The retired Olympic wrestler and professional Mixed Martial Artist (MMA) called Ben Askren is a very competitive person. While he was still active, he competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and was also a Bellator and ONE Welterweight Champion.
Biography of Ben Askren
Benjamin Michael Askren was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the United States on the 18th of July 1984. His parents Chuck and Michele Askren raised him and his brothers in Wisconsin. Ben grew up playing lots of sports but discovered that wrestling was the one he enjoyed the most.
While in Arrowhead High Schools, he was a 2-time state champion in wrestling and he began to garner attention on the wrestling scene when he got into the University of Missouri.
Interesting Facts about the former Olympic wrestler
1. How he earned the nickname ‘Funky’
While he didn’t invent the funk wrestling style, he advanced it to unforeseen levels which is how he got the name “Funky”. The Funky way is less traditional, very flamboyant, and risky. It involves lots of awkward positions, dangerous moves, and swift transitions but Ben excels at it.
2. Why wrestling?
According to Ben, he played almost every sport while growing up and some might wonder why he decided to settle for a career in wrestling. He has admitted that he loves the combativeness of the sports very much. Another major reason he chose wrestling is that he could control his own destiny as he is the only one in the field of play.
3. Outstanding Collegiate Career
Ben’s best years in wrestling were while he was a student at the University of Missouri. He was known for his pinning ability which smashed several records and his unorthodox wrestling style. He had a dominant Junior season winning all his 45 matches and also in his senior year. He finished his collegiate wrestling career with an 87 match winning streak.
4. Ben Askren is into other sports
Asides wrestling, it is obvious that Ben is a sportsman Through and True! He became a grappling world champion in 2009 where he competed at the FILA 2 World Grappling Championship.
Ben also plays disc golf. He has built a disc golf course on his property where he enjoys the sports with his kids. He is unapologetic about his need to compete and is already on the number 2 on the US Amateur Disc Golf Championship.
5. His brother is also into sports
His younger brother. Max also attended and the University of Missouri and also wrestled. He won a national championship in 2010. He is currently a fighter and coach.
6. Retirement from wrestling
After Ben Askren announced his retirement, many believed he was too young to retire and should stage a comeback. He has categorically stated that after several decades of MMA fighting and pure wrestling, he has made the right decision considering the fact that he needs hip replacement surgery.
7. Life after retirement
Ben has not been idle since he quit wrestling. He has shared that he has plans and things he wants to do with his life. He said he intends to ‘use his brain’.
8. Career after retirement
Ben had the foresight even before he went into wrestling that this was not something he could do forever. Even before officially retiring, he began to lay down the blueprint of his career. He strongly believes coaching is the way to go and he set up his coaching academy. He runs 3 ‘Askren Wrestling Academy’ with his brothers with plans to open 5 more. He does some wrestling commentary for ESPN and also co-hosts two podcasts (wresting and MMA).
9. Wife and Children of Ben Askren
Ben is a family man in every sense of the word. He married Amy his long-time girlfriend in 2010 and the couple has 3 kids (2 girls and 1 boy).
10. Ben Askren’s Net Worth
Ben is a budding entrepreneur and has been able to wisely invest All that he has earned over the years. Asides owning several wrestling academies with his brothers, Ben also invests in Cryptocurrency.
Asides his endorsements, he gets a bonus whenever he wins a fight and he reportedly earned $350,000 for his win against Lawler which is considered his biggest earning in wrestling.
His net worth is estimated to be well over $1 million.
11. Physical Statistics
Ben weighs around 77kg (170. 5lb) and is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. His height and lanky body which opposes the squat, muscular physiques of several top wrestlers served as an advantage for him. It allowed him to attempt several unprecedented moves that most wrestlers could not.
12. Social Media
Ben is one very goofy fellow with a great sense of humor. He is quite active on social media and has been able to garner a significant amount of followership over the years. He shares his opinions on Twitter and several pictures of himself and his adorable family on Instagram.
See Also: Mike Goldberg- Bio, Net Worth, Departure From UFC, Wife, 5 Biggest Fails
13. Awards and Recognition
Due to his outstanding collegiate career, Ben won several awards between the USA Wrestling and NCAA. He won the Dan Hodge Trophy twice, Schalles Award to mention a few. In 2012, he was inducted into the University of Missouri’s intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.
14. He suffered the fastest knock-out in UFC history
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2RUOswNBOc
On the 6th of July 2019, Ben faced Jorge Masvidal but was violently knocked out 5 seconds into the first round. It remains the fastest knockout in the UFC history,
15. Accomplishments
- Fight of the Night (UFC)
- Four successful title defenses in the Bellator Fighting Championships.
- Three successful title defenses (ONE)
- 2011 US Amateur Disc Golf Championship, 2nd Place amongst others.
Complete profile of Ben Askren
| Ben Askren | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Benjamin Michael Askren |
| Date of Birth | 18 July 1984 |
| Age | 40 years |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Birth place | Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | University of Missouri, Arrowhead High Schools |
| Profession | Former Professional Mixed Martial Artist and Wrestler |
| Father | Chuck Askren |
| Mother | Michele Askren |
| Siblings | Max Askren |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse/Partner | Amy Askren (m. 2010) |
| Girlfriend | NA |
| Kids | Alex Andy, and Ozzi |
| Religion | NA |
| Estimated Net Worth: | Above $1 million |
| Source of net worth | Martial Art and Wrestling career |
| Height | 5feet 10inches (178cm) |
| Weight | 77 kg |
| Eye color | Blue |
| Hair color | Dark Brown |
| Social media | Instagram |
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