Ben Askren's UFC Fights: How Many Times Did He Step In?

What's up, fight fans! Today, we're diving deep into the octagon career of a guy who brought a whole lot of hype and a unique skillset to the UFC: Ben Askren. You might be wondering, "How many times did Ben Askren fight in the UFC?" Well, guys, it's a shorter answer than some might expect, but his impact was definitely felt. Let's break down his time with the promotion and what made his fights so talked about.

The Welterweight Warrior: Ben Askren's UFC Journey

So, how many fights did Ben Askren actually have in the UFC? The straightforward answer is two. Yeah, just two official bouts under the UFC banner. Now, I know what some of you are thinking – "Only two? That doesn't seem right for a guy who was so hyped!" And you're not entirely wrong. Askren came into the UFC with a massive amount of fanfare. He was a former ONE Championship welterweight champion and an undefeated Bellator champion. His grappling credentials were legendary. He was known for his insane wrestling ability, his relentless pressure, and his ability to completely stifle his opponents' offense. The UFC brass clearly saw big things for him, and the fans were buzzing to see how his unique style would translate against the UFC's elite welterweights. He was touted as a potential game-changer, someone who could disrupt the division with his unorthodox approach. Many expected him to utilize his incredible wrestling to neutralize the striking of his opponents, controlling them on the ground and grinding out decisions or even finding a submission. His undefeated record and championship pedigree only amplified the anticipation. When the UFC acquired him in a blockbuster trade involving Demetrious Johnson, the excitement was palpable. This wasn't just another signing; this was a major acquisition that promised to shake up the welterweight landscape. The build-up to his debut was immense, with analysts and fans dissecting his every move and predicting his UFC success. The narrative was set: could the undefeated wrestling savant conquer the toughest division in mixed martial arts? His journey, though brief in terms of fight count, was packed with controversy and memorable moments that left a lasting impression on the sport.

The Debut: A Controversial First Step

Ben Askren's UFC debut was on March 2, 2019, at UFC 235. His opponent? None other than the former UFC welterweight champion, Robbie Lawler. This was a massive test right out of the gate. Lawler, known for his devastating striking and incredible toughness, was a huge step up in competition. The first round was intense. Askren, sticking to his game plan, attempted to implement his wrestling. He managed to secure a takedown, but Lawler, with his veteran savvy, was able to defend effectively and eventually got back to his feet. The fight was going back and forth, with both fighters having their moments. However, the fight ended in a highly controversial fashion. In the second round, Askren secured another takedown and began working from half guard. He then landed a flying knee that appeared to stun Lawler, followed by a rear-naked choke attempt. While the choke wasn't fully locked in, the referee, Herb Dean, controversially stepped in and stopped the fight, awarding the victory to Ben Askren via submission. The controversy stemmed from the fact that Lawler appeared to be conscious and defending himself, leading many to question the referee's stoppage. Was it a brilliant offensive sequence from Askren, or an early stoppage? It's a debate that raged on in the MMA community. Despite the controversy, Askren got his hand raised in his UFC debut. It was a win, but it wasn't the clean, dominant performance many had envisioned. The questions about his ability to finish fights against top-tier UFC talent, especially when grappling sequences didn't go exactly as planned, were still lingering. This debut, while a win on paper, left a sour taste for some and fueled the debate about Askren's place in the welterweight division. It set the stage for his next outing, where he'd look to prove his doubters wrong and deliver a performance that left no room for interpretation.

The Second Act: A Knockout Loss

After the contentious debut, Ben Askren was booked for his second, and ultimately final, UFC fight against Jorge Masvidal. This fight took place on July 6, 2019, at UFC 239. This was another high-profile matchup, pitting Askren's grappling prowess against Masvidal's dangerous striking. The anticipation for this fight was through the roof, especially after the controversy of Askren's debut. Many saw this as a true test of styles. Masvidal, known for his boxing and his ability to deliver quick knockouts, represented a significant threat on the feet. Askren, on the other hand, was expected to try and get the fight to the ground and control Masvidal there. What happened next is now the stuff of MMA legend, and not in the way Askren would have wanted. The fight lasted a mere five seconds. Yes, you read that right. As the bell rang, Masvidal came flying across the octagon with a flying knee that connected flush with Askren's face. Askren went down instantly, unconscious. Masvidal followed up with a single punch on the ground, but it was unnecessary; the fight was over. This knockout loss wasn't just a loss; it was arguably one of the most shocking and brutal knockouts in UFC history. It was the fastest knockout in UFC history at the time, a record that stood for a while. For Ben Askren, it was a devastating end to his UFC aspirations. The man who had boasted an undefeated record for so long was knocked out cold in his second UFC fight. This loss erased any lingering doubts about his vulnerability in a striking-heavy promotion like the UFC. It showed that while his wrestling was elite, he could be countered, especially against dynamic and powerful strikers like Masvidal. The hype train had derailed spectacularly. This fight became a defining moment of his career, a stark reminder of the brutal and unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts. The speed and finality of the knockout left a lasting image, cementing Masvidal's status as a dangerous contender and marking a swift and ignominious end to Askren's short UFC run. It was a harsh lesson learned in the highest echelon of the sport.

The Aftermath and Legacy

Following his brutal knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal, Ben Askren's UFC career came to an abrupt end. With a record of 0-2 in the promotion, he decided to hang up his gloves. He announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts shortly after the Masvidal fight. This decision, while perhaps disappointing to fans who wanted to see more of his unique style, was understandable given the circumstances. Two fights, two very different but impactful outcomes, and a clear realization that the UFC welterweight division was an incredibly tough mountain to climb. Askren's legacy in the UFC is certainly a unique one. He didn't get the long, illustrious career many anticipated when he first signed. He didn't win any UFC titles or establish himself as a top contender in the division. However, his time in the octagon, though brief, was filled with significant moments and conversations. He brought a different style of wrestling to the forefront, one that had dominated other organizations but faced new challenges against elite UFC strikers. His fights generated a lot of buzz, and the controversy surrounding his debut win and the sheer shock of his knockout loss made him a memorable figure. Even though his UFC run was short, Ben Askren's impact on MMA is undeniable. He's a former world champion in other promotions, a decorated wrestler, and a fighter who always brought a compelling narrative to the cage. His two UFC fights, while not leading to championship glory, certainly left a mark on the sport's history. He proved that even with an unconventional style, the UFC is a different beast, and adapting to its challenges is crucial for success. His decision to retire after the Masvidal fight signaled the end of an era, but his contributions to wrestling and his unique place in MMA history will always be remembered, guys. It’s a reminder that in MMA, like in life, things don’t always go according to plan, but the journey and the lessons learned are what truly matter.

Conclusion: A Short but Memorable Stint

So, to wrap it all up, Ben Askren competed in the UFC exactly two times. His journey was short, marked by a controversial debut win over Robbie Lawler and a swift, memorable knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal. While he may not have achieved the championship success some predicted, his unique wrestling style and the dramatic nature of his fights ensured he left a lasting impression on the UFC and its fans. He's a testament to the unpredictable nature of MMA and the high level of competition within the UFC welterweight division. Thanks for joining us, fight fans! Keep it locked for more deep dives into the world of combat sports.