Ben Askren Biography: Net Worth, Age, Wife, Children, Martial Arts, Awards

Benjamin Michael Askren, widely recognized by his nickname “Funky,” is a retired American professional mixed martial artist and professional boxer.

He is a former Bellator and ONE Welterweight Champion, maintaining an undefeated record for over a decade before joining the UFC.

Additionally, Askren is a distinguished grappler, having competed in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team and winning a National Championship in freestyle wrestling.

He retired from mixed martial arts in 2019 with a professional record of 19 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. In 2021, Askren faced Jake Paul in a boxing match, defeating him via TKO.

Profile

• Full Name: Benjamin Michael Askren
• Stage Name: Ben Askren
• Born: July 18 1984
• Age: 40 years old
• Birthplace: Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American professional mixed martial artist and professional boxer
• Height: 1.78 m
• Parents: Chuck Askren, Michele Askren
• Siblings: Max Askren
• Spouse: Amy Askren (m. 2010)
• Children: Alex and Andy, and a son, Ozzi.
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $500,000 and $1 million

Early Life And Education

Benjamin Michael Askren was born to Chuck and Michele Askren on July 18, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States.

He has a younger brother, Max Askren, who is also a wrestling champion and co-owner of the Askren Wrestling Academy alongside Ben.

Askren attended Arrowhead High School before continuing his education at the University of Missouri, where he gained recognition as a standout wrestler.

He is of White ethnicity, though his religious beliefs are not publicly disclosed.

Career

Ben Askren began his mixed martial arts career in 2009, quickly establishing himself as a dominant grappler.

His early victories showcased his impressive submission skills, with notable wins over Josh Flowers and Mitchell Harris, setting the stage for a promising career in the sport.

Askren’s reputation as a skilled wrestler and submission artist quickly garnered attention, marking him as a fighter to watch in the coming years.

In 2010, Askren joined Bellator and participated in the Season 2 Welterweight Tournament, where he defeated Ryan Thomas via technical submission and later won a rematch against Thomas by unanimous decision.

His success in the tournament culminated in a victory over Dan Hornbuckle, earning him the tournament championship. Askren then made history by defeating Lyman Good to claim the Bellator Welterweight Championship in October 2010.

He successfully defended the title several times, including notable wins over Jay Hieron and Douglas Lima, before vacating the title in November 2013 to pursue other opportunities.

Askren’s next career chapter took him to ONE Championship, where he continued to cement his legacy.

In 2014, he captured the ONE Welterweight Championship by defeating Nobutatsu Suzuki and defended the title multiple times.

After several years of dominance in the organization, Askren vacated the title in October 2018 to join the UFC. A controversial victory over Robbie Lawler marked his UFC debut in March 2019, but his undefeated streak ended with a memorable knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239.

Askren would go on to lose again to Demian Maia before announcing his retirement from MMA in November 2019.

Following his retirement from MMA, Askren explored opportunities outside the sport. In 2021, he ventured into professional boxing, facing Jake Paul in a highly publicized match, but suffered a TKO loss.

Askren’s legacy in MMA is defined by his dominance in Bellator and ONE Championship, where he held titles in both organizations. Although his UFC career was short-lived, it included memorable moments, such as his debut win and his historic knockout loss to Masvidal.

Off the mat, Askren has also ventured into literary endeavors, reflecting on his journey through the sport in a book that chronicles his successes and challenges.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @benaskren

Personal Life

Ben Askren married Amy Askren (née Sarver), a professional realtor, in 2010. Together, they have three children: two daughters, Alex and Andy, and a son, Ozzi.

Amy is known for her strong support of Ben’s career and her work in real estate, particularly with Firefly Real Estate in Wisconsin.

Net Worth

Ben Askren’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million.

His earnings stem from his successful MMA career, which included stints in the UFC, Bellator, and ONE Championship, as well as endorsements and various business ventures.