Ben Askren, the former Olympian, Bellator, and ONE Championship welterweight champion, was once one of the most dominant forces in MMA. Known for his elite wrestling pedigree and unorthodox fighting style, Askren commanded attention across multiple promotions before making a much-anticipated but short-lived stint in the UFC. Over the years, fans have wondered: What happened to Ben Askren? Why did his career decline, and more recently, how did he get a staph infection?
In this comprehensive article, we’ll take a deep dive into Ben Askren’s career trajectory, his retirement, and the shocking revelation that he suffered from a dangerous staph infection — a condition that plagues many athletes, particularly in combat sports.
Who Is Ben Askren?
Ben Askren, also known as “Funky,” is a retired American mixed martial artist, amateur wrestler, and podcaster. Born on July 18, 1984, Askren’s career began on the wrestling mats, where he quickly made a name for himself.
Key Achievements:
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Two-time NCAA Division I Champion (2006, 2007)
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2008 U.S. Olympian in wrestling
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Former Bellator Welterweight Champion
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Former ONE Championship Welterweight Champion
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UFC veteran
Askren was never known for his striking skills, but his relentless wrestling, takedowns, and top control frustrated opponents and led to an undefeated streak that lasted nearly a decade.
The Rise of “Funky” Ben Askren
Ben Askren began his MMA career in 2009 after the Beijing Olympics. His wrestling was immediately dominant in the cage, and by 2010, he was competing in Bellator, where he captured the welterweight title and defended it multiple times.
In 2014, Askren signed with ONE Championship in Asia, where he continued his undefeated streak and became a world champion again. His success and undefeated record made him a unique figure in MMA — a dominant grappler who hadn’t fought in the UFC but was considered one of the best.
UFC Debut and Retirement
Askren finally made his way to the UFC in 2019, as part of a trade that sent Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship. Askren debuted at UFC 235, where he controversially submitted Robbie Lawler. While the win was official, the fight left many fans questioning his durability at the highest level.
His second UFC fight against Jorge Masvidal became one of the most infamous moments in UFC history. Askren was knocked out in just 5 seconds, the fastest KO in UFC history. This loss severely dented his image and momentum.
Askren went on to face Demian Maia, another grappling specialist, and lost via submission. After that, Askren announced his retirement from MMA in 2019, citing lingering hip injuries and declining performance.
What Happened After Retirement?
Though retired from MMA, Ben Askren remained in the spotlight. He co-hosted the “Funky & FRB Show” and became active on social media and podcasts. In 2021, he returned to combat sports — this time in boxing — to face Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer. The fight ended in a first-round TKO loss for Askren, further complicating his legacy.
However, few knew that beneath the surface, Askren was battling serious health issues — one of them being a staph infection that almost turned deadly.
How Did Ben Askren Get a Staph Infection?
What Is a Staph Infection?
A staph infection is caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, commonly found on the skin or in the nose. While usually harmless, the bacteria can cause serious infections if it enters the body through cuts, scrapes, or abrasions — particularly in environments like wrestling mats and MMA gyms.
In athletes, especially in combat sports, staph infections are unfortunately common due to:
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Skin-to-skin contact
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Open wounds and abrasions
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Unsanitary mats or equipment
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Excessive sweating
One particularly dangerous form is MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), which is resistant to most antibiotics.
Askren’s Experience With Staph: What We Know
In various interviews and podcasts, Ben Askren revealed that he had a serious staph infection during and after his fighting career. While he didn’t disclose every medical detail, he admitted that the infection affected his ability to train and compete.
In a 2022 podcast episode, Askren mentioned:
“There were days I could barely move. My joints felt like they were on fire… I didn’t realize how serious it was until it got bad.”
He went on to explain that what started as a small skin irritation developed into something that attacked his hip joint, requiring surgery and long-term antibiotics. This may have contributed to his need for hip replacement surgery, which he underwent shortly after retirement.
The Role of Staph in His Decline
Many fans and analysts speculate that the staph infection played a much larger role in Askren’s career decline than initially understood.
Possible Effects:
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Chronic pain and inflammation
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Weakened immune response
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Reduced mobility
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Mental fatigue from persistent illness
When combined with the wear-and-tear of a long wrestling and MMA career, this infection could have severely impacted his training camps, fight performance, and recovery. In hindsight, some of Askren’s slower movements and reduced explosiveness in his UFC fights might now be partially explained by this condition.
Combat Sports and Staph Infections: A Common Threat
Ben Askren’s case is not unique. Many top MMA fighters and wrestlers have battled staph infections during their careers. Fighters like Kevin Randleman, Robert Whittaker, and Cain Velasquez have all had to pull out of fights due to severe staph infections.
This issue raises concerns about hygiene in MMA gyms and the need for:
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Proper mat sanitation
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Immediate wound care
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Athlete education on skin infections
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Early detection and treatment protocols
Despite its prevalence, staph infections are still underreported in combat sports — partly due to the stigma and fear of being seen as weak or unfit to compete.
What Is Ben Askren Doing Now?
As of 2025, Ben Askren has settled into post-fighting life with grace. He’s active as:
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A podcaster
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A wrestling coach
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A public speaker
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An entrepreneur
He runs a youth wrestling academy and remains an advocate for wrestling in the U.S., often using his platform to promote clean sport and athlete wellness.
Despite his setbacks, Askren maintains a lighthearted, optimistic attitude. His social media presence is strong, and he often jokes about his past fights — including the Masvidal KO — showing maturity and self-awareness.
Lessons from Askren’s Career and Health Battle
Ben Askren’s story is more than just wins and losses. It’s a tale of:
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Dominance through unconventional skill
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The risks of high-level competition
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The silent dangers of chronic infection
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Mental resilience and reinvention
His battle with staph infection serves as a cautionary tale for athletes — not just in MMA but across all contact sports.
Can Staph Infections Be Prevented?
Yes — with proper hygiene and awareness. Here are key prevention tips, especially for combat sports athletes:
1. Shower Immediately After Training
Bacteria thrive in sweat and warmth. Showering removes contaminants from your skin before they can cause harm.
2. Disinfect Training Gear and Mats
Gyms should regularly sanitize mats, gloves, pads, and communal gear.
3. Wear Clean Clothing
Use fresh clothes every session. Avoid re-wearing sweaty garments.
4. Cover Cuts and Wounds
Even small abrasions should be cleaned and covered to prevent bacterial entry.
5. Watch for Early Symptoms
Redness, swelling, warmth, pus, and fever are early signs of infection. Seek treatment fast.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Ben Askren
Ben Askren’s legacy is far from defined by his UFC losses or even his viral KO. Instead, it lies in his wrestling excellence, unique personality, and unfiltered honesty. His openness about his staph infection and the impact it had on his body and career brings light to an issue that often goes unspoken.
Askren reminds us that behind every athlete is a human — vulnerable to illness, pain, and hardship. His journey from Olympic mats to UFC arenas and then to a health scare makes his story all the more compelling.
FAQs
Q: Did Ben Askren retire because of the staph infection?
A: While he didn’t cite the infection as the sole reason, it likely contributed to his declining health and eventual retirement.
Q: Can staph infections be deadly?
A: Yes, especially if untreated. MRSA infections can enter the bloodstream and lead to sepsis.
Q: Did the staph infection affect his performance in the UFC?
A: Indirectly, yes. Chronic pain and inflammation likely hindered his movement, endurance, and training capacity.
Q: Is Askren still active in wrestling?
A: Yes. He runs youth wrestling programs and is a strong advocate for the sport.
Conclusion
Ben Askren’s story is a rollercoaster of triumph, controversy, and hard lessons. From collegiate champion to global MMA star, and from retirement to health struggles — his path offers rich insights into the life of a fighter. His battle with a staph infection serves as a stark reminder that even the toughest athletes can face invisible threats.
And while the cage door may be closed, Ben Askren’s voice — and legacy — remains wide open.
