Ben Askren, a former NCAA Division I wrestling champion and decorated MMA athlete, remains retired from professional combat sports competition. While Askren participated in a high-profile exhibition boxing match against Jake Paul in 2021, he has not returned to professional wrestling or mixed martial arts competition since his final UFC bout in 2019. Reports suggesting an imminent comeback to professional wrestling are unfounded, as Askren has transitioned into coaching and commentary roles since leaving the cage.
Ben Askren’s Career Background and Transition
Ben Askren established himself as one of the most successful collegiate wrestlers in American history, winning two NCAA titles at the University of Missouri and earning a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team. Following his amateur career, Askren transitioned to mixed martial arts, where he captured the Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight titles.
According to UFC records, Askren officially retired from MMA in November 2019 following a loss to Demian Maia. His career was defined by his elite-level grappling, which allowed him to maintain an undefeated record for nearly a decade before his stint in the UFC.
The 2021 Boxing Exhibition
The most significant deviation from Askren’s retirement occurred on April 17, 2021, when he faced YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in an eight-round professional boxing match. The event, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, resulted in a first-round technical knockout victory for Paul.
As reported by ESPN, the bout served as an exhibition of celebrity combat sports, a trend that gained traction during the pandemic era. Despite the high-profile nature of the event, Askren maintained that he did not intend to pursue a long-term boxing career, citing the physical demands and his desire to move on from active competition.
Current Status in Combat Sports
Since the 2021 match, Askren has focused his efforts on coaching at his wrestling academy and providing analytical commentary for combat sports events. He remains active in the sport primarily as a mentor for younger athletes.
- Last Professional MMA Fight: October 26, 2019 (vs. Demian Maia).
- Last Professional Boxing Match: April 17, 2021 (vs. Jake Paul).
- Current Primary Focus: Coaching and wrestling instruction.
There has been no official announcement from Askren or any major wrestling promotion regarding a return to the mat. His focus remains on his post-athletic business ventures and his contributions to the wrestling community as a coach rather than an active competitor.
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