Ben Askren's Final MMA Fight: What Happened?

Alright guys, let's talk about Ben Askren's last dance in the MMA octagon. Many of you might be wondering about Ben Askren's last MMA fight and how it all went down. Askren, a name synonymous with elite wrestling and a unique approach to mixed martial arts, had a career that was as talked about as it was impactful. Known for his suffocating control and submission game, "Funky" Ben carved out a significant niche for himself, especially in promotions like Bellator and ONE Championship, where he was a dominant welterweight champion. His transition to the UFC was highly anticipated, given his undefeated record and the buzz surrounding his grappling prowess. However, his UFC tenure was shorter than many expected, and his final professional MMA bout is a key point of discussion for fans who followed his journey. This fight wasn't just another competition; it represented the culmination of a career that defied conventional MMA striking and focused intensely on grappling dominance. We'll dive deep into the circumstances leading up to this fight, the opponent, the strategy, and the outcome that marked the end of an era for one of MMA's most distinctive personalities. Understanding this fight gives us a complete picture of Askren's professional MMA legacy and how his career ultimately concluded on the big stage.

The Road to the Final Bout

So, how did we get to Ben Askren's last MMA fight? It's a story filled with twists and turns, much like Askren's career itself. After a stellar run in Bellator and ONE Championship, where he amassed an undefeated record and became a two-division champion (though he relinquished the ONE welterweight title later), the pressure for him to compete in the UFC became immense. Dana White, the UFC president, had a famously contentious relationship with Askren for years, even famously offering him $10,000 to stop wrestling and try MMA years prior. However, circumstances changed, and in a surprising move, Askren was traded to the UFC in late 2018. His debut was set for UFC 235 in March 2019, against former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler. Askren won that fight in spectacular fashion via a controversial guillotine choke submission in the first round, though many debated the stoppage. This victory put him back on track, showing he could hang with UFC talent. However, the momentum from his debut win was short-lived. The fight that would ultimately become Ben Askren's last MMA fight was scheduled for August 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 14 against Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal was a seasoned veteran and a dangerous striker, presenting a very different challenge compared to Lawler's powerful, but perhaps less defensively sound, striking approach. The narrative heading into this fight was that Masvidal represented a significant step up in competition in terms of striking threat, and it was seen as a major test for Askren's grappling-heavy style against a legitimate striker in the UFC's stacked welterweight division. The promotion built significant hype around this clash of styles, further intensifying the spotlight on Askren's UFC journey and setting the stage for what would be his final professional MMA contest.

The Opponent: Jorge Masvidal

When we talk about Ben Askren's last MMA fight, we absolutely have to talk about his opponent: Jorge Masvidal. "Gamebred" Masvidal was, and still is, a highly respected and dangerous figure in the welterweight division. He's a product of the streets, a legit BJJ black belt, and an incredibly skilled and powerful striker with a reputation for highlight-reel knockouts. Masvidal has been in the trenches of MMA for a long time, competing in promotions like Bellator and Strikeforce before making his way to the UFC. He's known for his aggressive fighting style, his toughness, and his ability to finish fights. Coming into the bout with Askren, Masvidal was riding a wave of momentum and was hungry to prove himself against a highly touted, undefeated opponent like Askren. He represented a stark contrast in styles. While Askren was the elite wrestler, focusing on taking opponents down and grinding them out with control and submissions, Masvidal was the dangerous striker, capable of ending a fight with a single well-placed shot. This stylistic clash was precisely what made the fight so compelling. Many analysts and fans believed that if Masvidal could keep the fight standing, he had a significant advantage. Askren's grappling was legendary, but his striking, while improving, was generally considered his weaker area. Masvidal's background and recent performances, including a brutal knockout of Darren Till just months prior, positioned him as a significant threat to Askren's undefeated record. The matchup was seen as a classic grappler versus striker showdown, a narrative that always captivates the MMA world and adds another layer of intensity to Ben Askren's last MMA fight.

The Fight Itself: A Shocking Conclusion

Now, let's get to the main event: Ben Askren's last MMA fight against Jorge Masvidal. The anticipation for this fight was sky-high. Two completely different styles, two compelling personalities, and the question of whether Askren's undefeated streak and grappling dominance could overcome Masvidal's powerful striking. From the opening bell, the fight was electric. Askren, true to form, came forward looking to close the distance and initiate his wrestling game. Masvidal, however, was ready. As Askren shot for a takedown, Masvidal powerfully sprawled and, in a move that stunned everyone watching, hopped forward and delivered a devastating flying knee right to Askren's face. The impact was immediate and brutal. Askren, who had never been knocked out before, crumpled to the canvas. Masvidal followed up with a couple of ground punches, and the referee quickly stepped in to stop the fight. The official time of the stoppage was just five seconds into the first round. It was, at the time, the fastest knockout in UFC history. The crowd erupted, and Masvidal secured a sensational, career-defining victory. For Ben Askren, it was a shocking and abrupt end to his undefeated professional MMA career. The fight was over before it truly began, a stark contrast to the grinding, strategic battles he was known for. The speed and brutality of the knockout left no room for debate about Masvidal's power and preparedness. This outcome not only ended Askren's perfect record but also left a lasting image of his final MMA bout, a moment etched in UFC history for its sheer speed and decisive nature. It was a fight that encapsulated the unpredictable and often brutal reality of MMA, and it certainly made Ben Askren's last MMA fight one to remember, albeit for a reason he'd likely prefer to forget.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The immediate aftermath of Ben Askren's last MMA fight was a mix of shock, admiration, and discussion. For Jorge Masvidal, it was a career-defining moment. The knockout victory over a previously undefeated contender catapulted him into superstardom. He became an instant fan favorite, earning the nickname "Street Jesus" and going on to challenge for the UFC welterweight title. The performance solidified his reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC. For Ben Askren, the loss was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow. To have his undefeated record end in such a spectacular and swift fashion, especially after all the buildup and his own impressive grappling credentials, must have been incredibly difficult. While he remained a respected figure in the grappling community and within MMA for his unique contributions, the knockout loss overshadowed the latter part of his professional MMA career. Askren would go on to have a boxing match against Jake Paul in April 2021, which he also lost via knockout, further marking the end of his combat sports career at a high level. However, his legacy in MMA is cemented by his dominance in Bellator and ONE Championship, where he showcased an unparalleled wrestling and control game that frustrated and defeated numerous opponents. He proved that a grappling-first approach could be incredibly effective, even against seasoned strikers. Though Ben Askren's last MMA fight ended in a highlight-reel knockout, his overall career story is one of dedication to his craft, a unique style, and a significant impact on the sport, particularly in the welterweight division. He challenged norms and inspired a generation of grapplers to believe in their abilities, proving that different paths can lead to greatness in the complex world of mixed martial arts.

Looking Back: Askren's MMA Journey

When we reflect on Ben Askren's last MMA fight, it's essential to step back and appreciate the entirety of his MMA journey. Ben Askren wasn't just another fighter; he was an anomaly in the best way possible. His collegiate wrestling career at the University of Missouri was legendary, earning him a Hodge Trophy and two NCAA championships. This wrestling pedigree was the bedrock of his MMA approach. He didn't aim for flashy knockouts or elaborate striking combinations. Instead, Askren's game plan was deceptively simple but incredibly effective: take you down, control you, and either submit you or win on the scorecards with suffocating positional dominance. He dominated Bellator's welterweight division, defending his title multiple times before moving to ONE Championship, where he continued his reign of terror, becoming a two-division champion and further solidifying his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters outside the UFC. His undefeated record was a testament to his meticulous preparation and unwavering belief in his grappling-first strategy. The UFC call-up was the final frontier, a chance to prove himself against the world's best in the sport's premier organization. His UFC debut win over Robbie Lawler showed he still had it. However, the Masvidal fight, which became Ben Askren's last MMA fight, was a harsh reminder of the fine margins in professional MMA, especially against elite strikers. A single misstep, a split-second opening, and the entire narrative can change in an instant. Despite the unceremonious end to his professional MMA career, Askren's impact is undeniable. He pushed the boundaries of what was considered a successful MMA style and inspired countless wrestlers to transition into mixed martial arts. His story is a powerful reminder that dominance in one discipline doesn't automatically translate to effortless success in another, but his dedication and unique approach earned him a lasting place in MMA history. The final chapter might have been abrupt, but the book of Ben Askren's MMA career is one worth reading.