Ben Askren’s UFC Record: The Truth Behind It , Ben Askren has always been a polarizing name in combat sports. Whether dominating wrestling mats, becoming a world champion in MMA, or stepping into a boxing ring against a YouTuber, his presence has sparked curiosity and debate. One of the most frequently asked questions remains: What was Ben Askren’s UFC record?
Was this Ben Askren’s UFC record? His Fights, Earnings, and Legacy Explained
In this detailed feature, we’ll break down his UFC performance, full MMA fight history, wrestling accolades, and even his earnings from the Jake Paul boxing match. We’ll also explore why Ben Askren remains one of the most talked-about names in MMA despite a brief UFC run.
Ben Askren UFC Record: A Quick Overview
Ben Askren’s official UFC record is 1 win and 2 losses.
He joined the UFC in 2019 with huge expectations after reigning as champion in ONE Championship and Bellator. However, his stint in the UFC was both short and eventful.
🥇 Win: Ben Askren vs. Robbie Lawler
- Date: March 2, 2019 (UFC 235)
- Result: Submission (bulldog choke)—Round 1
- Notable: Controversial stoppage. Lawler never tapped, but the referee intervened.
❌ Loss: Ben Askren vs. Jorge Masvidal
- Date: July 6, 2019 (UFC 239)
- Result: KO (flying knee)—Round 1 (5 seconds)
- Notable: Fastest knockout in UFC history.
❌ Loss: Ben Askren vs. Demian Maia
- Date: October 26, 2019
- Result: Submission (rear-naked choke)—Round 3
- Notable: A grappling battle that Maia clearly won.
Askren’s UFC journey was packed with headlines, but the results didn’t reflect his earlier dominance in MMA.
Ben Askren’s Full MMA Record & Fight History
Ben Askren holds a professional MMA record of 19 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no contest (NC)—a testament to his dominance across multiple organizations.
Here’s a breakdown of his journey:
🔹 Bellator MMA (2009–2013):
He quickly rose through the ranks and became the Bellator Welterweight Champion, defeating top contenders along the way. Notable victories include Lyman Good, Douglas Lima, and Andrey Koreshkov.
Record: 9–0
🔹 ONE Championship (2014–2017):
Askren signed with Asia’s premier promotion and captured the ONE Welterweight World Title. He secured a TKO win over Shinya Aoki in under 60 seconds and faced Luis Santos in a bout that ended in a no contest due to an accidental eye poke.
Record: 6–0, 1 NC
🔹 UFC (2019):
His time in the UFC was brief but high-profile, featuring three fights against elite competition.
Record: 1–2
Despite the questions surrounding his short UFC stint, Askren left the sport with a global reputation built on wrestling dominance and a unique, pressure-heavy style.
One Championship Record: Askren’s Dominant Reign
During his time in ONE Championship, Askren proved nearly untouchable.
- Record: 6 wins, 0 losses, 1 NC
- Title defenses: 3
- Notable performance:
- Vs. Aoki: 57-second TKO
- Vs. Kadestam: TKO win via ground-and-pound
His fights in Asia demonstrated a wrestling-dominant strategy that shut down strikers and jiu-jitsu fighters alike. His control and pressure were overwhelming, and most opponents had no answers.
Ben Askren’s Wrestling Career: Among the Best
Before stepping into MMA, Ben Askren was a legend in amateur wrestling.
- Two-time NCAA Division I Champion
- Four-time All-American (University of Missouri)
- 2008 Olympian—Represented the USA in freestyle wrestling
- National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee (2019)
Askren’s nickname “Funky” came from his unique scrambling ability, unusual pins, and unexpected transitions. His style puzzled even elite opponents and revolutionized folkstyle wrestling.
So when people ask,
“Is Ben Askren one of the best wrestlers?” — Absolutely.
He’s considered one of the most influential American wrestlers in modern history.
What Type of Fighter Was Ben Askren?
Ben Askren’s fighting style was unlike anyone else in MMA. He wasn’t a knockout artist or submission wizard—but he was incredibly effective with his wrestling base.
⚙️ Askren’s Fighting Style at a Glance:
- Foundation: Collegiate wrestling and control
- Striking: Basic and serviceable, often used to close distance
- Goal: Pressure opponents to the cage, execute takedown, control from the top.
- Strength: Positional dominance, cardio, mental grit
He frustrated opponents by nullifying their offense. Strikers couldn’t land, and grapplers couldn’t escape. His game was about breaking opponents over time, not finishing them in highlight-reel fashion.
Was Ben Askren a UFC champion?
No, Ben Askren never won a UFC title.
He came close to a possible title path with a win over Robbie Lawler, but the Masvidal knockout abruptly halted his momentum. Unlike in Bellator and ONE Championship, he never held gold in the UFC.
So, to clarify:
“Was Ben Askren a UFC Champion?” — No.
“Was he a world champion?” — Yes, in two other top organizations.
Was Ben Askren a Good UFC Fighter?
This question often stirs debate in MMA communities.
If we look purely at the record, 1–2 doesn’t impress.
But if we look at
- His drawing power
- His impact on the UFC fanbase
- The fact that he took on top-level opponents despite hip issues
Then it becomes clear: Askren’s UFC run was limited by timing and injuries, not skill alone.
Verdict:
“Was Ben Askren a good UFC fighter?” — Technically underwhelming, but highly respected for his overall legacy.
How Many UFC Fights Did Ben Askren Have?
He had three official fights in the UFC:
- ✅ Win over Robbie Lawler
- ❌ Loss to Jorge Masvidal
- ❌ Loss to Demian Maia
All occurred in 2019—making his UFC run intense but short-lived.
How Much Did Ben Askren Make from the Jake Paul Fight?
In 2021, Askren boxed social media personality Jake Paul in a heavily promoted match. He lost in the first round but earned more money than he ever had in MMA.
💰 Earnings Breakdown:
- Guaranteed Purse: $500,000
- Estimates including bonuses/PPV: $800,000 to $1 million
So to answer:
“How much did Ben Askren make from Jake Paul?” — At least $500K, likely near $1 million.
“How much did Ben Askren get paid?” — More than any of his MMA fights combined.
What Is Ben Askren Doing Now?
Since retiring, Askren has stayed busy in media and mentoring.
- Co-hosts podcasts, including “Funky & the Champ” with Daniel Cormier
- Runs Askren Wrestling Academy in Wisconsin
- Appears on MMA analysis panels
- Advocates Bitcoin and crypto via Twitter/X
- Published a book: “Funky: My Defiant Path Through the World of Combat Sports”
He may not be fighting, but his influence in the sports world continues.
Is Ben Askren in the Hall of Fame?
As of now, Ben Askren is not in the UFC Hall of Fame. However:
- He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2019
- His dominance in Bellator and ONE may warrant future recognition in those organizations
So:
“Is Ben Askren in the Hall of Fame?” — Not in UFC yet, but honored in wrestling.
Where Did Ben Askren Train?
Askren trained at Roufusport MMA Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Coach: Duke Roufus (kickboxing expert)
- Teammates: Tyron Woodley, Anthony Pettis
- Focus: Blending striking with dominant wrestling
His training camp emphasized conditioning, clinch control, and pressure—not flashy technique.
Why Ben Askren Still Matters in MMA
Despite his UFC losses, Ben Askren’s career holds lasting value in MMA history.
Here’s why:
- Proved wrestling can dominate MMA
- Championed anti-trash talk professionalism early on
- Helped bridge Asia’s MMA scene with the West
- Inspired young athletes to stay in wrestling
- Took risks—retired, came back, boxed, and still stood tall after losses
He may never be a UFC legend, but he is, without question, one of the sport’s most fascinating pioneers.
🔁 Quick Recap
| Category | Info |
|---|---|
| UFC Record | 1–2 |
| MMA Record | 19–2 (1 NC) |
| ONE Record | 6–0 (1 NC) |
| Wrestling | NCAA Champ, Olympian |
| Jake Paul Payout | ~$1M |
| Hall of Fame | Only in Wrestling so far |
| Training Camp | Rufusport, Milwaukee |
FAQs
🔹 What was Ben Askren’s UFC record?
1 win, 2 losses
🔹 How many fights did he have in UFC?
Three
🔹 Was Ben Askren a good UFC fighter?
Skilled, but underperformed due to health/timing
🔹 Is he one of the best wrestlers?
Yes, in NCAA history and MMA wrestling circles
🔹 What is Ben Askren doing now?
Podcasting, coaching, media work