Unpacking Ben Askren’s UFC Fortunes: Behind the Scenes Analysis
Introduction
Ben Askren, a former professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, faced numerous challenges in the UFC that led to his series of losses. From his wrestling-heavy style to the pressure of high expectations, this article delves into the key factors contributing to Askren's difficulties in the organization.
Key Factors Contributing to Ben Askren's UFC Losses
Style Matchups
Askren's wrestling style was highly effective against many opponents, but he encountered fighters like Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia who utilized striking and submission skills to exploit his weaknesses. This mismatch in fighting styles resulted in several of his losses.
Striking Deficiencies
Despite his success in grappling, Askren's striking skills were underdeveloped compared to his opponents. His quick knockout loss to Masvidal during his UFC debut highlighted the significant gap in striking proficiency. This deficiency made him vulnerable to fast and aggressive fighters who could quickly put him away.
Inactivity and Timing
After a successful career in Bellator and ONE Championship, Askren retired and then returned to the UFC, which may have affected his timing and conditioning. The long period of inactivity likely contributed to his inability to maintain the high level of performance expected in the UFC. Ring rust—a decline in performance due to long periods of inactivity—also played a role in his losses.
Level of Competition
The UFC is home to some of the best fighters in the world. Askren faced top-tier competition that pushed his skills to their limits in ways he had not experienced before. This level of competition posed a significant challenge, leading to several close and difficult losses.
Mental Pressure
The pressure of performing in the UFC, combined with high expectations from fans and media, may have affected Askren's performance. The mental strain of constant scrutiny and performance can be overwhelming, potentially impacting his ability to perform at his best in the octagon.
Additional Factors Influencing Ben Askren's Performance
Something often overlooked is the physical toll that Askren accumulated during his fights. For instance, his fight against Robbie Lawler, despite winning on the points, resulted in significant damage. This kind of physical trauma can be mentally and physically draining, especially when combined with the mental pressure of the UFC.
Moreover, Askren’s age has also played a role. As fighters age, their recovery rate and ability to withstand physical and mental stress decrease. This was evident in his fight against Jorge Masvidal, where a single hard knee strike significantly impacted his performance.
It's not uncommon to see fighters take hard losses, or even hard wins, and never quite recover. Anderson Silva and Ronda Rousey are perfect examples. These fighters were at the top of their game, but a couple of tough losses brought them down.
Dana White's Strategy and Ben Askren’s Future in the UFC
Dana White, the President of the UFC, is known for assigning Askren the toughest stylistic matches to keep him relevant. However, these tough fights have often resulted in losses. Dana strategically wants Askren to lose to maintain the image of the UFC's champions as the best in the world. By dispatching "boring" fighters, Dana can send them packing, thus ensuring his champions are always the talk of the tournament.
Conclusion
While Ben Askren had a remarkable career before joining the UFC, the combination of these factors has contributed to his difficulties in the organization. It will be interesting to see how he continues to adapt and perform in the future, given the high level of competition and the physical and mental challenges he faces.