Ben Askren, nicknamed Funky, is one of the top fighters in the world who ruled the roost in One
Championship FC and Bellator MMA, and is now about to make his debut in the UFC. An immensely
controversial personality, Ben Askren is known for being outspoken and telling people exactly what
he thinks of them.
Early Life and beginning of career
Before entering the world of Combat Sports, Ben Askren was a collegiate wrestler, where he
achieved a massive amount of success. He was so good that he was able to go to the 2008 Summer
Olympics, but failed to win a medal. He won several recognitions and awards for his performances in
the field of wrestling. Following the Olympics, he entered the world of MMA and fought and won 3
fights before joining Bellator MMA.
Bellator and One Championship
After joining Bellator, over the course of the next four years, he participated in 9 fights altogether
which helped him to reach the next level as he won the Bellator Welterweight Championship. He
never lost the title, and instead vacated it, when he left the company to join One Championship in
2013. He fought in One Championship without losing a single fight, continuing his undefeated streak,
as he does not have a single loss on his record. During his run, he won the One Welterweight
Championship and vacated it when he left the company.
UFC Career
Ben Askren was traded for Demetrious Johnson in late-2018, with Demetrious Johnson heading to
One FC while Askren came to UFC. This sparked all sorts of conversations, including a rumour which
is yet to die down, about UFC possibly shutting down their Flyweight Division. He was supposed to
face Robbie Lawler at UFC 233, but after the event was cancelled, their fight was shifted to UFC 235
instead.
