Ben Askren Net Worth

Ben Askren’s Net Worth: Career, Earnings, and MMA Journey

Introduction: Ben Askren – From Wrestling to MMA

Ben Askren is a prominent figure in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), known for his exceptional wrestling background and unique fighting style. He transitioned from a highly decorated amateur wrestling career to a successful professional MMA career, competing in various major promotions. This article delves into Ben Askren’s net worth, his journey through the MMA landscape, his notable wins and losses, and the financial aspects of his career.

Early Life and Wrestling Career

Born on July 18, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ben Askren’s athletic prowess was evident from a young age. He attended the University of Missouri, where he excelled in wrestling, becoming a two-time NCAA Division 1 national champion. His collegiate achievements laid a strong foundation for his future success. During his amateur wrestling days, Askren achieved remarkable feats, earning gold medals at the 2005 Pan American Championship, the 2008 US National Championship, and the 2009 World Championship. These accolades showcased his dominant wrestling abilities and set the stage for his transition to professional MMA.

Transition to MMA: Bellator, ONE FC, and UFC

Askren made his professional MMA debut in February 2009, winning by TKO in the first round. He quickly gained recognition for his wrestling-heavy approach, focusing on takedowns and ground-and-pound. In 2010, Askren signed with the Bellator MMA organization, where he would fight nine times. He showcased his wrestling dominance, securing the Bellator Welterweight Championship. In 2014, Askren made a move to ONE FC, another major MMA promotion. He continued his winning streak, competing in seven fights and further solidifying his reputation. The anticipation for his entry into the UFC grew, and in 2019, he finally joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), considered the pinnacle of MMA.

UFC Debut and Early Fights

Askren’s UFC debut on March 2, 2019, at UFC 235, was highly anticipated. He faced Robbie Lawler, a former UFC champion. The fight ended controversially, with Askren winning via a first-round submission. His first professional career loss came on July 6, 2019, at the hands of Jorge Masvidal. Askren earned a career-high $210,000 just to show up to the match, plus a cut of the Pay Per View. For his next fight, against Demian Maia on October 26, 2019, Askren earned $200,000 to show up. He lost in the third round by technical submission. This loss further highlighted the challenges of adapting his wrestling-centric style against high-level strikers.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Losses and Boxing Match with Jake Paul

After suffering consecutive losses in the UFC, Askren announced his retirement from MMA in November 2019. However, his competitive spirit led him to a boxing match against YouTube personality Jake Paul on April 17, 2021. This match garnered significant attention, as it pitted the seasoned MMA fighter against a celebrity with a boxing background. Askren was guaranteed a minimum of $500,000 just to show up to the fight. With Pay Per View bonuses and other revenue, his ultimately full payout could be in the low $1 million range. The fight ended with a first-round TKO victory for Paul, marking another setback in Askren’s combat sports career.

Net Worth Breakdown and Earnings

As of the current date, Ben Askren’s estimated net worth is around $500,000. This figure is a result of his earnings from his professional MMA career, including fight purses, bonuses, and sponsorships. While Askren’s wrestling background provided him with a solid foundation, his shift to MMA and subsequent fights in various promotions significantly impacted his income. His earnings have varied depending on the fight, the opponent, and the promotion. Despite the highs and lows of his career, Askren has maintained a notable presence in the sports world.

• Fight Purses: His main income source, varying based on the promotion and the fight.
• Bonuses: Performance-based bonuses, such as Fight of the Night or Knockout of the Night.
• Sponsorships: Deals with various brands and companies.
• Boxing Match: Significant earnings from the fight with Jake Paul.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Ben Askren

Ben Askren’s journey from a dominant wrestler to a professional MMA fighter has been a remarkable one. He has faced triumphs and challenges throughout his career, solidifying his place in the MMA world. His net worth reflects his professional earnings, and his impact on the sport continues to be felt. While his active fighting career may have concluded, his contributions and legacy remain.