Ben Askren is a retired American mixed martial artist and former wrestler, known for his unique fighting style and grappling skills. He was born on July 18, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Askren gained fame in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and ONE Championship, where he held titles and showcased his exceptional wrestling background. Before his MMA career, Askren was a standout collegiate wrestler, winning two NCAA championships at the University of Missouri. He also represented the United States in international competitions, including the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. His achievements in both wrestling and MMA have made him a notable figure in combat sports.