When discussing wrestling, especially in the context of mixed martial arts (MMA), the name Ben Askren inevitably comes up. But just how good was he, really? Was he just a wrestler who happened to find success in MMA, or was he something more? This isn’t just a simple question of wins and losses. It’s about understanding his technique, his dominance, and the impact he had on the sport.
Askren’s wrestling prowess was undeniable. He was a two-time NCAA Division I national champion, a U.S. Olympian, and a dominant force in both collegiate and professional wrestling circuits. However, transitioning that success to MMA is a different beast entirely. We need to look beyond the accolades and examine the specifics. Let’s delve into the details of his wrestling style, his accomplishments, and what made him a formidable opponent.
The Foundation: Collegiate Wrestling Dominance
Before his MMA career took off, Ben Askren built a rock-solid foundation in collegiate wrestling. Competing for the University of Missouri, he achieved remarkable feats. His wrestling style was known for its relentless pressure and superior control. He wasn’t just winning; he was often dominating opponents.
Askren’s accolades in college speak volumes:
- Two-time NCAA Division I National Champion (2006, 2007): This is the pinnacle of collegiate wrestling. Winning two national championships puts him in an elite group.
- 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Member: Representing the United States in the Olympics is a significant achievement, showcasing his elite-level wrestling skills on a global stage.
- Multiple All-American Honors: Consistently placing among the top wrestlers in the nation demonstrates his sustained excellence.
Askren’s success wasn’t just about raw talent; it was about a carefully crafted approach. He was a student of the sport, analyzing his opponents and developing strategies to exploit their weaknesses. His commitment to the fundamentals, his conditioning, and his mental toughness were all key ingredients in his success.
Askren’s Wrestling Style: A Breakdown
Askren’s wrestling style was unique and effective. He wasn’t known for flashy moves or high-flying takedowns. Instead, he relied on a combination of pressure, control, and a relentless pursuit of the takedown. This style, though sometimes criticized for being ‘boring’ by casual fans, was incredibly effective at neutralizing opponents and dictating the pace of a match.
Here are some key elements of his wrestling style:
- The ‘Funky’ Style: Askren often employed a unique, unorthodox style that involved a lot of hand-fighting and scrambling. This made him difficult to predict and gave him an edge in close-quarters combat.
- Relentless Pressure: He constantly moved forward, applying pressure and forcing his opponents to react. This wore down his opponents physically and mentally.
- Superior Clinch Work: Askren was exceptional in the clinch, using his strength and technique to control his opponents and set up takedowns.
- Effective Takedowns: While not always the prettiest, his takedowns were highly effective. He focused on scoring points and controlling the position.
- Ground Control: Once he secured a takedown, Askren was a master of ground control. He used his weight and leverage to neutralize his opponents and prevent them from escaping.
Askren’s style was built for control. He wasn’t always looking for the highlight-reel knockout or submission. His goal was to dominate, wear down his opponent, and win the match by any means necessary. This approach, while effective, sometimes led to matches that were less exciting for fans. (See Also: How Is Wrestling Staged )
Askren’s Transition to Mma: Applying Wrestling Skills
The transition from wrestling to MMA is a significant one. While the core skills of wrestling – takedowns, control, and ground game – are highly valuable, they must be adapted to the new environment. MMA introduces striking, submissions, and a larger cage, all of which change the dynamics of a match.
Askren’s wrestling skills proved to be a major asset in his MMA career. He used his takedowns to control where the fight took place. His ground control was a constant threat, preventing his opponents from mounting any significant offense. His ability to neutralize his opponents and dictate the pace of the fight often led to victories.
However, the transition wasn’t seamless. He had to learn to defend against strikes, develop his striking game, and adapt his wrestling style to the threat of submissions. This was a learning process, and he faced some challenges along the way.
Analyzing His Mma Career: Successes and Challenges
Ben Askren’s MMA career was a mix of successes and challenges. He built a strong record, but his time in the UFC was shorter and less successful than many expected. Let’s break down his career:
- Bellator MMA Champion: Askren was a dominant champion in Bellator, showcasing his wrestling skills against a variety of opponents. He successfully defended his title multiple times.
- ONE Championship Champion: He also found success in ONE Championship, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier wrestler in MMA.
- UFC Stint: His move to the UFC was highly anticipated. However, his tenure in the UFC was marked by a controversial loss and a knockout loss.
- Record: His overall MMA record reflects his success but also highlights the challenges he faced in the UFC.
Askren’s success in Bellator and ONE Championship demonstrated that his wrestling-based approach could be extremely effective. He consistently controlled his opponents and won by either decision or ground and pound. His ability to neutralize striking and dictate the pace of the fight was a key factor in his wins.
His time in the UFC, however, presented different challenges. The level of competition was higher, and the striking skills of his opponents were more developed. He faced some tough matchups, and his reliance on wrestling was sometimes countered by his opponents’ defensive strategies or striking skills.
Comparing Askren to Other Wrestlers in Mma
It’s interesting to compare Ben Askren to other wrestlers who have found success in MMA. Each wrestler brings a unique set of skills and a different approach to the sport. Some wrestlers excel by using their wrestling as a foundation for their striking, while others rely heavily on their grappling and ground game. (See Also: Is Carmella Coming Back To Wrestling )
Here’s a comparison of Askren to some other notable wrestlers in MMA:
| Wrestler | Strengths | Weaknesses | MMA Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Askren | Elite wrestling, ground control, pressure | Striking defense, susceptible to power strikers | Wrestling-heavy, control-oriented |
| Daniel Cormier | Olympic-level wrestling, striking, clinch work | Reach disadvantage against some strikers | Well-rounded, wrestling and striking |
| Henry Cejudo | Olympic gold medalist, striking, takedown defense | Can be out-struck by elite strikers | Striking and wrestling, tactical |
| Jon Jones | Elite wrestling, striking, reach | Legal issues, questionable fight IQ | Striking with wrestling, often dominant |
As you can see, each wrestler has their own strengths and weaknesses. Askren’s focus on control and his wrestling-heavy approach set him apart from the more striking-oriented fighters. While his wrestling was undoubtedly elite, his struggles in the UFC highlight the importance of adaptability and a well-rounded skillset in MMA.
Specific Techniques and Strategies
To fully appreciate Askren’s wrestling, we need to look at some of the specific techniques and strategies he employed. He was a master of the fundamentals, and his success was built on a solid foundation of these techniques.
- Double Leg Takedown: This was a staple of Askren’s takedown arsenal. He used his strength and technique to drive through his opponents, securing the takedown and putting them on the mat. He often set up his double leg with hand-fighting and feints.
- Single Leg Takedown: He was also proficient with the single leg, using it to secure takedowns from various positions. He would often use the single leg to control his opponents and wear them down.
- Clinch Control: Askren was excellent in the clinch, using his strength and leverage to control his opponents. He was able to dictate the position and set up takedowns from the clinch. He frequently used underhooks and overhooks to control his opponents’ posture.
- Ground and Pound: Once he secured a takedown, Askren was a threat on the ground. He used his ground and pound to wear down his opponents and secure victories. He would often control his opponents with his weight and then deliver strikes to the head and body.
- Top Position Control: Askren was a master of top position control. He was able to maintain his position and prevent his opponents from escaping. He used his weight and leverage to neutralize his opponents and prevent them from creating space.
Askren’s techniques were effective because he focused on the fundamentals. He didn’t rely on flashy moves or high-risk techniques. Instead, he focused on executing the basics with precision and power. This approach allowed him to consistently control his opponents and win matches.
The Impact of Rules and Regulations
The rules and regulations of MMA play a significant role in how a wrestler like Askren performs. Rules regarding stand-ups, stalling, and ground and pound can either favor or hinder a wrestler’s style.
- Stalling Rules: Rules regarding stalling can impact a wrestler’s ability to control the fight. If a wrestler is perceived to be stalling, the referee may stand the fighters up, giving the opponent a chance to reset.
- Ground and Pound: Rules regarding ground and pound can impact a wrestler’s ability to secure a finish. If a referee deems a fighter unable to intelligently defend, the fight may be stopped.
- Stand-Ups: Stand-ups can be both helpful and harmful to a wrestler. If a wrestler is being controlled on the ground, a stand-up can give them a chance to reset and try for a takedown. However, it can also give their opponent a chance to strike.
Askren’s style was sometimes criticized for being ‘stalling’ or ‘boring’. However, he was simply trying to control the fight and win by any means necessary. The rules and regulations of MMA often forced him to adapt his style and find new ways to control his opponents.
Training and Conditioning
Ben Askren was known for his rigorous training and conditioning regime. He understood that wrestling, and MMA in general, requires incredible physical and mental toughness. His training was designed to prepare him for the demands of competition. (See Also: Are Wrestling Briefs Like Speedos )
- Strength and Conditioning: Askren had a strong focus on strength and conditioning. He worked with professional trainers to develop his strength, speed, and endurance. This helped him to maintain his pace throughout a match.
- Wrestling Specific Training: He spent countless hours on the wrestling mat, honing his skills and techniques. He worked with world-class coaches and training partners to improve his wrestling.
- Cardio Training: Wrestling and MMA demand a high level of cardio fitness. Askren incorporated a variety of cardio exercises into his training, including running, swimming, and cycling.
- Mental Toughness: Askren understood the importance of mental toughness. He worked with sports psychologists to develop his mental game and prepare him for the pressures of competition.
Askren’s dedication to training and conditioning was evident in his performances. He was known for his ability to maintain a high pace throughout a match and his ability to wear down his opponents.
Analyzing His Losses
While Askren achieved significant success in his career, he also experienced losses. Examining these losses provides valuable insights into his weaknesses and the challenges he faced in MMA.
- Demetrious Johnson: The loss to Demetrious Johnson in ONE Championship was a controversial one. Askren lost via submission due to a modified guillotine choke.
- Jorge Masvidal: His loss to Jorge Masvidal in the UFC was a brutal knockout. Masvidal landed a flying knee just seconds into the fight.
- Robbie Lawler: His win against Robbie Lawler was also controversial, as the referee stopped the fight due to a bulldog choke by Askren, and Lawler initially appeared to be knocked out.
These losses highlighted some of Askren’s vulnerabilities. The loss to Masvidal demonstrated his vulnerability to power strikers. The loss to Johnson showed that even his elite wrestling could be overcome by a skilled grappler. His fight with Lawler also showed his chin’s weakness.
Legacy and Influence
Ben Askren’s legacy in MMA is complex. He was a dominant wrestler who achieved significant success in both Bellator and ONE Championship. His move to the UFC was highly anticipated, but his tenure was shorter and less successful than many expected. However, his influence on the sport is undeniable. He proved that wrestling could be a viable and effective style in MMA, and he inspired many young wrestlers to pursue careers in the sport.
His impact on the sport:
- Showcased the power of wrestling: He demonstrated how effective wrestling could be in controlling opponents and dictating the pace of a fight.
- Inspired other wrestlers: He inspired many young wrestlers to pursue careers in MMA.
- Created exciting matchups: His fights were often exciting, even if they weren’t always filled with high-flying action.
Askren’s legacy is one of a dominant wrestler who challenged the status quo. He proved that a wrestling-based approach could be successful in MMA, and he inspired a generation of wrestlers to follow in his footsteps.
Final Verdict
So, how good was Ben Askren’s wrestling? The answer is: exceptionally good. He was a dominant force in collegiate wrestling, an Olympian, and a champion in multiple MMA organizations. His wrestling skills were undeniable, and he used them effectively to control his opponents and achieve success. While his time in the UFC didn’t go as planned, his impact on the sport remains. He proved that wrestling could be a dominant force in MMA, and he inspired many fighters to adopt a wrestling-heavy approach. His legacy is secure: Ben Askren was, without a doubt, a top-tier wrestler in the world of mixed martial arts.
