What Happened to Ben Askren: The Career of a Beloved MMA Fighter

Ben Askren's illustrious career in mixed martial arts (MMA) has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as a dominant wrestler in college to his rise to prominence in the world's top MMA promotions, Askren has captivated fans with his unique fighting style, infectious personality, and humility. However, his remarkable journey took a dramatic turn when he announced his retirement from professional MMA in March 2020, citing a series of injuries that had taken a toll on his body. This article delves into the highs and lows of Askren's illustrious career, examining the factors that contributed to his eventual retirement and exploring what's next for the beloved MMA fighter.

Askren's MMA career spans over a decade, with a record of 18 wins and 2 losses in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). His impressive winning streak in the welterweight division earned him a reputation as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Askren's unique fighting style, which combined elements of wrestling and submission grappling, allowed him to take down opponents with ease, resulting in 14 of his 18 wins coming via submission or TKO.

Askren's path to MMA stardom began in college, where he won two NCAA Division I wrestling championships at the University of Missouri. His impressive wrestling background translated seamlessly to the MMA world, where he began competing in the likes of Bellator and the UFC. In 2014, Askren made his long-awaited debut in the UFC, facing off against Rodrigo Lamprecht at UFC 171. The fight was a resounding victory for Askren, who submitted Lamprecht via armbar in just 30 seconds.

Askren's next several fights saw him continue to rack up victories, including a dominant performance against Johny Hendricks at UFC 178. Askren's victory over Hendricks marked his fifth consecutive win in the welterweight division, cementing his position as one of the top contenders in the division. However, it was his fight against Georges St-Pierre (GSP) at UFC 217 that would ultimately prove to be a turning point in Askren's career.

The Fight Against Georges St-Pierre

Askren's bout against GSP was one of the most highly anticipated fights of 2017. GSP, a former UFC welterweight champion, had been inactive for over four years due to a series of injuries. Askren, on the other hand, was on a tear, having won five consecutive fights in the welterweight division. The two fighters faced off at UFC 217, with Askren emerging victorious via submission in the first round. However, the victory came at a steep cost, with Askren suffering a brutal knockout in the second round of the fight.

The knockout suffered by Askren at the hands of GSP would prove to be a turning point in his career. The injury left Askren with a lingering concussion, which would ultimately contribute to his decision to retire from MMA in 2020. In an interview with ESPN, Askren revealed that the concussion had left him with a series of ongoing health issues, including memory loss and sensitivity to light.

The Road to Retirement

Askren's decision to retire from MMA was a culmination of several factors, including his ongoing health issues, a series of high-profile losses, and the financial burdens associated with competing in the sport. In 2019, Askren faced off against Kamaru Usman for the welterweight championship at UFC 239. Askren lost the fight via technical knockout in the first round, marking his second consecutive loss in the division.

The loss to Usman marked a turning point in Askren's career, as he began to re-evaluate his priorities in the sport. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Askren revealed that the loss had taken a toll on his mental and physical health, leading him to consider retirement. "I've been doing this for a long time, and I've been pushing myself to the limit every single time," Askren said. "But at some point, you've got to think about what's best for you and your family."

What's Next for Ben Askren?

Askren's retirement from MMA has left fans wondering what's next for the beloved fighter. While he has ruled out competing in the sport again, he has hinted at exploring opportunities in the world of commentary and broadcasting. In an interview with ESPN, Askren revealed that he had been approached by several networks to serve as a commentator, including the UFC and ESPN.

Askren's unique perspective and infectious personality make him an ideal candidate for a career in commentary. His passion for the sport is unmatched, and his ability to break down complex fighting techniques has made him a fan favorite among MMA enthusiasts. While the details of his post-MMA career remain unclear, one thing is certain: Ben Askren will always be remembered as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.

Bullet Points: Key Moments in Ben Askren's Career

• Wins two NCAA Division I wrestling championships at the University of Missouri

• Debuts in the UFC at UFC 171 against Rodrigo Lamprecht

• Submits Johny Hendricks via armbar at UFC 178

• Faces off against Georges St-Pierre at UFC 217, emerging victorious via submission in the first round

• Loses to Kamaru Usman via technical knockout in the first round at UFC 239

• Announces retirement from MMA in March 2020 due to ongoing health issues

Key Quotes from Ben Askren

• "I've been doing this for a long time, and I've been pushing myself to the limit every single time. But at some point, you've got to think about what's best for you and your family." (MMA Fighting)

• "I'm not going to lie, it's been a tough road. I've been dealing with concussions, memory loss, and sensitivity to light. It's been a real challenge for me." (ESPN)