Career Timeline of Ben Askren: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Ben Askren built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ben Askren is a retired American mixed martial artist, professional boxer, and former Olympic wrestler. He achieved notable success in MMA, holding the Welterweight Championships in both Bellator and ONE FC. He was known for his dominant wrestling style and unorthodox striking. Askren also had a brief stint in the UFC before retiring from professional competition.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2003: Joins Missouri Tigers

In 2003, Ben Askren began his freshman campaign wrestling for the Missouri Tigers at 174 pounds.

2004: Big 12 Conference Championships

In 2004, during his freshman year, Askren won the Big 12 Conference Championships and placed second at the NCAA Championships.

2005: Pan American Champion

In 2005, Ben Askren became the Pan American champion as a freestyle wrestler.

2005: Second at NCAA and Big 12 Championships

In 2005, during his sophomore campaign, Askren placed second at both the NCAA and Big 12 Championships, losing both championship matches to Pendleton.

2006: Earns Dan Hodge Trophy and Schalles Award

In 2006, Askren earned the Dan Hodge Trophy and Schalles Award after compiling a combined 87–0 record during his junior and senior seasons.

2007: Wins Second Dan Hodge Trophy and Schalles Award

In 2007, Askren won his second Dan Hodge Trophy and Schalles Award after compiling a combined 87–0 record during his junior and senior seasons.

2007: Claims US National Championship

In 2007, after working on adapting his style, Askren claimed the US National Championship in April after graduating from college.

2008: Competes in Summer Olympics

In 2008, Ben Askren made the US Olympic Team and competed at the Summer Olympics, defeating Hungarian István Veréb in the first round before falling to Cuba's Iván Fundora in the quarterfinals.

2008: US Olympic Team Member

In 2008, Ben Askren was a member of the US Olympic Team as an accomplished grappler in freestyle wrestling.

2008: Volkmann is World Champion

In 2008, Jacob Volkmann becomes World Champion.

February 7, 2009: Professional MMA Debut

On February 7, 2009, Askren made his professional MMA debut at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center in Columbia, Missouri, defeating Josh Flowers via TKO in the first round.

2009: Competes at ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship

In 2009, Askren competed at the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship, winning his first match against Toni Linden before losing to Pablo Popovitch.

2009: Finished Ninth in Amateur World Championships

In 2009, Askren finished ninth in the Amateur World Championships in the sport of disc golf.

2009: Wins Gold at FILA World Grappling Championship

In 2009, Askren won gold at the FILA 2° World Grappling Championship in the 84 kg no-gi division, defeating Jacob Volkmann.

2009: Jake Herbert becomes silver medalist

In 2009, Jake Herbert won the silver medal for the world.

April 15, 2010: Defeats Ryan Thomas at Bellator 14

On April 15, 2010, Askren defeated Ryan Thomas via technical submission at Bellator 14 during the Bellator Fighting Championships Season 2 Welterweight Tournament.

October 21, 2010: Wins Bellator Welterweight Championship

On October 21, 2010, Ben Askren won the Bellator Welterweight Championship by defeating Lyman Good via unanimous decision in Philadelphia.

2010: Defeats Ivan Fundora and Jake Herbert

In 2010, Askren avenged his Olympic loss by defeating Ivan Fundora in the semifinals of the Cerro Pelado International in Cuba. Later that year, Askren defeated 2009 world silver medalist Jake Herbert at the Midlands Tournament.

April 6, 2012: Defends Bellator Title Against Douglas Lima

On April 6, 2012, Askren successfully defended his Bellator Welterweight title against Douglas Lima at Bellator 64 in Windsor, Canada.

January 24, 2013: Title Defense Against Karl Amoussou

On January 24, 2013, Askren defended his title against Karl Amoussou at Bellator 86. The fight was stopped due to a severe cut on Amoussou's forehead.

November 14, 2013: Released from Bellator

On November 14, 2013, Bellator announced they had released Askren from the company, making him an unrestricted free agent.

December 9, 2013: Signs with ONE Championship

On December 9, 2013, Askren signed a two-year, six-fight contract with ONE Championship.

August 29, 2014: Wins ONE Welterweight Championship

On August 29, 2014, Askren defeated Suzuki via TKO at ONE Fighting Championship: Reign of Champions to become the new ONE Welterweight Champion.

April 15, 2016: Defeats Nikolay Aleksakhin at ONE Championship

On April 15, 2016, Askren defeated Russia's Nikolay Aleksakhin at the ONE Championship: Global Warriors by unanimous decision.

May 26, 2017: Defeats Agilan Thani at ONE Championship

On May 26, 2017, Askren defeated Agilan Thani via submission at the ONE Championship: Dynasty of Heroes.

September 7, 2017: Defeats Zebaztian Kadestam at ONE Championship

On September 7, 2017, Askren defeated Zebaztian Kadestam via TKO at the ONE Championship: Shanghai.

November 24, 2017: Defeats Shinya Aoki and Announces Retirement

On November 24, 2017, Askren defeated Shinya Aoki at ONE Championship: Immortal Pursuit via TKO and announced his retirement from the sport.

November 3, 2018: Signs with UFC

On November 3, 2018, it was announced that Askren had signed with the UFC under the "trade UFC and One Championship agreement", in exchange for Demetrious Johnson.

March 2, 2019: UFC Debut Against Robbie Lawler

On March 2, 2019, Askren made his UFC debut against Robbie Lawler at UFC 235, winning the fight via bulldog choke in the first round through a controversial stoppage.

May 2019: Loses to Jordan Burroughs

In May 2019, Askren lost by technical superiority to Jordan Burroughs at the annual Beat the Streets benefit event.

July 6, 2019: Loss to Jorge Masvidal

On July 6, 2019, Askren faced Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239 and was knocked out with a flying knee five seconds into the first round, resulting in the fastest knockout in UFC history and ending his undefeated run.

October 26, 2019: Loss to Demian Maia

On October 26, 2019, Askren faced Demian Maia at UFC on ESPN+ 20 and lost the fight via technical submission in round three, earning the Fight of the Night award.

November 18, 2019: Retirement Announcement

On November 18, 2019, Askren announced his official retirement from mixed martial arts competition.

2020: Hip Surgery and Wrestling Return

In 2020, after retiring from MMA, Askren announced a successful hip surgery and revealed his intention to return to competitive freestyle wrestling.

April 17, 2021: Boxing Match with Jake Paul

On April 17, 2021, Askren fought Jake Paul in a boxing match and lost by TKO in round one. The fight sold 500,000 PPV buys.

2021: Expressed Interest in MMA Rematch

As early as 2021, Askren 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.