Ben Askren's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

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

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: 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.

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.

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.

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

On January 9, 2012, Askren was announced as one of six new inductees to the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.

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.

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.

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.

June 17, 2025: Signs of Improvement

On June 17, 2025, Amy Askren posted that Askren was showing signs of improvement, being "able to open his eyes and squeeze hands", though he remained on a ventilator and an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system.

June 30, 2025: Receives Lung Transplant

On June 30, 2025, Askren's wife announced that Askren had received a double lung transplant.

July 9, 2025: Askren Discusses Condition

On July 9, 2025, Askren posted a video discussing his condition, mentioning memory loss, flatlining four times, and losing 50 pounds during his illness.