One of the most intriguing prospects in the welterweight division, Ben Askren is an up and coming fighter currently signed to Bellator FC. Askren enters the sport as one of the most decorated collegiate wrestlers in MMA, and holds numerous amateur records including the single-season NCAA pin record, being third all-time in NCAA Division I pins and was only the twelfth Division I wrestler ever to be a four-time national finalist. An intelligent, hardworking fighter, Askren currently trains out of one of the best MMA camps in the world in American Top Team who will do their best to take his creative style and tremendous wrestling base to mould him into an effective mixed martial artist.

Before he entered into any kind of mixed martial arts training, Askren was one of the most dominate collegiate wrestlers in recent memory. A four time NCAA All-American, a two time NCAA Division I National Champion (twice a runner up), a two time Dan Hodge trophy winner (only the second athlete ever), and a 2008 Olympic participant - there are only a handful of wrestler in MMA with anything near the collegiate accomplishments Askren achieved over his wrestling career. While Askren's pure wrestling abilities are top notch, it needs to be noted that he isn't the same type of wrestler as a Josh Koscheck or Georges St. Pierre. Askren isn't an explosive athlete who shoots through opponents with powerful double legs (see him shoot on Matt Delanoit below) - instead he has a very unconventional and unique style, relying on his intelligence and incredible creativity to win matches (hence his nickname "funky"). Thus far in his MMA career Askren hasn't been overpowering with his takedowns and actually has had moments of difficulty in getting the fight to the ground (see bout with Matt Delanoit), and it still remains to be seen how his wrestling style will translate to the sport of mixed martial arts. In addition to his distinguished wrestling background, Askren also shows development in his all-around ground game and currently holds a purple belt in BJJ and does display a good awareness of submissions. Overall Askren is such a unique athlete it's very difficult to project what kind of grappler he will turn out to be, what is known is that a lot of that will come down to how his wrestling translates to the sport.

One thing that's definite is that Askren will need to work hard on his overall standup game. Askren is not a natural striker and will need to make significant improvements in his footwork, head movement and overall technical striking skills. Through his first three bouts he has looked stiff on his feet, out of his element and at times very awkward even for someone who is brand new to that aspect of the sport. He hasn't shown great hand speed and has been tagged and hurt on his feet in the brief time his fights have stayed standing, and will need to continue refining his defensive skills. Very honest with himself, Askren does recognize the need to improve that aspect of his game and has gone on record to say that his striking is "poor". That honesty should only serve to make Askren a better fighter in the future.