Ben Askren's ONE Championship Record Revealed

What's up, fight fans! Today, we're diving deep into the ONE Championship career of a guy who's made some serious waves in the MMA world: Ben Askren. You know him as 'Funky,' the former NCAA Division I wrestling champion who transitioned into a dominant force in mixed martial arts. He brought his elite grappling skills to promotions like Bellator and the UFC, but his time in ONE Championship was particularly noteworthy. Let's break down his impressive run in the Singapore-based promotion, looking at his fights, his opponents, and how he cemented his legacy as one of the best welterweights to ever compete there. We'll explore the highs and lows, the knockouts and submissions, and what made his fights such must-watch television. Get ready to learn all about Ben Askren's journey in ONE, from his debut to his final appearances, and understand why he's still a name that resonates in the fight game today. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the sport, this breakdown will give you the inside scoop on one of MMA's most intriguing personalities and accomplished wrestlers turned fighters.

The Arrival of 'Funky' in ONE Championship

So, how did Ben Askren end up in ONE Championship? Well, after a successful stint in Bellator, where he became their first-ever welterweight champion and defended his title multiple times, Askren found himself looking for a new challenge. He had a stellar undefeated record and was ready to prove himself on a bigger international stage. ONE Championship, known for its diverse talent pool and commitment to showcasing exciting martial arts action, seemed like the perfect fit. His debut in May 2014 against Bakhtiyar Babayev was a clear statement of intent. Askren secured a dominant first-round TKO victory, showcasing the suffocating control and relentless pace that had become his trademark. This wasn't just a win; it was a declaration that 'Funky' was here to stay and was aiming for the top. His wrestling pedigree, which saw him achieve an astonishing 153-8 record in high school and become a two-time NCAA Division I All-American and a two-time Big Ten Conference champion at the University of Missouri, translated seamlessly into MMA. Opponents struggled to deal with his ability to take them down and keep them there, or to even get back to their feet once he had them on the canvas. The energy and anticipation surrounding his arrival were palpable, and he wasted no time in living up to the hype. His early performances in ONE were characterized by his signature style: grinding opponents down with relentless pressure, mixing in striking that, while not flashy, was effective enough to set up his takedowns and control. This initial victory set the stage for what would be a significant and impactful chapter in his career, building momentum for bigger challenges ahead within the ONE welterweight division. The fans were buzzing, and the promotion clearly had a star on its hands.

Dominance and Championship Reign

Following his impressive debut, Ben Askren quickly established himself as the king of the ONE Championship welterweight division. His second fight in the promotion, in August 2014, saw him face off against juggernaut Luis Santos. This bout was a true test of Askren's mettle. Santos was a dangerous striker with a formidable record, and he gave Askren all he could handle in the early going. However, true champions find a way to win, and Askren did just that. Despite being caught with a powerful shot that led to a foul and an unfortunate stoppage in the first round, the fight was eventually ruled a No Contest. But the message was clear: Askren was still unbeaten and ready to move forward. His next outing, in December 2014, was for the ONE Welterweight Championship against Brock Jardine. Askren put on a masterful performance, submitting Jardine with an arm-triangle choke in the fourth round to claim the title. This victory was the culmination of his journey to the top of the division and cemented his status as the premier welterweight in ONE. He then went on to defend his title multiple times, showcasing his consistent dominance. His first defense came in April 2015 against fellow American Brandon Vera. Askren put on a clinic, outclassing Vera and securing a unanimous decision victory. In November 2015, he faced Nikolaj Eivazov, whom he dispatched with a first-round TKO, further solidifying his championship reign. His fights were often strategic battles, with Askren dictating the pace and his opponents struggling to adapt to his unique blend of wrestling and suffocating ground control. He wasn't just winning; he was dominating, often leaving his opponents looking exhausted and demoralized. The welterweight division in ONE Championship became synonymous with his name, and he was widely considered one of the most avoided fighters in MMA at the time due to his seemingly unbreakable skillset. His championship run was a testament to his dedication and his ability to adapt his world-class wrestling into a highly effective MMA game plan, proving that grappling supremacy could indeed conquer the striking-heavy world of modern mixed martial arts.

The Undefeated Streak and Legacy

Ben Askren's tenure in ONE Championship was nothing short of spectacular, characterized by an undefeated streak that left a lasting mark on the promotion. Throughout his championship reign, 'Funky' consistently proved why he was considered one of the most dominant welterweights in the sport. After securing the ONE Welterweight Championship, Askren went on an impressive run of defenses, further etching his name in the promotion's history books. His fight against Luis Santos, though initially a No Contest due to an accidental foul, highlighted his resilience. He later faced Santos again in a rematch, where Askren secured a commanding unanimous decision victory, leaving no doubt about his superiority. Another significant defense came against Agilan Thani in May 2017. Thani was on a hot streak and considered a major threat, but Askren systematically dismantled him, earning a submission victory via arm-triangle choke in the second round. This victory showcased that even against hungry, rising contenders, Askren's grappling prowess remained unmatched. His final fight in ONE Championship took place in November 2017 against Shinya Aoki, a legendary submission artist in his own right. In a highly anticipated showdown, Askren delivered a stunning performance, knocking Aoki out cold in just 57 seconds with a thunderous right hand, the fastest knockout victory of his ONE career. This explosive finish was a perfect exclamation point on his ONE Championship journey. Throughout his time in ONE, Ben Askren compiled an incredible record of 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 No Contest. He retired from MMA undefeated with a professional record of 19 wins and 0 losses, a feat rarely achieved in the sport. His legacy in ONE Championship is that of a dominant champion who never lost a fight within the promotion and consistently showcased a level of wrestling-based MMA that few could match. He didn't just win fights; he controlled them, often making his opponents look completely outmatched. His undefeated streak and his ability to seamlessly transition his wrestling accolades into MMA success made him a truly special fighter and a legend in the welterweight division of ONE Championship. His impact transcended his win-loss record, inspiring many and proving the effectiveness of a pure grappling base in the modern MMA landscape.

Moving On: The Road to the UFC and Beyond

After cementing his status as an undefeated welterweight champion in ONE Championship, Ben Askren made the monumental decision to step away from active competition in MMA, at least temporarily. His final win in ONE, the spectacular 57-second knockout of Shinya Aoki, served as a perfect swansong. With a professional record of 19-0 and having nothing left to prove in the welterweight division of ONE, Askren announced his retirement from the sport. This move surprised many, especially given his undefeated status and championship pedigree. However, 'Funky' had always been a man of his own path. His retirement, however, didn't last long. The allure of facing new challenges and testing himself against different levels of competition eventually drew him back. The biggest draw? A trade to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In a groundbreaking move, Askren was traded to the UFC in exchange for former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion Demetrious Johnson. This trade sent shockwaves through the MMA world, pitting Askren against the UFC's elite welterweight division. His UFC debut came in March 2019 against former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler. In a back-and-forth affair, Askren secured a controversial first-round submission victory via bulldog choke. His UFC career, however, would prove to be a stark contrast to his dominant ONE Championship run. He suffered his first professional losses in the UFC, including a devastating 5-second knockout against Jorge Masvidal and a decision loss to Demian Maia. These fights marked the end of his professional MMA career. Despite the losses in the UFC, Askren's legacy as an undefeated ONE Championship welterweight king remains intact. His journey from NCAA wrestling champion to undefeated MMA fighter and champion in multiple promotions is a testament to his skill, determination, and unique approach to the sport. He left an indelible mark on ONE Championship, proving that with the right mindset and skillset, even the most established divisions can be conquered. His story is a classic example of an athlete evolving and seeking new horizons, even when at the pinnacle of their achievements.

Conclusion: A Champion's Impact

To wrap things up, Ben Askren's time in ONE Championship was a masterclass in dominance and a testament to the effectiveness of elite wrestling in mixed martial arts. His ONE Championship record of 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 No Contest speaks volumes about his invincibility within the promotion. He wasn't just a champion; he was the champion, holding the welterweight title and defending it with a suffocating style that left opponents bewildered and defeated. His transition from a legendary collegiate wrestler to an undefeated MMA fighter was seamless, and ONE provided the perfect platform for him to showcase his unique skillset on a global stage. The 'Funky' persona, combined with his undeniable fighting ability, made him a fan favorite and a legitimate threat to anyone in the welterweight division. He proved that you don't need to be the flashiest striker to be an effective fighter; sometimes, sheer wrestling prowess and an unyielding will to win are more than enough. His legacy in ONE is that of a fighter who never lost, who elevated the welterweight division, and who left the promotion with his undefeated record firmly intact. While his subsequent foray into the UFC saw him face the first losses of his career, it doesn't diminish the incredible achievements he accomplished in ONE. Ben Askren's impact on ONE Championship is undeniable. He was a true warrior, a strategic genius on the mat, and a champion in every sense of the word. His undefeated run in ONE will forever be remembered as one of the most dominant championship reigns in the promotion's history. Guys, when you think of dominant welterweights in ONE history, Ben Askren's name has to be at the top of that list. His journey is inspiring, and his record speaks for itself. What a career!