Ben Askren's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 19, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Ben Askren.

Ben Askren is a highly decorated American former mixed martial artist and amateur wrestler. A two-time NCAA Division I national champion and four-time All-American at the University of Missouri, he represented the U.S. in freestyle wrestling at the 2008 Olympics. Transitioning to MMA, Askren achieved legendary status by becoming a world champion in both Bellator and ONE Championship, maintaining an undefeated record for the majority of his career. Known for his elite grappling skills and distinct wrestling base, he later made a high-profile move to the UFC. Though his professional MMA career eventually saw its first setbacks, Askren’s technical prowess and outspoken personality made him a central figure in combat sports history. He later pivoted to high-profile crossover boxing matches, further cementing his status as a polarizing yet influential media personality in the sports world.

Sections (4)

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

2000: Wisconsin Division I State Wrestling Championship

In 2000, Ben Askren achieved his first Wisconsin Division I state wrestling championship while competing for Arrowhead High School.

2001: Second Wisconsin Division I State Wrestling Championship

During 2001, Ben Askren secured his second Wisconsin Division I state championship title representing Arrowhead High School.

2004: 2004 Big 12 Championship and NCAA Runner-up

During the 2004 season, Askren achieved a significant milestone by winning the Big 12 Conference Championships and finishing as the runner-up at the NCAA Championships.

2005: Pan American Freestyle Wrestling Championship

During the year 2005, Ben Askren secured the title of Pan American champion in the sport of freestyle wrestling.

2006: 2006 Collegiate Awards and Accomplishments

In 2006, Ben Askren received his first Dan Hodge Trophy and Schalles Award, solidifying his status as a dominant athlete in collegiate wrestling.

2007: 2007 Graduation and Multi-Award Success

By 2007, Askren concluded his college career with a legendary record, having earned his second Dan Hodge Trophy and second Schalles Award, graduating with two NCAA championship titles.

2007: US National Championship and Olympic Team Selection

During 2007, Ben Askren successfully adapted his folkstyle wrestling background to freestyle. In April 2007, he won the US National Championship, and by June 2007, he secured a spot on the US Olympic Team.

2008: US Olympic Team Membership

In 2008, Ben Askren achieved a significant career milestone by becoming a member of the US Olympic Team for freestyle wrestling.

February 7, 2009: Professional MMA Debut

On February 7, 2009, Ben Askren made his official professional mixed martial arts debut at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center in Columbia, Missouri. During this event, he achieved his first professional victory by defeating Josh Flowers via technical knockout early in the first round.

2009: Victory at 2009 FILA World Grappling Championship

In 2009, Ben Askren competed at the 2009 FILA 2nd World Grappling Championship, where he defeated Jacob Volkmann in the 84 kg no-gi division to secure a gold medal.

2009: Amateur World Championships Disc Golf Finish

In 2009, Ben Askren demonstrated his competitive skills in disc golf by achieving a ninth-place finish at the Amateur World Championships.

2009: 2009 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship

In 2009, Ben Askren participated in the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship held in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, which took place from September 26–27, 2009, he successfully defeated Toni Linden via arm triangle choke in his opening match but was later defeated by Pablo Popovitch, who eventually secured the championship title in the under 77 kg division.

April 15, 2010: Controversial Victory at Bellator 14

On April 15, 2010, Ben Askren defeated Ryan Thomas via technical submission during the Bellator Fighting Championships Season 2 Welterweight Tournament at Bellator 14. The victory was marred by controversy as Thomas protested the referee's decision to stop the fight immediately after Askren released the chokehold.

October 21, 2010: Winning the Bellator Welterweight Championship

On October 21, 2010, Ben Askren defeated Lyman Good in Philadelphia via unanimous decision to secure the Bellator Welterweight Championship title, successfully managing to control his opponent throughout the rounds despite facing significant attacks like an upkick and a near triangle choke.

2010: Askren's 2010 Wrestling Successes

In 2010, Ben Askren achieved multiple wrestling victories, including winning the Dave Schultz Memorial International, defeating Fundora at the Cerro Pelado International in Cuba, and beating Jake Herbert at the Midlands Tournament.

January 9, 2012: Induction into University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame

On January 9, 2012, it was officially announced that Ben Askren would be inducted into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame as one of six new members.

April 6, 2012: Bellator 64 Title Defense

On April 6, 2012, Ben Askren successfully defended his championship title against Douglas Lima, the winner of the season 5 welterweight tournament, during the Bellator 64 event held at the Caesars in Windsor, Canada.

January 24, 2013: Bellator 86 Title Defense Against Karl Amoussou

On January 24, 2013, at Bellator 86, Ben Askren successfully defended his title against Karl Amoussou. Utilizing his superior wrestling control, Askren inflicted a severe forehead laceration on Amoussou via an elbow strike, leading to a doctor stoppage between the third and fourth rounds.

August 29, 2014: Victory over Nobutatsu Suzuki

On August 29, 2014, Ben Askren defeated Nobutatsu Suzuki via a first-round technical knockout (TKO) at ONE Fighting Championship: Reign of Champions, securing the ONE Welterweight Championship title.

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April 15, 2016: Victory over Nikolay Aleksakhin

On April 15, 2016, Ben Askren defeated Russian fighter Nikolay Aleksakhin via unanimous decision during the ONE Championship: Global Warriors event.

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May 26, 2017: Victory over Agilan Thani at ONE Championship: Dynasty of Heroes

On May 26, 2017, Ben Askren defeated Agilan Thani during the ONE Championship: Dynasty of Heroes event by securing a submission victory with an arm-triangle choke in the first round.

September 7, 2017: Victory over Zebaztian Kadestam at ONE Championship: Shanghai

On September 7, 2017, Ben Askren successfully defended his status by defeating Zebaztian Kadestam at the ONE Championship: Shanghai event via a TKO resulting from punches.

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November 24, 2017: Retirement bout against Shinya Aoki at ONE Championship: Immortal Pursuit

On November 24, 2017, Ben Askren competed in his final professional fight at ONE Championship: Immortal Pursuit, defeating Shinya Aoki via TKO early in the first round and subsequently announcing his retirement from mixed martial arts.

November 3, 2018: UFC Signs Ben Askren via Trade

On November 3, 2018, it was officially announced that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) acquired Ben Askren from One Championship as part of a historic trade deal, which saw the UFC send Demetrious Johnson to One Championship in exchange.

March 2, 2019: UFC Debut against Robbie Lawler

On March 2, 2019, Ben Askren made his UFC debut at UFC 235 against Robbie Lawler, securing a victory via a first-round bulldog choke. The match concluded with a controversial stoppage by referee Herb Dean, as replays suggested Lawler may have regained consciousness after his arm went limp, though the Nevada Athletic Commission supported the referee's decision.

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2020: Hip Surgery and Return to Wrestling

In 2020, following a year of retirement from MMA, Ben Askren underwent successful hip surgery and declared his plans to make a comeback to the world of competitive freestyle wrestling.