askren faced Suzuki at ONE Fighting Championship: Reign of Champions on August 29, 2014. He won the fight via TKO due to strikes in the first round to become the new ONE Welterweight Champion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Abrams |first1=Marc |title=SHINYA AOKI REMAINS ONE FC LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION AT ONE FC: REIGN OF CHAMPIONS |url=https://www.15rounds.com/shinya-aoki-remains-one-fc-lightweight-world-champion-at-one-fc-reign-of-champions/ |newspaper=Boxing News - Boxing, Ufc and Mma News, Fight Results, Schedule, Rankings, Videos and More |date=August 29, 2014 |access-date=23 January 2021}}</ref>

Askren faced [[Luis Santos (fighter)|Luis Santos]] in the main event at [[ONE Championship]]: Valor of Champions on April 24.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmacrazytv.com/2015/03/06/ben-askren-set-to-face-luis-santos/ |title=Ben Askren vs Luis Santos at ONE: Valor of Champions |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402190609/http://mmacrazytv.com/2015/03/06/ben-askren-set-to-face-luis-santos/ |archive-date=2015-04-02 }}</ref>  The fight was ruled "no contest" after an accidental eye poke from Askren at 2:19 of round 1 rendered Santos unable to continue.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://prommanow.com/2015/04/24/one-valor-of-champions-full-results-askren-retains-title-against-veteran-santos-due-to-no-contest/ |title=ONE: Valor of Champions full results; Askren retains title against veteran Santos due to No Contest |publisher=prommanow.com |author=Jack Bratcher |newspaper=Pro Mma Now |date=April 24, 2015 |access-date=April 24, 2015}}</ref>

In the next fight Askren beat Russia's Nikolay Aleksakhin at the ONE Championship: Global Warriors on April 15, 2016, by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Al-Shatti |first1=Shaun |title=ONE Championship 41 results: Ben Askren smothers Nikolay Aleksakhin in non-title contest |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2016/4/15/11439092/one-championship-41-results-ben-askren-smothers-nikolay-aleksakhin-in |website=mmafighting.com |date=April 15, 2016 |access-date=23 January 2021}}</ref>

Askren then fought Agilan Thani at the ONE Championship: Dynasty of Heroes on May 26, 2017.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Goyder |first1=James |title=Ben Askren Draws Undefeated Agilan Thani at ONE Championship |url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/ben-askren-draws-undefeated-agilan-thani-at-one-championship |website=mmaweekly.com |date=April 7, 2017 |access-date=23 January 2021}}</ref> He won the fight via submission due to an arm-triangle choke in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Al-Shatti |first1=Shaun |title=ONE Championship results: Angela Lee submits Istela Nunes, Ben Askren dominates Agilan Thani |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/5/26/15697514/one-championship-results-angela-lee-submits-istela-nunes-ben-askren-dominates-agilan-thani |website=mmafighting.com |date=May 26, 2017 |access-date=23 January 2021}}</ref>

Askren then faced Zebaztian Kadestam at the ONE Championship: Shanghai on September 7, 2017.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cruz |first1=Guilherme |title=Ben Askren headlines ONE Championship card in Shanghai against Zebaztian Kadestam |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/8/17/16161408/ben-askren-headlines-one-championship-card-shanghai-zebaztian-kadestam |website=mmafighting.com |date=August 17, 2017 |access-date=23 January 2021}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO due to punches.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ben Askren Dismantles Zebaztian Kadestam in a Rout at ONE: Shanghai |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ben-askren-dismantles-zebaztian-kadestam-rout-one-shanghai-171317768--mma.html |website=sports.yahoo.com |date=September 2, 2017 |access-date=23 January 2021}}</ref>

Askren then faced fellow veteran Shinya Aoki at ONE Championship: Immortal Pursuit on November 24, 2017. Prior to the bout, he claimed this would be his last fight. He won the fight via TKO due to punches early in the first round. He retired from the sport after the win.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Prates |first1=Fernanda |title=ONE Championship 65 results: Ben Askren stops Shinya Aoki with 57-second TKO in retirement fight |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2017/11/ben-askren-one-championship-65-shinya-aoki-tko-retirement-fight |website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com |date=November 24, 2017 |access-date=23 January 2021}}</ref>

Askren left the door open for one last match if he was made an offer to "prove I'm the best welterweight in the world". He discussed the possibility of facing [[Georges St-Pierre]], claiming "He doesn't want a title fight. He just wants to build on his legacy," adding that he felt he would be the perfect opponent for St. Pierre. The contest never materialized.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cunningham |first1=Cillian |title=Ben Askren Issues Challenges To Khabib, GSP, Diaz Brothers & Till |url=https://punditarena.com/mma/ccunningham/ben-askren-challenges-khabib-gsp-diaz-brothers-till/ |website=punditarena.com |date=October 26, 2018 |access-date=23 January 2021}}</ref>

=== Ultimate Fighting Championship ===
On November 3, 2018, it was announced that the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] had signed Askren under the "trade UFC and One Championship agreement", in exchange for former [[List of UFC champions#Flyweight Championship|UFC Flyweight Champion]] [[Demetrious Johnson (fighter)|Demetrious Johnson]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/11/4/18060798/dana-white-says-bringing-ben-askren-to-the-ufc-was-a-great-deal-for-me|title=Dana White says bringing Ben Askren to the UFC was 'a great deal for me'|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=2018-11-05}}</ref>

Askren made his UFC debut against the former [[UFC Welterweight Champion]] [[Robbie Lawler]] on March 2, 2019, at [[UFC 235]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/12/13/18139529/ben-askren-vs-robbie-lawler-rescheduled-for-ufc-235|title=Ben Askren vs. Robbie Lawler rescheduled for UFC 235|last=Al-Shatti|first=Shaun|date=2018-12-13|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=2018-12-13}}</ref> The bout was initially scheduled for [[UFC 233]], but after the event was cancelled the fight was rescheduled for UFC 235. Askren won the fight via bulldog choke in the first round, through a controversial stoppage by referee [[Herb Dean]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/03/ufc-235-results-ben-askren-controversial-stoppage-over-robbie-lawler-after-vicious-onslaught|title=UFC 235 results: Ben Askren survives vicious onslaught, earns controversial stoppage over Robbie Lawler|date=2019-03-03|website=MMA Junkie|access-date=2019-03-04}}</ref> Replays appear to show Lawler's arm going limp and giving a thumbs up right after, which some attribute to Lawler slipping in and out of consciousness. Although controversial, Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett explained that the commission had "no problem" with Dean's decision to stop the fight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thebodylockmma.com/ufc/commission-has-no-problem-with-no-brainer-decision-to-end-ben-askren-vs-robbie-lawler-fight/|title=Commission has 'no problem' with 'no-brainer' decision to end Ben Askren vs. Robbie Lawler fight|last=Nichols|first=Jake|date=2019-03-03|website=The Body Lock|access-date=2019-03-04}}</ref>

Askren faced long-time veteran [[Jorge Masvidal]] on July 6, 2019, at [[UFC 239]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmanews.com/ben-askren-jorge-masvidal-set-ufc-239/|title=Ben Askren vs. Jorge Masvidal Set For UFC 239 • MMA News|last=Fuentes|first=Jon|date=2019-04-11|website=MMA News|access-date=2019-04-12}}</ref> Leading up to the match, Askren utilized heavy [[trash-talk]] as usual.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-05|title=UFC 239: Ben Askren laughs off 'mad' Jorge Masvidal|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/mma-ufc/ufc-239-ben-askren-laughs-off-mad-jorge-masvidal-1701643/|access-date=2021-04-17|website=Las Vegas Review-Journal|language=en-US}}</ref> He was knocked out with a flying knee five seconds into the first round, the fastest knockout in UFC history, ending his undefeated run.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/7/6/20684562/ufc-239-results-jorge-masvidal-instantly-ko-ben-askren-flying-knee-5-seconds-mma-news|title=UFC 239 results: Jorge Masvidal KOs Ben Askren with flying knee in record-setting time|last=Mercado|first=Eddie|date=2019-07-06|website=Bloody Elbow|access-date=July 7, 2019|archive-date=July 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707034516/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/7/6/20684562/ufc-239-results-jorge-masvidal-instantly-ko-ben-askren-flying-knee-5-seconds-mma-news|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Askren faced [[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship#ADCC 2007|ADCC World Champion]] and MMA veteran [[Demian Maia]] on October 26, 2019, at [[UFC on ESPN+ 20]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/demian-maia-vs-ben-askren-is-het-main-event-van-ufc-singapore/|title=Demian Maia vs. Ben Askren is het Main Event van UFC Singapore|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=August 26, 2019|access-date=2019-08-26}}</ref> and lost the fight via technical submission in round three.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/10/26/ufc-singapore-results-demian-maia-finishes-ben-askren-submission/|title=UFC Singapore Results: Demian Maia Finishes Ben Askren with Third-Round Submission|last=Harshman|first=Heath|date=2019-10-26|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-26}}</ref> This fight earned him the ''[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]]'' award.<ref name="UFConESON+20">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2019/10/26/20933630/ufc-singapore-bonuses-ciryl-gane-banks-extra-50k-for-heel-hook-finish-maia-askren-dariush-espn-mma|title=Singapore Bonuses! Gane's Heel Hook Finish Leads $50K Winners|last=Hiergesell|first=Dan|date=2019-10-26|website=MMAmania.com|language=en|access-date=2019-10-26}}</ref>

=== Retirement ===
On November 18, 2019, Askren announced his official retirement from [[mixed martial arts]] competition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/breaking-ben-askren-officially-retires-from-mma-competition/|title=Breaking: Ben Askren Officially Retires From MMA Competition|last=Kini|first=Abhinav|date=2019-11-18|website=LowKickMMA.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-18}}</ref> Since his retirement, as early as 2021, Askren has repeatedly expressed interest in returning for one more bout in mixed martial arts, should he be able to have a rematch with his former rival Masvidal in the right circumstances, should they be presented in the future.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Only |first=Fighters |date=2019-03-14 |title=Jorge Masvidal brands Ben Askren a 'coward' for not wanting Robbie Lawler rematch |url=https://www.fightersonlymag.com/latest-news/jorge-masvidal-brands-ben-askren-a-coward-for-not-wanting-robbie-lawler-rematch-ufc-london-darren-till/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Fighters Only |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-26 |title=Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal want to run UFC bout back, does Dana White? |url=https://bloodyelbow.com/2023/07/26/jorge-masvidal-ben-askren-ufc-rematch/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Newswire |first=MMA Fighting |date=2023-08-09 |title=Ben Askren fires back at Jorge Masvidal over rematch talk: 'He's scared of being embarrassed' |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/8/9/23826229/ben-askren-fires-back-at-jorge-masvidal-over-rematch-talk-hes-scared-of-being-embarrassed |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Andrew |title=Ben Askren Says He'd Come out of Retirement to Fight Jorge Masvidal at UFC 300 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10103627-ben-askren-says-hed-come-out-of-retirement-to-fight-jorge-masvidal-at-ufc-300 |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>

== Boxing career ==
{{Main|Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren}}
After a back-and-forth on social media,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Taylor|first=Tom|date=2020-12-02|title=Ben Askren responds to Jake Paul challenge: "Muay Thai, kickboxing, boxing, Lethwei, name the style" {{!}} BJPenn.com|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc/ben-askren-responds-to-jake-paul-challenge-muay-thai-kickboxing-boxing-lethwei-name-the-style/|access-date=2020-12-22|website={{!}} BJPenn.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-02|title=Ben Askren: Beating up YouTube star Jake Paul 'sounds like a fun Friday night to me'|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/12/ben-askren-jake-paul-boxing-match-sounds-like-fun|access-date=2020-12-22|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref> Askren fought [[Jake Paul]] in a [[boxing]] match on April 17, 2021, losing by TKO in round one.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Shelton|first=Cole|date=2020-12-22|title=Report {{!}} Jake Paul to box Ben Askren in March of 2021 {{!}} BJPenn.com|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc/report-jake-paul-to-box-ben-askren-in-march-of-2021/|access-date=2020-12-23|website={{!}} BJPenn.com|language=en-US}}</ref> The fight sold 500,000 PPV buys.<ref>{{Citation |title=Jake Paul exposes Conor McGregor in RUTHLESS response |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up6XJrGAhBk |access-date=2023-07-17 |language=en}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
He is competitive in the sport of [[disc golf]]. In 2009, Askren finished ninth in the Amateur World Championships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pdga.com/tournament_results/13814/Open|title=2009 PDGA Amateur World Championships Results}}</ref> Askren is sponsored by [[Discraft]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://discgolf.discraft.com/team_askren.html|title=MMA fighter, Olympian and disc golfer Ben Askren|website=Discraft}}</ref> He is also involved in [[cryptocurrency]] investing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/27952345/former-champion-ben-askren-considering-retirement|title=Former champion Askren considering retirement|date=2019-10-28|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2019-10-31}}</ref>

Askren married his wife Amy in 2010 and together they have three children.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Scott |date=2023-04-27 |title=Former UFC star Ben Askren catches flak after wife appreciation post comes off as insulting |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/former-ufc-star-ben-askren-catches-flak-wife-appreciation-post-comes-off-insulting |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}</ref>

Askren co-hosts a few weekly wrestling podcasts: 'FloWrestling Radio Live' with Christian Pyles on [[FloSports#Wrestling|FloWrestling]], 'The Funky & FRB Show' with Front Row Brian on [https://rokfin.com/stack/17 Rokfin]{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and 'The T-Row & Funky Show' with two-time NCAA champion [[Tommy Rowlands]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-t-row-funky-show/id1059934839 |title=iTunes: The T-Row & Funky Show|website=[[iTunes]]}}</ref>

Askren has stated that he is not religious.<ref name="espn21">{{cite web|author=Ryan Hockensmith|date=August 26, 2021|title=Jake Paul loss just a distant memory for groundhog hater and buckthorn slayer Ben Askren|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/32076462/jake-paul-loss-just-distant-memory-groundhog-hater-buckthorn-slayer-ben-askren|work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>

===2025 Hospitalization===

{{See also|Staphylococcus|Pneumonia}}

On 7 June 2025, Askren's wife, Amy Askren, announced in a social media post that Askren had been hospitalized with "severe [[pneumonia]]" that had developed as a result of a [[staph infection]] and that he was [[sedated]], in a [[critical condition]], and would likely require a [[lung transplant]]. Later, on 17 June 2025, it was reported that Amy Askren had made a further social media post saying that though Askren remained on a [[ventilator]] and an [[extracorporeal membrane oxygenation]] system, he was showing signs of improvement, being "able to open his eyes and squeeze hands".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pattle |first1=Alex |title=Ben Askren’s wife ‘praying for miracle’ as MMA veteran battles pneumonia |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/ufc/ben-askren-pneumonia-symptoms-health-update-hospital-b2772249.html |website=[[The Independent]] |access-date=23 June 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250623171955/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/ufc/ben-askren-pneumonia-symptoms-health-update-hospital-b2772249.html |archive-date=23 June 2025 |language=en |date=18 June 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Lewis |title=Ben Askren's wife provides emotional health update amid ex-UFC star's condition |url=https://talksport.com/mma/3298969/ben-askren-wife-health-update-ufc/ |website=[[talkSPORT]] |access-date=23 June 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250623171749/https://talksport.com/mma/3298969/ben-askren-wife-health-update-ufc/ |archive-date=23 June 2025 |language=en-gb |date=18 June 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mahjouri |first1=Shakiel |title=Ben Askren's wife says former fighter may require a lung transplant: 'I'm still praying for a miracle' |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ben-askrens-wife-says-former-fighter-may-require-a-lung-transplant-im-still-praying-for-a-miracle/ |website=[[CBS Sports]] |access-date=23 June 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250623172213/https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ben-askrens-wife-says-former-fighter-may-require-a-lung-transplant-im-still-praying-for-a-miracle/ |archive-date=23 June 2025 |language=en |date=17 June 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> The news of Askren's illness prompted messages of support and well-wishes for Askren and his family from the UFC, who broadcast a video of Askren's career highlights during [[UFC on ESPN: Usman vs. Buckley]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ellis |first1=Jordan |title=‘Thank you’… Daniel Cormier reacts as touching Ben Askren video plays at UFC Atlanta |url=https://bloodyelbow.com/2025/06/15/thank-you-daniel-cormier-reacts-as-touching-ben-askren-video-plays-at-ufc-atlanta/ |website=[[Bloody Elbow]] |access-date=23 June 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250623174304/https://bloodyelbow.com/2025/06/15/thank-you-daniel-cormier-reacts-as-touching-ben-askren-video-plays-at-ufc-atlanta/ |archive-date=23 June 2025 |language=en |date=15 June 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as members of the MMA community, such as [[Henry Cejudo]] and [[Ariel Helwani]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lewis Thompson |first1=Lewis |title=Former UFC star rushed to hospital with 'severe' health issues |url=https://talksport.com/mma/3271792/ufc-star-hospital-health-ben-askren-update/ |website=[[talkSPORT]] |access-date=23 June 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250623174738/https://talksport.com/mma/3271792/ufc-star-hospital-health-ben-askren-update/ |archive-date=23 June 2025 |language=en-gb |date=8 June 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>
On June 30, 2025, Askren's wife announced in a social media post that Ben had received a double lung transplant.{{CN|date=June 2025}}

== Championships and accomplishments ==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}

=== Mixed martial arts ===
*'''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] (One time) {{small| vs. [[Demian Maia]]}}<ref name="UFConESON+20" />
* '''[[Bellator Fighting Championships]]'''
** [[List of Bellator champions#Welterweight World Championship|Bellator Welterweight Championship]] (One time)
**Four successful title defenses
** [[Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Two#Welterweight Tournament Bracket|Bellator Season 2 Welterweight Tournament Championship]]
** Most consecutive title defenses in Bellator history (4)
** Most successful title defenses in Bellator history (4)
**Undefeated (9–0)
* '''[[ONE Championship]]'''
** [[List of ONE Championship champions#Welterweight World Championship|ONE Welterweight Championship]] (One time)
**Three successful title defenses
***undefeated (7–0)

=== Disc golf ===
* '''[[Professional Disc Golf Association]]'''
** 2011 United States Amateur Disc Golf Championship 2nd Place
** 2009 PDGA Amateur World Doubles Championships Advanced 4th Place
** 2009 St. Louis Open Advanced 2nd Place
** 2009 Mighty MO Advanced 1st Place
** 2009 First Class Challenge 3rd place
** 2006 Alabama Amateur Open Intermediate 3rd Place
** 2005 Highnoon at Indiantown Intermediate 2nd Place

=== Submission grappling ===
* '''[[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship|Abu Dhabi Combat Club]]'''
** 2009 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships Quarterfinalist
* '''[[International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles]]'''
** [[International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles|FILA]] 2009 Grappling World Championships Senior No-Gi Gold Medalist
* '''[[USA Wrestling]]'''
** [[International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles|FILA]] World Team Trials Senior No-Gi Winner (2009)

{{Col-2}}

=== Amateur wrestling ===
* '''[[International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles]]'''
** 2010 Cerro Pelado International Senior Freestyle Silver Medalist
** 2010 Dave Schultz Memorial International Open Senior Freestyle Gold Medalist
** 2009 Hargobind International Senior Freestyle Gold Medalist
** 2009 Sunkist Kids International Open Senior Freestyle Silver Medalist
** 2008 Kyiv International Senior Freestyle Bronze Medalist
** 2007 NYAC Holiday International Open Senior Freestyle Gold Medalist
** 2007 Hargobind International Tournament Senior Freestyle Gold Medalist
** 2005 Pan American Championships Senior Freestyle Gold Medalist
* '''[[USA Wrestling]]'''
** USA Senior Freestyle Olympic Team Trials Winner (2008)
** USA Junior Freestyle World Team Trials Winner (2004)
** USA Senior Freestyle National Championship (2008)
** [[ASICS]] Tiger High School All-American (2002)
** West Junior Freestyle Regional Championship (2002)
** Northern Plains Junior Freestyle Regional Championship (2001, 2002)
* '''[[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]'''
** [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]] Collegiate National Champion (2006, 2007)
** [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]] [[All-American]] (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007) 4x NCAA Finalist
** [[Big 12 Conference]] Championship (2004, 2006, 2007)
** [[Dan Hodge Trophy]] Collegiate Wrestler of the Year (2006, 2007)
** [[University of Missouri]] Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame (2012)
* '''National Wrestling Coaches Association'''
** [[Schalles Award]] Top Collegiate Pinner of the Year (2006, 2007)
* '''National High School Coaches Association'''
** NHSCA Senior High School National Championship Runner-up (2002)
** NHSCA Senior All-American (2002)
* '''[[Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association]]'''
** [[Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association|WIAA]] Division I High School State Championship (2000, 2001)
** [[Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association|WIAA]] Division I All-State (1999, 2000, 2001)
** [[Classic 8 Conference]] Championship (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
*'''[[George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame]]'''
**George Tragos Award (2018)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/03/26/national-wrestling-hall-of-fame-announced-class-of-2018-details-on-hof-induction-weekend-including-ross-booker-t-animal/|title=National Wrestling Hall of Fame announced Class of 2018, details on HOF Induction Weekend including Ross, Booker T, Animal|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|website=PWTorch.com|date=March 26, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018}}</ref>
{{Col-end}}

== Mixed martial arts record ==
{{MMArecordbox
| draws=
| nc=1
| ko-wins=6
| sub-wins=6
| dec-wins=7
| ko-losses=1
| sub-losses=1
| dec-losses=
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center| 19–2 (1)
|[[Demian Maia]]
|Technical Submission (rear-naked choke)<!--PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THIS AS THIS IS THE OFFICIAL RESULT LISTED BY SHERDOG-->
|[[UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Askren]] 
|{{dts|2019|October|26}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3:54
|[[Kallang]], Singapore 
|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}  
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 19–1 (1)
| [[Jorge Masvidal]]
| KO (flying knee)
| [[UFC 239]]
| {{dts|2019|July|6}}
| align=center|1
| align=center|0:05
| [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|<!--PLEASE DO NOT PUT ANYTHING HERE, 'FASTEST KNOCKOUT IN UFC HISTORY' IS NOT AN ACHIEVEMENT IF HE LOST--> 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 19–0 (1)
| [[Robbie Lawler]]
|  Technical Submission (bulldog choke) <!--PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THIS AS THIS IS THE OFFICIAL RESULT LISTED BY SHERDOG-->
| [[UFC 235]]
| {{dts|2019|March|2}}
| align=center|1
| align=center|3:20
| [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 18–0 (1)
| [[Shinya Aoki]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[2017 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Immortal Pursuit|ONE: Immortal Pursuit]]
| {{dts|2017|November|24}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:57
| [[Kallang]], Singapore
| {{small|Defended the [[List of ONE Championship champions#Welterweight World Championship|ONE Welterweight Championship]]. Askren vacated the title on October 27, 2018.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 17–0 (1)
| Zebaztian Kadestam
| TKO (punches)
| [[2017 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Shanghai|ONE: Shanghai]]
| {{dts|2017|September|2}}
| align=center | 2
| align=center | 4:09
| [[Shanghai]], China
| {{small|Defended the [[List of ONE Championship champions#Welterweight World Championship|ONE Welterweight Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 16–0 (1)
| Agilan Thani
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| [[2017 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Dynasty of Heroes|ONE: Dynasty of Heroes]]
| {{dts|2017|May|26}}
| align=center | 1
| align=center | 2:20
| [[Kallang]], Singapore
| {{small|Defended the [[List of ONE Championship champions#Welterweight World Championship|ONE Welterweight Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 15–0 (1)
| Nikolay Aleksakhin
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[2016 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Global Rivals|ONE: Global Rivals]]
| {{dts|2016|April|15}}
| align=center | 5
| align=center | 5:00
| [[Pasay]], Philippines
| {{small|Non-title bout; Aleksakhin missed weight (187 lb).}}
|-
| {{nocontest}}NC
| align=center | {{nowrap|14–0 (1)}}
| [[Luis Santos (fighter)|Luis Santos]]
| No Contest (accidental eye poke)
| [[2015 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Valor of Champions|ONE: Valor of Champions]]
| {{dts|2015|April|24}}
| align=center | 1
| align=center | 2:19
| [[Pasay]], Philippines
| {{small|Retained the [[List of ONE Championship champions#Welterweight World Championship|ONE Welterweight Championship]]. Accidental eye poke rendered Santos unable to continue.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 14–0
| [[Nobutatsu Suzuki]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[2014 in ONE Championship#ONE Fighting Championship: Reign of Champions|ONE FC: Reign of Champions]]
| {{dts|2014|August|29}}
| align=center | 1
| align=center | 1:24
| [[Dubai]], United Arab Emirates
| {{small|Won the [[List of ONE Championship champions#Welterweight World Championship|ONE Welterweight Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 13–0
| Bakhtiyar Abbasov
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| [[2014 in ONE Championship#ONE Fighting Championship: Honor and Glory|ONE FC 16: Honor and Glory]]
| {{dts|2014|May|30}}
| align=center | 1
| align=center | 4:21
| [[Kallang]], Singapore
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 12–0
| [[Andrey Koreshkov]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[Bellator 97]]
| {{dts|2013|July|31}}
| align=center | 4
| align=center | 2:58
| [[Rio Rancho, New Mexico]], United States
| {{small|Defended the [[List of Bellator champions#Welterweight World Championship|Bellator Welterweight World Championship]]. Askren vacated the title on November 14, 2013.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 11–0
| [[Karl Amoussou]]
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| [[Bellator 86]]
| {{dts|2013|January|24}}
| align=center | 3
| align=center | 5:00
| [[Thackerville, Oklahoma]], United States
| {{small|Defended the [[List of Bellator champions#Welterweight World Championship|Bellator Welterweight World Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 10–0
| [[Douglas Lima]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Bellator 64]]
| {{dts|2012|April|6}}
| align=center | 5
| align=center | 5:00
| [[Windsor, Ontario]], Canada
| {{small|Defended the [[List of Bellator champions#Welterweight World Championship|Bellator Welterweight World Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 9–0
| [[Jay Hieron]]
| Decision (split)
| [[Bellator 56]]
| {{dts|2011|October|29}}
| align=center | 5
| align=center | 5:00
| [[Kansas City, Kansas]], United States
| {{small|Defended the [[List of Bellator champions#Welterweight World Championship|Bellator Welterweight World Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 8–0
| [[Nick Thompson (fighter)|Nick Thompson]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Bellator 40]]
| {{dts|2011|April|9}}
| align=center | 3
| align=center | 5:00
| [[Newkirk, Oklahoma]], United States
| {{small|Non-title bout; Thompson missed weight (170.8 lb).}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 7–0
| [[Lyman Good]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Bellator 33]]
| {{dts|2010|October|21}}
| align=center | 5
| align=center | 5:00
| [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], United States
| {{small|Won the [[List of Bellator champions#Welterweight World Championship|Bellator Welterweight World Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 6–0
| [[Dan Hornbuckle]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Bellator 22]]
| {{dts|2010|June|17}}
| align=center | 3
| align=center | 5:00
| [[Kansas City, Missouri]], United States
| {{small|Won the Bellator Season 2 Welterweight Tournament.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 5–0
|[[Ryan Thomas (fighter)|Ryan Thomas]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Bellator 19]]
| {{dts|2010|May|20}}
| align=center | 3
| align=center | 5:00
| [[Grand Prairie, Texas]], United States
| {{small|Bellator Season 2 Welterweight Tournament Semifinal.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 4–0
|[[Ryan Thomas (fighter)|Ryan Thomas]]
| Technical Submission (guillotine choke)<!--PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THIS AS THIS IS THE OFFICIAL RESULT LISTED BY SHERDOG-->
| [[Bellator 14]]
| {{dts|2010|April|15}}
| align=center | 1
| align=center | 2:40
| [[Chicago, Illinois]], United States
| {{small|Bellator Season 2 Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinal.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 3–0
| Matt Delanoit
| Submission (north-south choke)
| Max Fights DM: Ballroom Brawl
| {{dts|2009|August|28}}
| align=center | 1
| align=center | 1:15
| [[Des Moines, Iowa]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 2–0
| Mitchell Harris
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| Headhunter Productions: The Patriot Act 2
| {{dts|2009|April|25}}
| align=center | 1
| align=center | 1:27
| [[Columbia, Missouri]], United States
| {{small|Catchweight (175 lb) bout.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 1–0
| Josh Flowers
| TKO (punches)
| Headhunter Productions: The Patriot Act
| {{dts|2009|February|7}}
| align=center | 1
| align=center | 1:25
| [[Columbia, Missouri]], United States
| {{small|Welterweight debut.}}
{{end}}
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Ben-Askren-42390|title=Ben|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=2019-10-26}}</ref>

==Freestyle record==
{{BLP unreferenced section|date=September 2020}}

{{s-start}}
|-
!  Res.
!  Record
!  Opponent
!  Score
!  Date
!  Event
!  Location
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|31–11
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Jordan Burroughs]]
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 0–11
|style="font-size:88%"|May 6, 2019
|style="font-size:88%"|2019 Beat The Streets: Grapple at the Garden
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" |
{{flagicon|USA}} [[New York City, New York]]
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|31–10
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Clayton Foster
|style="font-size:88%"|3–10
|style="font-size:88%"|January 20, 2015
|style="font-size:88%"|Flo Premier League IV
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" |
{{flagicon|USA}} [[Wales, Wisconsin]]
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|31–9
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Michael Poeta
|style="font-size:88%"|OT 11–10
|style="font-size:88%"|January 26, 2014
|style="font-size:88%"|Agon III
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" |
{{flagicon|USA}} [[Whitewater, Wisconsin]]
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|30–9
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Quentin Wright
|style="font-size:88%"|22–8
|style="font-size:88%"|October 27, 2013
|style="font-size:88%"|Agon I
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" |
{{flagicon|USA}} [[Las Vegas, Nevada]]
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2010 US World Team Trials DNP at 74&nbsp;kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|29–9
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Travis Paulson]]
|style="font-size:88%"|0–1, 1–3
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|June 11, 2010
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|2010 US World Team Trials
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=2|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Council Bluffs, Iowa]]
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|29–8
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Terry Madden
|style="font-size:88%"|1–0, 4–1
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|28–8
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Moza Fay
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 9–2
|style="font-size:88%"|May 13, 2010
|style="font-size:88%"|2010 Beat The Streets: Battle on the Intrepid
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" |
{{flagicon|USA}} [[New York City, New York]]
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small|2010 Dave Schultz Memorial {{gold1}} at 74&nbsp;kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|27–8
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Trent Paulson
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|February 5, 2010
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2010 Dave Schultz Memorial International Open
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]]
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|26–8
|align=left|{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Rashid Kurbanov]]
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|25–8
|align=left|{{flagicon|CAN}} Mathew Jud Gentry
|style="font-size:88%"|1–2, 5–0, 4–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|24–8
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Brian Surage
|style="font-size:88%"|5–0, 6–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|23–8
|align=left|{{flagicon|ESP}} Airam Gonzalez Garcia
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2009 Sunkist Open {{silver2}} at 74&nbsp;kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|22–8
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Pendleton]]
|style="font-size:88%"|1–2, 1–'''1'''
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|October 24, 2009
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2009 Sunkist International Open
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Phoenix, Arizona]]
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|22–7
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Keith Gavin
|style="font-size:88%"|4–1, 7–4
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|21–7
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Benjamin Wissel
|style="font-size:88%"|1–0, 7–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|20–7
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Matt Wilps
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| [[Wrestling at the 2008 Summer Olympics|2008 Summer Olympics]] 7th at [[Wrestling at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's freestyle 74 kg|74&nbsp;kg]]}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|19–7
|align=left | {{flagicon|CUB}} [[Ivan Fundora]]
|style="font-size:88%"|1–3, 0–4
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|August 12, 2008
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|[[2008 Summer Olympics]]
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=2|{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Beijing]], China
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–6
|align=left |{{flagicon|HUN}} [[István Veréb]]
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2008 US Olympic Team Trials {{gold1}} at 74&nbsp;kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–6
|align=left |{{flagicon|USA}} Tyrone Lewis
|style="font-size:88%"|2–6, 2–0, 1–0
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|June 15, 2008
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2008 US Olympic Team Trials
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Las Vegas, Nevada]]
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–6
|align=left |{{flagicon|USA}} Tyrone Lewis
|style="font-size:88%"|2–0, 1–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–6
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Ramico Blackmon
|style="font-size:88%"|1–0, 2–1
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–6
|align=left |{{flagicon|USA}} [[Donny Pritzlaff]]
|style="font-size:88%"|3–0, '''1'''–1
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2008 US Nationals {{gold1}} at 74&nbsp;kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–6
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Tyrone Lewis
|style="font-size:88%"|3–0, 3–2
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|April 26, 2008
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2008 US National Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=3|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Las Vegas, Nevada]]
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–6
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Ryan Churella
|style="font-size:88%"|4–0, 5–2
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–6
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Ramico Blackmon
|style="font-size:88%"|8–4, 6–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2007 NYAC Open {{gold1}} at 74&nbsp;kg}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–6
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Donny Pritzlaff]]
|style="font-size:88%"|3–0, 1–0
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|November 17, 2007
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2007 NYAC Open
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|{{flagicon|USA}} [[New York City, New York]]
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–6
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Ramico Blackman
|style="font-size:88%"|0–2, 1–0, 2–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–6
|align=left|{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Rashid Kurbanov]]
|style="font-size:88%"|'''2'''–2, 5–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–6
|align=left|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Matt Gentry]]
|style="font-size:88%"|3–2, 3–1
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2007 Sunkist Open 4th at 74&nbsp;kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|7–6
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Matthew Lackey
|style="font-size:88%"|0–4, 2–6
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=6|October 28, 2007
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=6|2007 Sunkist International Open
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=6|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Arizona]]
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–5
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Travis Koppenhafer
|style="font-size:88%"|4–1, 2–1
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|6–5
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Travis Paulson]]
|style="font-size:88%"|6–0, 1–3, 0–2
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–4
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Joey Hooker
|style="font-size:88%"|4–0, 6–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–4
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Chance Goodman
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 6–0, 6–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–4
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Matthew Lackey
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 5–3, 6–0
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2007 US World Team Trials DNP at 74&nbsp;kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|3–4
|align=left | {{flagicon|USA}} Ramico Blackmon
|style="font-size:88%"|1–4, 1–4
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|June 10, 2007
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2007 US World Team Trials
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=3|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Las Vegas, Nevada]]
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–3
|align=left | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Travis Paulson]]
|style="font-size:88%"|4–3, 1–0
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|2–3
|align=left | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Donny Pritzlaff]]
|style="font-size:88%"|0–2, 1–3
|-
! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2007 US Nationals 6th at 74&nbsp;kg}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|2–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Donny Pritzlaff]]
|style="font-size:88%"|0–2, 0–7
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|April 7, 2007
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2007 US National Championships
|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Las Vegas, Nevada]]
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|2–1
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Joe Heskett
|style="font-size:88%"|3–2, 2–5, 1–'''1'''
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Tyrone Lewis
|style="font-size:88%"|1–0, '''1'''–1
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} David Bolyard
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–3, 7–1
{{end}}

==NCAA record==
{{s-start}}
! colspan="8"| NCAA Championships Matches
|-
!  Res.
!  Record
!  Opponent
!  Score
!  Date
!  Event
|-
! style=background:white colspan=6 |2007 NCAA Championships {{gold1}} at 174&nbsp;lbs
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–0
|align=left|Keith Gavin
|style="font-size:88%"|8–2
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|March 15–17, 2007
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2007 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–0
|align=left|Eric Luedke
|style="font-size:88%"|8–3
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–0
|align=left|Matt Palmer
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–0
|align=left|Gabriel Dretsch
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–0
|align=left|Lloyd Rogers
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
! style=background:white colspan=6 |[[2006 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|2006 NCAA Championships]] {{gold1}} at 174&nbsp;lbs
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–0
|align=left|[[Jake Herbert]]
|style="font-size:88%"|MD 14–2
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|March 16–18, 2006
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|[[2006 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships]]
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–0
|align=left|Mike Patrovich
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 21–6
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–0
|align=left|Travis Frick
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 19–3
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–0
|align=left|Wes Roberts
|style="font-size:88%"|6–4
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–0
|align=left|Christian Arellano
|style="font-size:88%"|9–2
|-
! style=background:white colspan=6 |2005 NCAA Championships {{Silver2}} at 174&nbsp;lbs
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0-9
|align=left|[[Chris Pendleton]]
|style="font-size:88%"|5–10
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|March 17–19, 2005
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2005 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–0
|align=left|Pete Friedl 
|style="font-size:88%"|7–2
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–0
|align=left|E.K. Waldhaus
|style="font-size:88%"|MD 17–4
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–0
|align=left|Brady Richardson
|style="font-size:88%"|MD 9–0
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–0
|align=left|Mark Himes
|style="font-size:88%"|TF 18–2
|-
! style=background:white colspan=6 |2004 NCAA Championships {{Silver2}} at 174&nbsp;lbs
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0-4
|align=left|[[Chris Pendleton]]
|style="font-size:88%"|4–11
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|March 18–20, 2004
|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2004 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0
|align=left|Tyler Nixt
|style="font-size:88%"|4–2
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|align=left|Brad Dillon
|style="font-size:88%"|SV 12–7
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|align=left|Matt Herrington
|style="font-size:88%"|Fall
|-
{{end}}

==Professional boxing record==
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|draws=
|nc=
|ko-wins=
|ko-losses= 1
|dec-wins=
|dec-losses=
|dq-wins=
|dq-losses=
}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|1
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–1
|style=''text-align:left;''|[[Jake Paul]]
|{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}}
|1 (8), {{small|1:59}}
|[[Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren|Apr 17, 2021]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Mercedes-Benz Stadium]], [[Atlanta, Georgia]], U.S.}}
|
|}

==Submission grappling record==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:80%; text-align:left;"<!-- width:100%; -->
|-
!  Result
!  Rec
!  Opponent
!  Method
!  Event
!  Date
!  Division
!  Location
|-
| {{yes2}}Win || 12–2 || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Gerald Meerschaert]] || Submission (anaconda choke) || rowspan=3|Absolute Grappling Grand Prix at Wisconsin State Fair || rowspan=3|August 5, 2011 || rowspan=3|Absolute || rowspan=3|{{flagicon|USA}} [[West Allis, Wisconsin]], United States
|-
| {{yes2}}Win || 11–2 || {{flagicon|BRA}} Rafael "Formiga" Barbosa || Points (23–0)
|-
| {{yes2}}Win || 10–2 || {{flagicon|USA}} Lyndon Viteri || Submission (arm-triangle choke)
|-
| {{no2}}Loss || 9–2 || {{flagicon|BRA}} Francisco "Sinistro" Iturralde || Advantage points (3–4) || [[World No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship|IBJJF 2010 Nogi Jiu Jitsu World Championship]] || November 7, 2010 || -82&nbsp;kg (purple) || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Long Beach, California]], United States
|-
| {{yes2}}Win || 9–1 || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Jacob Volkmann]] || Points (3–1) || rowspan=4|[[FILA Grappling#World Grappling Championship|FILA 2009 Grappling World Championship]] || rowspan=4|December 12, 2009 || rowspan=4|-84&nbsp;kg || rowspan=4|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida]], United States
|-
| {{yes2}}Win || 8–1 || {{flagicon|USA}} Jeff Funicello || Points (4–0)
|-
| {{yes2}}Win || 7–1 || {{flagicon|BRA}} Gabriel Kitober || Points (5–4)
|-
| {{yes2}}Win || 6–1 || {{flagicon|ITA}} Bernardo Serrini || Submission (choke)
|-
| {{yes2}}Win || 5–1 || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Jacob Volkmann]] || Points (6–0) || rowspan=4|USA Grappling World Team Trials || rowspan=4|October 23, 2009 || rowspan=4|-84&nbsp;kg || rowspan=4|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Phoenix, Arizona]], United States
|-
| {{yes2}}Win || 4–1 || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Shannon Ritch]] || Submission (armbar)
|-
| {{yes2}}Win || 3–1 || {{flagicon|USA}} Shane Cross || Submission (north-south choke)
|-
| {{yes2}}Win || 2–1 || {{flagicon|USA}} Danny Rubenstein || Submission (D'Arce choke)
|-
| {{no2}}Loss || 1–1 || {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Pablo Popovitch]] || Submission (toe hold) || rowspan=2|[[ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship#2009 Brackets|ADCC 2009 Submission Wrestling World Championship]] || rowspan=2|September 26, 2009 || rowspan=2|-77&nbsp;kg || rowspan=2|{{flagicon|SPA}} [[Barcelona]], Spain
|-
| {{yes2}}Win || 1–0 || {{flagicon|FIN}} Toni Linden || Submission (arm-triangle choke)
|-
{{s-end}}

== See also ==
* [[List of Bellator MMA alumni]]
* [[List of ONE Championship alumni]]
* [[List of male mixed martial artists]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110510064537/http://www.benaskren.net/ Ben Askren's Personal Website]
*[https://www.rokfin.com/Ben Ben Askren's Rokfin Channel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507123225/https://rokfin.com/Ben |date=May 7, 2019 }}
* [http://www.wrestlinghalloffame.org/wrestlers.php?wrestler=11823 Ben Askren profile at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame]{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* {{Sherdog|42390}}
* {{UFC|ben-askren}}

{{Bellator Welterweight Championship}}
{{ONE Welterweight Championship}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Martial arts|United States}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Askren, Ben}}
[[Category:1984 births]]
[[Category:American male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:American male sport wrestlers]]
[[Category:Bellator MMA champions]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Missouri]]
[[Category:Olympic wrestlers for the United States]]
[[Category:Welterweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing freestyle wrestling]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:Wrestlers at the 2008 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Missouri Tigers wrestlers]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Hartland, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[Category:Arizona State Sun Devils wrestling coaches]]
[[Category:ONE Championship champions]]
[[Category:ONE Championship mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]