Introduction
Ben Askren is a retired professional mixed martial artist and former Olympic wrestler from the United States. Known for his exceptional grappling skills and unorthodox fighting style, Askren has had a successful career in both wrestling and MMA. Throughout his career, he has accumulated a significant net worth, which is expected to continue growing in the coming years. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects that contribute to Ben Askren’s net worth and explore his financial prospects for 2024.
Early Life and Wrestling Career
Born on July 18, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ben Askren developed a passion for wrestling at a young age. He attended Arrowhead High School in Hartland, Wisconsin, where he achieved remarkable success as a wrestler. Askren won four consecutive state championships and finished his high school career with an impressive record of 144-0.
Askren’s exceptional wrestling skills earned him a scholarship to the University of Missouri, where he continued to excel. He became a two-time NCAA Division I champion and a four-time All-American during his collegiate career. Askren’s dominance in wrestling laid the foundation for his future success in combat sports and contributed to his growing net worth.
Transition to MMA
After his collegiate wrestling career, Ben Askren made the transition to mixed martial arts. He made his professional MMA debut in 2009 and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division. Askren’s unique wrestling style, characterized by his relentless takedowns and suffocating top control, proved to be highly effective in the cage.
Askren signed with Bellator MMA in 2010 and went on to become the promotion’s welterweight champion. He successfully defended his title multiple times before eventually joining the ONE Championship organization in 2014. Askren continued his winning streak in ONE Championship, capturing the welterweight title and defending it several times.
UFC Stint and Retirement
In 2018, Ben Askren finally made his long-awaited debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He was involved in a highly anticipated trade deal between ONE Championship and the UFC, which saw former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson move to ONE Championship in exchange for Askren.
Askren’s UFC career got off to a rocky start when he faced Jorge Masvidal in his debut fight. He suffered a devastating knockout loss in just five seconds, which became one of the fastest knockouts in UFC history. Despite this setback, Askren continued to compete in the UFC, facing notable opponents such as Robbie Lawler and Demian Maia.
In November 2019, Ben Askren announced his retirement from professional MMA. He cited health concerns and a lack of motivation as the primary reasons for his decision. Although his UFC stint was relatively short-lived, Askren’s time in the promotion undoubtedly contributed to his overall net worth.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Throughout his career, Ben Askren has secured various endorsements and sponsorships, further boosting his net worth. As a high-profile athlete in the MMA world, Askren has partnered with several brands to promote their products and services.
One of his notable endorsements is with the apparel company Roots of Fight. Askren has been seen wearing their clothing during interviews and public appearances, helping to increase the brand’s visibility. Additionally, Askren has collaborated with supplement companies, such as Onnit, to promote their products and maintain his physical fitness.
These endorsement deals, along with sponsorships from other companies, have undoubtedly contributed to Ben Askren’s net worth. As his popularity and influence continue to grow, it is likely that he will secure more lucrative partnerships in the future.
Investments and Business Ventures
Outside of his fighting career, Ben Askren has ventured into various business opportunities and investments. He co-founded the wrestling academy, Askren Wrestling Academy, where he shares his knowledge and expertise with aspiring wrestlers. The academy provides training programs and camps for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
Askren has also invested in real estate, which is a common avenue for athletes to diversify their income and build wealth. By investing in properties, Askren can generate passive income and potentially benefit from property appreciation over time.
Furthermore, Askren has shown an interest in cryptocurrency and has publicly expressed his support for Bitcoin. It is unclear to what extent he has invested in cryptocurrencies, but given the potential for significant returns, it could be a lucrative aspect of his overall net worth.
Current Net Worth and Future Prospects
As of 2024, Ben Askren’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This figure takes into account his earnings from professional fights, endorsements, sponsorships, and business ventures. However, it is important to note that net worth estimates can vary, and the actual figure may be higher or lower.
Looking ahead to 2024, Ben Askren’s net worth is expected to continue growing. Although he has retired from professional MMA, his influence and popularity in the combat sports community remain strong. Askren’s involvement in various business ventures, such as the Askren Wrestling Academy and potential future investments, will likely contribute to his financial success.
Additionally, Askren’s charismatic personality and media presence make him a valuable asset for broadcasting and commentary roles. As he transitions into a post-fighting career, he may secure lucrative opportunities in the media industry, further bolstering his net worth.
In conclusion, Ben Askren’s net worth is a result of his successful wrestling and MMA careers, endorsements and sponsorships, investments, and business ventures. With a current net worth of around $10 million, Askren’s financial prospects for 2024 are promising. As he continues to explore new opportunities and expand his influence, his net worth is likely to increase, solidifying his position as one of the most successful and financially prosperous athletes in the combat sports world.
