Wrestling has long been a dominant force in mixed martial arts, serving as the perfect base for countless legends who transitioned from the mats to the cage. Fighters like Daniel Cormier, Randy Couture, and Henry Cejudo cemented their legacies by using their grappling prowess to excel in the Octagon. Historically, wrestling has been a cornerstone discipline, providing the grit, technique, and control essential for MMA success.

In recent years, however, the influx of elite American wrestlers into MMA has noticeably declined. Unlike previous generations, many top wrestlers now choose to remain in wrestling or pursue other opportunities, diverging from the once-common path to professional MMA. Former UFC fighter and NCAA standout Ben Askren recently addressed this shift, sharing his perspective on the issue. Known for his own storied transition from wrestling to MMA, Askren provided insights that shed light on why today’s wrestlers might be hesitant to follow the same route.

Ben Askren weighs in on wrestlers rejecting the path to MMA

The diminishing presence of elite American wrestlers at the top level of MMA has stirred debate among fans and analysts alike. This trend, once unimaginable given wrestling’s storied history in MMA, has sparked questions about the evolving priorities of modern athletes. Recently, Ben Askren joined former UFC champion Daniel Cormier on his YouTube channel to discuss this shift. Askren pointed to financial stability as a key factor driving the change.

“I think you know my take. A lot of the American wrestlers now can get paid enough where they actually want to stay in wrestling. So, there have been very few of the elite ones who have crossed over,” Askren explained. “In our era, say from 2005 to 2012, a lot of the really good wrestlers transitioned to MMA. Now, with all these RTCs, the good wrestlers aren’t really making the transition to MMA as often,” he added.

Askren’s observations highlight the impact of Regional Training Centers (RTCs) and improved financial support within wrestling. These developments have allowed athletes to remain within the sport, offering stability and opportunities that were previously scarce. With organizations and sponsorships investing more in wrestling, the incentive to transition to MMA has diminished.

Askren began his professional MMA journey in 2009, showcasing unparalleled grappling skills that made him a dominant force in the sport. His career saw him claim titles in both Bellator and ONE Championship, amassing an impressive undefeated record of 18-0 before signing with the UFC. However, his UFC tenure turned out to be a challenging chapter in an otherwise stellar career.

Askren made his debut at UFC 235 with a controversial victory over Robbie Lawler, sparking debates about the fight’s officiating. Unfortunately, his subsequent bouts didn’t go as planned. In a now-infamous fight, he suffered a five-second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal, marking the fastest KO in UFC history. Following this setback, Askren faced Demian Maia and was defeated via submission, leading him to retire from MMA in 2019.

Despite the ups and downs, Askren remains a prominent voice in MMA discussions. Recently, he shared his candid thoughts on 205lbs god-king Alex Pereira, offering his perspective on the Brazilian’s impact on the sport.

Askren’s bizarre verdict on Alex Pereira

Ben Askren is no stranger to sharing bold opinions. And his recent comments about the current 205lbs champ Alex Pereira are no exception. During a conversation with Daniel Cormier on their podcast, Askren offered a candid take on Pereira’s skill set and long-term legacy.

“It’s so funny to me. On one hand, I’m like… he should be in the GOAT conversation. But then, on the other hand, I kinda think his wrestling still sucks. If he fights someone who’s a good wrestler, he’s gonna get torched,” Askren shared with Cormier.

Askren’s observations are largely true considering that Pereira hasn’t faced an elite grappler during his UFC run. Moreover, he struggled against former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291 where the Polish fighter leaned on wrestling to neutralize Pereira’s striking. Pereira’s striking is world-class, but Askren and others remain skeptical of his grappling.

It will be interesting to see how ‘Poatan’ fares against Magomed Ankalaev in his fourth title defense at UFC 313. What do you think about Askren’s views on wrestlers rejecting MMA and choosing alternate paths? Tell us in the comment section below!