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Discover the full story of Ben Askren—Olympic wrestler, MMA champion, UFC star, and double lung transplant survivor. His journey is one of resilience, comeback, and inspiration.
Introduction: Who Is Ben Askren?
If you’re a fan of combat sports or love stories of resilience, you’ve probably heard the name Ben Askren. Known to MMA fans as “Funky,” Ben Askren is more than just a UFC fighter—he’s an Olympic wrestler, a world champion in Bellator and ONE Championship, and most recently, an inspiring survivor after a life-threatening health crisis. His journey, both in and out of the cage, is a powerful reminder that true champions never give up—no matter what the odds.
Early Life and Wrestling Beginnings
Ben Askren was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1984 and raised in Wisconsin. From a young age, wrestling was his world. He was known for his unconventional style and wild curly hair, earning him the nickname “Funky.” At Arrowhead High School in Wisconsin, Ben Askren was already making a name for himself as a unique talent on the wrestling mats.
Askren went on to wrestle at the University of Missouri, where he became one of the most dominant college wrestlers in NCAA history. He was a two-time NCAA Division I national champion (2006, 2007), a four-time All-American, and won the Dan Hodge Trophy twice (the Heisman of wrestling). Askren’s NCAA record was an astonishing 153–8, with an unprecedented 91 wins by pin—cementing his place as one of college wrestling’s all-time greats.
Olympic Dreams and International Competition
After college, Ben Askren set his sights on the Olympics. He made the U.S. Olympic freestyle wrestling team for the 2008 Beijing Games, where he competed at 74 kg. Though Askren fell short of a medal, the Olympic experience sharpened his mental toughness and gave him the hunger to keep competing on the world stage.
The discipline, work ethic, and resilience Askren developed as a wrestler would serve him well as he transitioned into a new career: mixed martial arts.
Transition to MMA: Bellator and ONE Championship Glory
Ben Askren made his professional MMA debut in 2009. He quickly gained a reputation for his dominant wrestling-based fighting style, suffocating ground control, and relentless pace. In 2010, he joined Bellator MMA, winning the Season 2 Welterweight Tournament and capturing the Bellator Welterweight Championship.
Askren defended his Bellator title four times, remaining undefeated and rarely losing a round. In 2014, he signed with Asia’s ONE Championship, where he continued his dominance—winning the ONE Welterweight World Title and defending it several times before retiring temporarily in 2017.
By the end of his Bellator and ONE runs, Ben Askren had compiled an MMA record of 18–0 (1 NC)—an incredible achievement in the fight game.
Joining the UFC: A Short but Memorable Run
In 2019, the MMA world buzzed when the UFC announced it had signed Ben Askren. He debuted in dramatic fashion, defeating Robbie Lawler via submission in one of the wildest, most controversial UFC debuts ever.
Askren’s second UFC fight, against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239, would become infamous. Masvidal knocked Askren out with a flying knee just five seconds into the fight—the fastest knockout in UFC history. Despite the setback, Askren’s humor, honesty, and willingness to talk openly about the loss only increased his popularity.
He would go on to fight Demian Maia, losing by submission, and then retire from MMA in late 2019 with a record of 19–2 (1 NC).
Life Beyond the Octagon: Podcast, Family, and Coaching
Following his retirement, Ben Askren focused on his family, business ventures, and coaching. He runs the Askren Wrestling Academy in Wisconsin, mentoring the next generation of wrestlers. His podcast, “The Funky & FRB Show,” became popular for its insight, humor, and Askren’s candid takes on the fight world and life.
Askren is also a devoted family man. He often shares moments with his wife Amy and their children, emphasizing the importance of support, love, and balance outside of competition.
A Life-Changing Health Battle: Double Lung Transplant
In 2024, Ben Askren stunned fans and the sports world by revealing he was battling a rare lung disease. The condition progressed rapidly, and by early 2025, Askren required a double lung transplant to survive.
In his emotional first video after surgery, Ben Askren shared the shocking truth—he had technically “died four times” during the procedure as doctors fought to save him. His recovery journey has been anything but easy, but true to form, Askren approached it with humor, gratitude, and relentless determination.
He told fans, “I thought I was tough in the cage. This is the hardest fight of my life.” His story inspired thousands, with fans and athletes alike rallying around the hashtag #BenAskrenStrong.
Inspiration and Legacy: Why Ben Askren Matters
Ben Askren’s story is much more than titles and wins. It’s about heart, perseverance, and never giving up—even when life deals you its toughest blows. His willingness to share his struggles, failures, and triumphs openly has made him a role model far beyond MMA.
Askren now speaks out about health, motivation, and overcoming adversity. He encourages fans to take care of themselves, value their loved ones, and never lose hope.
Quotes and Messages of Support
After Ben Askren’s health crisis, the MMA community responded with an outpouring of support:
- “Ben Askren is the definition of a fighter—inside and outside the cage.” —Dana White, UFC President
- “His resilience and attitude are an inspiration.” —Daniel Cormier, former UFC champion
- “We’re all rooting for Ben. His story reminds us what truly matters.” —Jorge Masvidal
Frequently Asked Questions About Ben Askren
Q: What is Ben Askren doing now?
A: Ben is focused on recovery, spending time with his family, coaching at Askren Wrestling Academy, and sharing his journey to inspire others.
Q: What made Ben Askren unique as a fighter?
A: His wrestling skills, intelligence, and willingness to be himself—on the mic and in the cage.
Q: How did Ben Askren handle his health crisis?
A: With humor, honesty, and relentless positivity—documenting his ups and downs to help others.
Q: Will Ben Askren return to MMA or compete again?
A: At this point, his focus is on health and family. But never count Ben out—he’s made a career out of surprises!
Conclusion: The Spirit of Ben Askren
From NCAA legend to global MMA star, and now as an inspirational survivor, Ben Askren proves that the strongest victories are not just about winning titles—but overcoming adversity, staying true to yourself, and helping others find hope.
His life and career continue to motivate countless fans, athletes, and families facing their own struggles. Whatever the future holds, one thing is clear: Ben Askren’s legacy is far from finished.
