Ben Askren's Latest News

What's up, fight fans! We're diving deep into the world of Ben Askren today, checking out his current status and what he's been up to since stepping away from the professional fight scene. You guys know Ben as 'Funky,' a former collegiate wrestling standout who made a huge splash in MMA, even crossing over into the boxing world for a highly publicized bout. He's always been a unique character, known for his distinctive wrestling-heavy style and his often unfiltered opinions. So, let's get into what the former ONE and Bellator welterweight champ is doing now, shall we? We'll be covering his post-retirement life, any potential ventures, and just generally keeping you updated on one of MMA's most memorable personalities. Stick around, because there's always something interesting happening with Funky Ben!

Where is Ben Askren Now?

Alright guys, let's talk about Ben Askren's current status. Since his last professional fight, a TKO loss to fellow former UFC fighter Demian Maia back in October 2019, Ben has officially retired from professional mixed martial arts. While he did have that exhibition boxing match against Jake Paul in April 2021, which ended in a first-round knockout, that wasn't a professional MMA bout. For all intents and purposes, his MMA career concluded after the Maia fight. But retirement for someone like Ben Askren doesn't mean fading into the background. Oh no, not at all! He's been incredibly active, just not in the way you might expect from a typical fighter hanging up his gloves. Think more along the lines of commentary, coaching, and even diving into the business side of things. He's someone who clearly loves the fight game and wants to stay involved, which is awesome for us fans who enjoy his insights. We've seen him on commentary panels, offering that signature Askren analysis, and he's also been involved in promoting and developing talent, which shows his dedication to the sport's future. It's pretty cool to see him transition from being a competitor to a mentor and analyst. He's got a wealth of experience, from his dominant wrestling days to his championship runs in Bellator and ONE Championship, and then facing top competition in the UFC. All that knowledge is gold, and he's not afraid to share it. So, while you won't see him stepping into the octagon for another official fight, he's definitely still very much a presence in the combat sports world. We're talking about a guy who carved out a unique path, and he's continuing to do so in his post-fighting career. It’s a testament to his personality and his passion for martial arts that he remains so visible and influential even after stepping away from active competition. Keep your eyes peeled, because you never know what Ben Askren will get involved in next!

Ben Askren's Coaching and Mentorship

One of the most significant aspects of Ben Askren's current status involves his dedication to coaching and mentorship. Guys, Ben isn't just sitting on the sidelines; he's actively shaping the next generation of fighters. Remember his roots? He was a two-time NCAA Division I All-American and a two-time NCAA champion wrestler at the University of Missouri. That wrestling pedigree is immense, and he's been leveraging that incredible skill set to help other athletes. We've seen him involved with various wrestling programs and MMA gyms, sharing his technical knowledge and strategic insights. It's not just about teaching takedowns and control; it's about instilling that mental toughness and fight IQ that made him so successful. He understands the grind, the discipline required, and the sacrifices necessary to reach the top. For young fighters, having someone with Ben's experience guiding them is invaluable. He's not afraid to be tough on them, but he's also incredibly supportive. It’s that blend of demanding excellence while fostering growth that makes him such an effective mentor. Think about it: he's been in the biggest promotions, faced world-class talent, and navigated the pressures of high-stakes fights. He can offer a perspective that few others can. Whether it's refining a wrestler's offensive game, helping an MMA fighter develop a more dominant grappling style, or simply advising on fight strategy, Ben's influence is tangible. He's been seen working with notable athletes, helping them prepare for major bouts. This role as a coach and mentor allows him to stay deeply connected to the sport he loves, contributing his expertise without the physical wear and tear of active competition. It’s a natural progression for a fighter who possesses such a deep understanding of the technical and psychological aspects of combat sports. He’s essentially passing on the torch, ensuring that the art of grappling and effective MMA strategies continue to be taught and honed. It’s a really inspiring part of his journey post-fighting, showing that his impact extends far beyond his own fight record. He's building a legacy through the success of others, which is pretty darn cool if you ask me!

Ben Askren's Media and Business Ventures

Beyond the gym and the wrestling mat, Ben Askren's current status also includes a significant presence in media and various business ventures. You guys know Ben's personality – he's never been shy about speaking his mind, and that makes him a natural fit for media roles. He's frequently appeared as a commentator and analyst for fight events, bringing his sharp wit and insightful breakdowns to the broadcast. His ability to articulate complex strategies and anticipate fighters' moves is a huge asset. He doesn't just call the action; he explains why it's happening, giving fans a deeper appreciation for the skill involved. This media work keeps him in the public eye and allows him to connect with the fanbase he's cultivated over his career. But it's not just about talking about fights; Ben has also been actively involved in the business side of combat sports. He's explored opportunities in fight promotion, athlete management, and even product development related to fitness and sports. He's a smart guy, and he understands the industry well enough to identify potential growth areas. This entrepreneurial spirit is something we've seen hints of throughout his career, and it's great to see him pursuing these avenues with gusto. He's not just relying on his fighting fame; he's building a sustainable career leveraging his expertise and network. This diversification is key for any athlete transitioning out of active competition, and Ben seems to be navigating it masterfully. He's also been involved in fitness initiatives, promoting healthy lifestyles and offering training advice through various platforms. His background as an elite athlete and coach gives him credibility in this space. So, whether he's breaking down a fight on TV, strategizing a new business plan, or sharing fitness tips, Ben Askren is demonstrating that his career is far from over. He's adapting, evolving, and continuing to make a mark on the world of combat sports and beyond. It's a multifaceted approach that keeps things exciting and ensures his continued relevance. He’s proving that an MMA career can be a springboard for a diverse and successful post-fight life, and we're all here for it!

The Jake Paul Fight and its Aftermath

Let's be real, guys, the Jake Paul fight was a massive moment, and it definitely impacts our understanding of Ben Askren's current status, even though it wasn't an official MMA bout. When Ben stepped into the boxing ring against the YouTube sensation Jake Paul in April 2021, it was billed as a major crossover event. Many expected Ben, with his background as a decorated Division I wrestler and former MMA world champion, to handle the much less experienced Paul. However, the fight ended quickly, with Paul scoring a first-round knockout. This result was certainly a surprise to many and led to a lot of discussion and, frankly, some criticism. For Ben, it was a tough way to cap off his exhibition boxing venture. While he’s maintained that he took the fight for the financial opportunity and to challenge himself in a new discipline, the KO loss was difficult to swallow. It certainly overshadowed some of his accomplishments in MMA for casual fans. However, it's important to remember that boxing and MMA are very different sports. Askren was known for his grappling, not his striking. Stepping into a boxing ring against a dedicated (albeit novice) boxer is a whole different ballgame. After the fight, Ben handled it with his typical candidness, acknowledging the loss and moving on. He didn't dwell on it or make excuses, which is classic Ben. He used the experience, including the financial rewards, to transition more fully into his post-fighting career. The aftermath saw him double down on his commentary work, coaching, and business interests. The Paul fight, while a professional setback in terms of the result, ultimately served as a catalyst for him to focus more on these other endeavors. It underscored that his primary identity in the combat sports world was as an MMA fighter and grappling specialist. He’s shown resilience in how he's dealt with it, turning a notable loss into a stepping stone for his next chapter. It’s a good reminder that even high-profile moments, whether wins or losses, are just one part of a larger career narrative. Ben Askren’s story is one of adaptation and continued engagement, and the Jake Paul fight is a significant, albeit controversial, part of that ongoing saga.

What's Next for Ben Askren?

So, what's on the horizon for Ben Askren? While he's officially retired from professional MMA and had his moment in the boxing spotlight, his future looks as dynamic as his fighting career. Guys, don't expect him to disappear! We've seen him consistently involved in various capacities, and that's likely to continue. His coaching and mentorship roles are probably going to expand. As he gains more experience guiding fighters, his value as a coach will only increase. He's got that unique blend of technical expertise and competitive drive that young athletes crave. We might see him take on more prominent coaching positions or even establish his own training facility or academy down the line. That would be awesome! On the media front, his presence is also likely to grow. With his engaging personality and deep fight knowledge, he's a natural fit for broadcasting. Perhaps he'll take on more regular hosting duties or even venture into creating his own content platforms focused on combat sports analysis and discussion. The digital space is ripe for someone with his insights. Business-wise, Ben is clearly an entrepreneur at heart. He'll likely continue exploring investment opportunities within the sports and fitness industries. Whether it's through partnerships, startups, or advisory roles, expect him to remain active in building and growing ventures. He's got a knack for spotting potential and a strong work ethic. It’s also possible he might engage in more exhibition matches or special grappling events down the line, purely for the fun of it or to support a cause, but without the pressure of professional competition. He’s clearly still passionate about competing in some form. Ultimately, Ben Askren's current status points towards a continued, influential presence in the combat sports world, just in a different capacity. He’s transitioning from being the fighter to being a vital contributor behind the scenes, shaping the sport, sharing his knowledge, and building new ventures. He’s got a solid foundation and a driven mindset, so whatever he decides to pursue next, you can bet it’s going to be interesting. Keep an eye on 'Funky' Ben; his story is far from over!