Askren's Pro Debut: A First Fight Breakdown

Alright guys, let's dive into the very first professional fight of Ben Askren, a name that's become synonymous with wrestling pedigree and, let's be honest, some controversial opinions in the MMA world. When we talk about the beginnings of a fighter's journey, it's always super interesting to see where they came from and how they navigated those initial, often chaotic, steps into the professional arena. Askren's debut wasn't just any fight; it was the launching pad for a career that would see him become an undefeated champion in ONE Championship and a notable figure in the UFC. So, grab your popcorn, because we're going to break down this pivotal moment in his career. Understanding a fighter's first professional bout is crucial because it often reveals the raw talent, the early strategies, and the sheer determination it takes to even get a shot at the big time. It’s not just about the win or loss, but about the growth, the learning curve, and the foundation laid for future success. For Ben Askren, a decorated NCAA Division I national champion wrestler, the transition to mixed martial arts was always going to be a fascinating watch. Many wondered how his dominant grappling style would translate against opponents who were more well-rounded, and his first professional outing was the first big test of that theory. This wasn't a flashy debut with a flying knee or a spinning back fist; it was a methodical display, a preview of the grind-it-out style that would define much of his MMA career. We'll explore the opponent, the setting, and the strategic decisions that led to his hand being raised, setting the stage for everything that came after. So, let's get into the nitty-gritty of Ben Askren's first professional MMA fight.

The Setting and The Opponent: Where it All Began

So, picture this: it’s November 15, 2009, and the location is the U.S. Cellular Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This wasn't some mega-promotion like the UFC or Bellator; this was DEEP Future Combat 1, a smaller, regional promotion. You know, the kind of place where fighters often cut their teeth and build their records before potentially making it to the bigger stages. For Ben Askren, this was the perfect storm. He was coming off an incredible collegiate wrestling career at the University of Missouri, where he was a two-time NCAA champion and a four-time finalist. The Olympic dream was there, but he decided to pivot, and MMA was the chosen path. Now, who was standing across the cage from this wrestling phenom? His name was Josh Neer. Neer wasn't some complete unknown either; he had a decent amount of professional experience under his belt, including some UFC appearances. He was known for being a tough, gritty fighter, someone who wasn’t afraid to stand and bang, and importantly, someone who had a submission game. This was key because, for Askren, the biggest question mark was always his striking defense and how he’d handle someone willing to trade leather. Neer had a record of 10-6 coming into this fight, which, while not elite, was respectable for the time and the level of competition. He had fought guys with a lot more experience than Askren, so he wasn't going to be intimidated easily. The contrast in styles was palpable. You had Askren, the wrestler, looking to implement his game, and Neer, the more experienced MMA fighter, likely wanting to test Askren's striking and avoid the takedown. This matchup was really the first true test of how Askren's wrestling, which was legendary, would translate into MMA. Could he get Neer down? Could he keep him there? And, crucially, could he avoid Neer's offensive weapons? The promotion itself, DEEP Future Combat, was part of a larger Japanese organization, DEEP, which gave it a bit of a global feel even though the event was stateside. So, while it was a smaller show, it wasn't entirely obscure. It was a deliberate step into the professional ranks, and facing an opponent like Josh Neer, who had been around the block a bit, was a smart move for Askren and his team. It was about proving he could hang, not just against amateurs or other wrestlers, but against a seasoned pro.

The Fight Unfolds: A Grappling Masterclass

So, the bell rings, and what do we see? Ben Askren, the undefeated wrestling machine, facing Josh Neer, a veteran striker and submission artist. Everyone watching, especially the hardcore wrestling fans and the curious MMA community, was on the edge of their seats. The question on everyone's mind: would Askren's wrestling be enough? And the answer, my friends, was a resounding yes. From the get-go, Askren was looking to establish his dominance. He didn't rush in recklessly; he stayed composed, probing, and looking for his opening. Neer, being the seasoned pro, was trying to keep distance, perhaps looking to land some sharp strikes and make Askren think twice about closing the gap. But Askren’s takedown defense wasn’t tested here because he was the one dictating the pace on the feet. He wasn't known for his striking back then, and honestly, he still isn't his primary weapon. But what he did have was the ability to close distance safely and effectively. He eventually secured a takedown, and that’s when the magic, or rather, the grappling clinic, began. Once Askren had Neer on the mat, it was like watching a chess match, but with significantly more pressure and pain involved. He wasn't just landing ground and pound; he was systematically advancing his position, controlling Neer with an suffocating top pressure that only elite wrestlers possess. He was working towards dominant positions, like side control and eventually, mount. You could see the frustration building on Neer’s face. He was stuck, unable to use his own offense, constantly defending Askren's transitions and trying to prevent him from inflicting damage or locking up a submission. Askren's control was suffocating. He wasn't just holding Neer down; he was actively working to improve his position, looking for openings to land strikes or set up a submission. This is where his wrestling background truly shined. It wasn't just about getting the takedown; it was about maintaining an overwhelming advantage once the fight hit the ground. The rounds were three minutes long back then, which might seem short, but for a fighter like Askren, it was more than enough time to assert his will. He controlled the first round, showcasing his superior grappling. As the fight progressed into the second round, the story remained largely the same. Askren continued to implement his game plan: get the takedown, maintain control, and work for damage. Neer, to his credit, was tough. He survived, he defended, but he was largely neutralized by Askren's relentless pressure. The third round saw Askren continue his dominant performance. He wasn't just surviving; he was thriving on the mat. The judges were undoubtedly watching, and Askren was racking up points with control time and effective offense. While he didn’t secure a flashy submission or a knockout, his dominance was clear. The fight went the distance, and the scorecards reflected what everyone saw: a clear, undeniable victory for Ben Askren, showcasing his world-class wrestling translated effectively into the MMA world. It was a 30-27 decision across the board, a clean sweep, proving his grappling was indeed a championship-level tool.

The Legacy of the First Fight: Setting the Tone

So, what does this first professional fight mean in the grand scheme of Ben Askren's career? Well, guys, it was absolutely pivotal. This win against Josh Neer wasn't just another notch on his professional record; it was the validation that his wrestling prowess, his Olympic-level grappling, could indeed be a game-changer in mixed martial arts. Think about it: he stepped into the professional MMA world, a sport known for its striking and submission specialists, and he immediately established his identity. He showed everyone that he wasn't going to be a one-dimensional fighter, but rather, he was going to be a dominant force who used his wrestling to control the entire fight. This debut set the tone for his entire career. The narrative that followed him was always about how his opponents could never take him down, but more importantly, how he could take them down at will and keep them there. This fight was the first chapter in that story. It proved he had the mental fortitude, the physical conditioning, and the strategic mind to implement his wrestling in a cage against a seasoned opponent. He didn't get flustered by Neer's experience or potential striking threat; he stuck to his game plan and executed it flawlessly. The victory wasn't just about winning; it was about dominance. He didn't just scrape by; he controlled the fight from start to finish. This clear, unanimous decision victory sent a message to the rest of the MMA world: Ben Askren was here, and he was going to be a problem for anyone who couldn't handle his grappling. It paved the way for his move to bigger promotions like Bellator, where he would become a welterweight champion, and later to ONE Championship, where he also reigned supreme as welterweight king. His undefeated streak, which famously reached 19-0 before his UFC debut, started here. This first fight was the foundation upon which that incredible record was built. It instilled confidence in him and his team, and it certainly instilled a sense of dread in future opponents who knew what was coming. The fact that he faced a tough opponent like Neer and dominated, even without a flashy finish, spoke volumes about his potential. It showed that MMA wasn't just about knockout power or submission skills; it was also about strategic execution and positional dominance, areas where Askren excelled. This debut fight was the genesis of the 'Funky' Ben Askren we’d come to know – the fighter who could frustrate, control, and ultimately defeat opponents using a style that was unique, effective, and undeniably successful in its own right. It was the perfect launchpad for a career that would be marked by unparalleled wrestling dominance and unforgettable moments.