Ben Askren’s 2019 UFC Run

 

PHOTO CREDIT: ONE Championship(Ben Askren’s 2019 UFC Run)

Ben Askren’s UFC Arrival

Ben Askren was one of the biggest names in MMA by the time he joined the UFC in 2018. Someone who fought for almost a decade before signing with the UFC, Ben Askren’s UFC arrival was met with hype.

After being traded from ONE Championship in late 2018, many were excited about Ben Askren fighting for the UFC. As Ben Askren’s a former world champion in Bellator MMA and ONE Championship, while being a decorated wrestler, his charismatic charm is enough to get fans to tune in. Because of this, Ben Askren had all the tools to become a box-office draw in the UFC.

A Rough Debut

Ben Askren’s UFC debut wouldn’t be a walk in the park for him. In his first match at UFC 235, he faced off against former UFC Champion Robbie Lawler. Only seconds after the first round began, Robbie Lawler slammed Ben Askren with authority. Ben Askren was then able to secure a bulldog choke upon getting slammed, getting a controversial victory by submission in the first round, to which many felt the referee stopped the fight prematurely.

Feud With Jorge Masvidal

Furthermore, Ben Askren’s next fight in the UFC was against rising star Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239. As the two engaged in a rivalry, there was much trash talk on Ben Askren’s behalf. However, at UFC 239, Jorge Masvidal got the last laugh when he hit Ben Askren with a flying knee only seconds after the fight began, getting the fastest knockout in UFC history.

Ben Askren’s 2019 Run Comes To An End

Upon receiving the fastest knockout in UFC history, one could tell Ben Askren’s UFC career was on its last leg. In October 2019, Ben Askren had his final fight against UFC veteran Damien Maia at UFC Fight Night. Ben Askren lost via technical submission, earning his second loss in a row.

Less than a month after his most recent fight with Damien Maia, Ben Askren announced his retirement from MMA. Ben Askren’s UFC career lasted much shorter than many thought, having only three fights in 2019. Developing hip problems, Ben Askren had no choice but to end his MMA career with a 1-2 UFC record.

There’s no denying Ben Askren could’ve been one of UFC’s biggest stars heading into 2020 due to his talents and overall charisma. However, it’s worth noting Ben Askren’s short UFC run did help elevate Jorge Masvidal into stardom, leaving a positive impact on the UFC as a whole.