“It's just funny because I think a long time back I was not a fan favorite at all, and now people have followed my journey, have seen the struggle and the perseverance I've had, and they can relate to that.”

American former professional mixed martial artist, Olympic wrestler and boxer

Ben Askren is an American former professional mixed martial artist, Olympic wrestler, and boxer. He competed in the welterweight divisions of Bellator Fighting Championships, ONE FC, and the UFC, and is known for a career that stretched across elite wrestling and mixed martial arts. Askren was the longest reigning Bellator Welterweight Champion and the longest reigning ONE Welterweight World Champion. In the UFC, he reached the No. 5 spot in the welterweight rankings. His public profile is closely tied to combat sports, especially wrestling and welterweight competition.