Ben Askren Update: From Wrestling Mats To Pickleball Courts - What's "Funky" Ben Up To Now?
Ben Askren Update: From Wrestling Mats to Pickleball Courts - What's "Funky" Ben Up To Now?
Ben Askren, the former Olympic wrestler, Bellator and ONE Championship champion, and UFC fighter, has always been a compelling figure in the combat sports world. Known for his unorthodox wrestling style, his "Funky" persona, and his willingness to engage in trash talk, Askren captivated fans even when his fighting career faced adversity. But what exactly has Ben Askren been up to since retiring from MMA? Let's delve into the latest on Askren, covering his business ventures, his health, and his surprising passion for pickleball.
Life After Fighting: Entrepreneurial Ventures and Family Time
Following his hip replacement surgery and subsequent retirement from active competition in 2019, Askren transitioned into a multifaceted role that combines business, family, and exploring new athletic pursuits. He's been far from idle.
One of Askren's significant ventures is his wrestling academy, Askren Wrestling Academy (AWA), which operates in Wisconsin. AWA focuses on nurturing young wrestlers, providing them with top-tier coaching and mentorship. Askren frequently shares updates and insights from the academy on his social media platforms, showcasing his continued dedication to the sport that launched his career. He's incredibly passionate about developing the next generation of wrestlers and instilling in them the values of hard work and dedication.
Beyond wrestling, Askren has also ventured into the world of podcasting. He co-hosts the "Rudis Wrestling Podcast," where he interviews notable figures in the wrestling community, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the sport. This platform allows him to stay connected to his wrestling roots and share his expertise with a broad audience.
Askren is a devoted family man. He frequently shares photos and videos of his wife and children on social media, showcasing his commitment to his family life. Balancing his various endeavors with his responsibilities as a husband and father is clearly a priority for him.
Health and Well-being: Overcoming Hip Issues
Askren's fighting career was prematurely ended due to chronic hip issues. His hip replacement surgery was well-documented, and he has been open about the challenges he faced during recovery. He often speaks about the importance of prioritizing physical and mental health, encouraging others to listen to their bodies and seek appropriate treatment when needed.
He's been transparent about the rigorous rehabilitation process, emphasizing the importance of patience and consistency in overcoming physical setbacks. Askren's journey serves as an inspiration to many who are dealing with injuries or health issues, proving that it's possible to lead an active and fulfilling life even after facing adversity.
Pickleball Passion: A New Athletic Chapter
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Askren's post-fighting life is his newfound passion for pickleball. He's become an avid player and frequently shares videos of his matches and practice sessions on social media. His competitive spirit remains evident as he hones his skills and participates in local tournaments.
Pickleball offers Askren a way to stay active and engage in friendly competition without the high-impact demands of MMA. He enjoys the social aspect of the sport and the camaraderie he's found within the pickleball community. In fact, he sees similarities between the strategy and quick thinking required in pickleball and wrestling, suggesting that his background in combat sports has given him a unique advantage.
The Question of a Return to Combat Sports
While Askren has repeatedly stated that he has no intention of returning to MMA, rumors and fan speculation occasionally surface. He has emphatically denied these rumors, citing his hip replacement and his commitment to his current endeavors. He seems content with his post-fighting life and has no desire to put his body through the rigors of training and competition again.
He has participated in some exhibition boxing matches, including a notable bout against Jake Paul, which unfortunately ended in a first-round TKO loss. However, he has maintained that these were more for entertainment and financial opportunity rather than a serious attempt at a boxing career.
Looking Ahead: Continued Involvement in Wrestling and Business Ventures
Looking ahead, Askren is likely to remain actively involved in his wrestling academy and his podcast. He may also explore other business opportunities and continue to pursue his passion for pickleball. He's a natural entrepreneur and a driven individual, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him take on new challenges in the years to come.
His focus seems to be on giving back to the wrestling community, spending time with his family, and enjoying the freedom and flexibility that retirement from MMA has afforded him. He remains a popular figure in the combat sports world, and his fans continue to follow his journey with great interest.
Who is Ben Askren
Ben Askren (born July 18, 1984) is a former American professional mixed martial artist, retired Olympic wrestler, and current wrestling coach and entrepreneur. He competed in Bellator, ONE Championship, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Askren was a two-time NCAA Division I national champion wrestler for the University of Missouri and a Pan American Games gold medalist. Known for his dominant wrestling style and "Funky" persona, he retired from MMA in 2019 due to hip issues but has remained involved in wrestling and explored new athletic pursuits like pickleball.
Summary Question and Answer:
Q: What has Ben Askren been up to since retiring from MMA?
A: He's been focusing on his wrestling academy (AWA), podcasting, spending time with his family, and pursuing his passion for pickleball.
Q: Is Ben Askren considering a return to MMA?
A: He has stated that he has no intention of returning to MMA due to his hip replacement and commitment to his current endeavors.
Q: What is Askren's main focus now?
A: His primary focus is on giving back to the wrestling community, spending time with his family, and enjoying his post-fighting life.
Keywords: Ben Askren, MMA, Wrestling, Pickleball, Retirement, Askren Wrestling Academy, Podcast, Health, Hip Replacement, Jake Paul, UFC, Bellator, ONE Championship.