Ben Askren's UFC Fights: Who Did He Face?

Hey fight fans! Today, we're diving deep into the UFC career of a guy who brought a whole lot of hype and a unique skillset to the Octagon: Ben Askren. Many of you are probably wondering, "Who did Ben Askren fight in the UFC?" Well, buckle up, because we're going to break down his official UFC bouts, the opponents he faced, and what went down in those fights. Askren, known as "Funky," was a decorated collegiate wrestler before transitioning into MMA. His undefeated record and distinctive style made him a highly anticipated signing for the UFC. But the transition to the biggest stage wasn't exactly smooth sailing for him. Let's get into it!

The Highly Anticipated UFC Debut: Ben Askren vs. Robbie Lawler

When Ben Askren first stepped into the UFC, the buzz was immense. He was a former ONE Championship welterweight champion and Bellator champion, boasting an undefeated record. Everyone wanted to see how his elite wrestling would fare against the best strikers and grapplers in the world. His debut opponent? None other than the former UFC welterweight champion, Robbie Lawler. This fight was set for UFC 235 in March 2019, and it was a big deal, guys. Lawler, a veteran known for his knockout power and toughness, represented a serious test for Askren. The first round was a classic Askren performance in terms of strategy. He immediately went for a takedown, weathering some heavy shots from Lawler. He secured the takedown and spent a significant amount of time controlling Lawler on the ground. While he didn't inflict a ton of damage, he dictated the pace and position. However, the tide took a dramatic turn in the second round. Askren went for another takedown, but Lawler managed to defend and land some shots. Then, in a moment that shocked many, Lawler reversed position and had Askren in trouble. Askren survived that onslaught, but the momentum had shifted. The fight wasn't over, though. Askren, showing incredible heart and a never-say-die attitude, managed to recover. He then secured another takedown and, with seconds left in the round, locked up a bulldog choke. Lawler, despite his legendary toughness, was forced to tap out. It was a controversial stoppage for some, with Lawler seeming to protest the tap, but the referee saw it differently. Askren got his hand raised in his UFC debut, but the fight was a grueling one that showcased both his strengths and his vulnerabilities. It proved that while his wrestling was top-tier, he still had work to do against elite UFC competition.

The Shocking Knockout Loss: Ben Askren vs. Jorge Masvidal

Following his debut win, Ben Askren was eager to prove he belonged at the top of the welterweight division. His next fight was scheduled against another big name in the division, Jorge Masvidal. This bout took place at UFC 239 in July 2019, and it was hyped as a clash of styles. Masvidal, a seasoned veteran with dangerous striking ability and a knack for highlight-reel finishes, was seen by many as a tough matchup for Askren, especially after the gritty, albeit successful, debut against Lawler. What happened next is etched in UFC history, guys, and not in the way Askren would have wanted. The fight began, and Masvidal immediately came out with a plan. As Askren moved forward, Masvidal launched himself into the air with a spectacular flying knee. The impact was devastating. Askren went down like a ton of bricks, and the fight was over in just five seconds. It was, and still is, the fastest knockout in UFC history. This loss was a brutal setback for Askren. It was his first professional loss, and it came in the most spectacular fashion imaginable. The meme potential was through the roof, and unfortunately for "Funky," he became the subject of much online discussion. While it was a devastating moment for his career, it also highlighted the unpredictable nature of MMA. One mistake, one perfectly timed shot, and everything can change. Askren would later reflect on this fight, acknowledging the speed and precision of Masvidal's attack. It was a stark reminder that in the UFC, even the most dominant wrestlers can be susceptible to a well-executed striking attack. The aftermath of this fight saw Askren facing serious questions about his future in the sport and whether he could recover from such a shocking defeat.

The Final UFC Appearance: Ben Askren vs. Demian Maia

After the devastating knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal, Ben Askren was looking to get his UFC career back on track. His final UFC fight was against a true submission wizard and a legend of the sport, Demian Maia. This fight took place at UFC Singapore in October 2019. Maia, known for his incredible Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and methodical grappling approach, presented a different kind of challenge for Askren. Many expected this to be a grappling chess match, with Askren's wrestling background being put to the test against Maia's BJJ prowess. The fight itself was a testament to Maia's skill and Askren's resilience. In the first round, Maia managed to secure a takedown and worked to establish control on the ground. He patiently searched for openings, attempting to advance his position and set up submissions. Askren, true to his wrestling roots, showed incredible defensive grappling, stuffing many of Maia's attempts to lock in a submission or achieve a dominant position. He managed to survive the round without being finished, showcasing his toughness and ability to defend against a submission specialist. However, in the second round, Maia continued to press his grappling advantage. He was able to secure another takedown and this time, he was more successful. Maia transitioned smoothly, eventually securing an arm-triangle choke. Despite Askren's best efforts to escape, Maia cinched the submission, and Askren was forced to tap out. This marked Askren's second consecutive loss and his final fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. While it was a tough way to end his UFC tenure, fighting Maia was never going to be an easy task for anyone, let alone someone coming off a quick knockout loss. The fight showed that while Askren had elite wrestling, the high level of grappling and submission defense in the UFC, particularly against specialists like Maia, was a significant hurdle. After this fight, Ben Askren announced his retirement from professional MMA, citing injuries and a desire to move on to other ventures. His UFC run, though short, was certainly memorable, filled with controversy, shock, and a display of incredible toughness.

Looking Back at Ben Askren's UFC Journey

So, there you have it, guys! Ben Askren's time in the UFC was brief but undeniably impactful. He stepped into the Octagon against some of the division's toughest contenders, Robbie Lawler, Jorge Masvidal, and Demian Maia. His debut win over Lawler was a hard-fought battle that showcased his signature wrestling. Then came the infamous five-second knockout loss to Masvidal, a moment that will forever be a part of UFC lore. Finally, his last UFC outing was a submission loss to the BJJ master, Demian Maia. While his UFC record might not have been what many expected, "Funky" Ben Askren brought a unique style and a ton of personality to the sport. His journey highlights the brutal competitiveness of the UFC welterweight division and how even the most accomplished fighters face immense challenges at the highest level. He definitely gave us some unforgettable moments, and for that, we thank him for his contributions to MMA. It just goes to show you, in the fight game, anything can happen!