UFC's Trade For Ben Askren: Who Was Involved?

The trade that brought Ben Askren to the UFC was one of the most talked-about deals in MMA history. So, who exactly did the UFC trade to get their hands on "Funky" Ben? Let's dive into the details of this blockbuster transaction. In October 2018, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and ONE Championship shook hands on a deal that sent shockwaves through the mixed martial arts community. The UFC, eager to add Askren's wrestling prowess and unique fighting style to their welterweight division, traded one of their own rising stars. On the other side, ONE Championship was keen to bolster their roster and expand their reach by acquiring a fighter with a strong UFC pedigree. The negotiation was intense, with both organizations looking to maximize their benefits from the exchange. Ultimately, they reached an agreement that would significantly impact both promotions and the careers of the fighters involved. This trade wasn't just about swapping fighters; it was a strategic move by both organizations to enhance their competitive positions in the global MMA landscape. For the UFC, acquiring Askren was a chance to add a highly credentialed wrestler to their roster, a skill set that has historically been a major asset in the sport. For ONE Championship, obtaining a UFC fighter provided them with a valuable asset to attract more viewers and increase their presence in the North American market. The trade was a win-win situation, at least on paper, with both organizations believing they were getting a piece of the puzzle that would help them achieve their long-term goals. The trade occurred during a period of significant growth and change in the MMA industry. The UFC, under the ownership of Endeavor (then WME-IMG), was looking to expand its global footprint and solidify its dominance in the market. ONE Championship, on the other hand, was rapidly growing in Asia and seeking to establish itself as a major player on the international stage. This context is important because it highlights the strategic considerations that drove the trade. Both organizations were not only interested in acquiring talented fighters but also in making moves that would enhance their overall business prospects. The trade for Ben Askren was a bold move by the UFC, signaling their willingness to make significant changes to their roster in pursuit of their strategic objectives. It was a calculated risk, as Askren's fighting style and personality were seen as potential draws for fans. However, it also raised questions about the long-term value of trading away a young, promising fighter. Overall, the trade was a complex transaction with multiple layers of strategic implications, reflecting the dynamic and competitive nature of the MMA industry at the time.

The Trade: Demetrious Johnson Heads to ONE Championship

Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson was the fighter traded to ONE Championship for Ben Askren. Demetrious Johnson, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, was the centerpiece of the trade. Johnson's departure from the UFC marked the end of an era for the promotion's flyweight division. During his reign as champion, Johnson had set a record for the most consecutive title defenses in UFC history, showcasing his exceptional skills and dominance in the cage. His technical prowess, speed, and strategic approach to fighting had earned him a legion of fans and the respect of his peers. However, despite his accomplishments, Johnson had sometimes struggled to connect with the broader audience, and his fights often didn't generate the same level of excitement as those in the higher weight classes. The decision to trade Johnson was not an easy one for the UFC. While he was undoubtedly a top-tier fighter, the flyweight division had faced challenges in terms of viewership and popularity. By trading Johnson to ONE Championship, the UFC aimed to streamline its roster and focus on divisions that were more commercially viable. Additionally, the UFC saw an opportunity to acquire Ben Askren, a fighter with a strong wrestling background and a unique personality, who they believed could make a splash in the welterweight division. The trade was a calculated risk, with the UFC betting that Askren's marketability and fighting style would outweigh the loss of Johnson's technical brilliance. For Johnson, the trade to ONE Championship represented a new chapter in his career. It was an opportunity to compete on a global stage, showcase his skills to a new audience, and potentially earn more lucrative endorsements. ONE Championship, with its focus on martial arts and its growing presence in Asia, provided Johnson with a platform to further his legacy and explore new challenges. The move also allowed Johnson to compete in a promotion that placed a strong emphasis on respect and sportsmanship, values that aligned with his own personal beliefs. Overall, the trade of Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship was a complex decision driven by a combination of factors, including the UFC's strategic priorities, the challenges of the flyweight division, and the opportunity to acquire Ben Askren. It was a move that had a significant impact on both organizations and the careers of the fighters involved, reshaping the landscape of the MMA world.

Why the Trade Happened

Several factors contributed to the UFC trading Demetrious Johnson for Ben Askren. One key reason was the UFC's desire to invigorate their welterweight division. Ben Askren, a former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder, brought a unique wrestling-heavy style and a brash persona that the UFC believed would draw attention and excitement. The UFC was looking to shake things up in the welterweight division, which had become somewhat stagnant in terms of fresh matchups and compelling storylines. Askren's arrival was seen as a way to inject new energy into the division and create intriguing possibilities for fights against established stars like Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington, and Jorge Masvidal. His outspoken personality and willingness to engage in trash talk added another layer of intrigue, making him a potentially valuable asset in terms of promotion and marketing. Additionally, the UFC was aware of Askren's reputation as one of the best wrestlers in MMA, a skill set that has historically been a major factor in determining success in the sport. They believed that his wrestling prowess would pose a unique challenge to many of the top welterweights and create compelling matchups for fans. The trade for Askren was a calculated risk, with the UFC betting that his skills and personality would translate into increased viewership and revenue. At the same time, the UFC was facing challenges with its flyweight division, where Demetrious Johnson reigned supreme. Despite Johnson's incredible talent and accomplishments, the division struggled to gain mainstream popularity. The UFC hoped that by trading Johnson, they could streamline their roster and focus on divisions with greater revenue potential. The flyweight division had consistently faced challenges in terms of viewership and ticket sales, leading to concerns about its long-term viability. While Johnson was undoubtedly a top-tier fighter, his fights often didn't generate the same level of excitement as those in the higher weight classes. The UFC's decision to trade him was a strategic move aimed at optimizing their resources and focusing on divisions that were more commercially viable. Furthermore, the UFC saw an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with ONE Championship, a major player in the Asian MMA market. By trading Johnson, the UFC could potentially open doors for future collaborations and expand its reach into new territories. ONE Championship, with its focus on martial arts and its growing presence in Asia, represented a valuable partner for the UFC in its global expansion efforts. The trade was a mutually beneficial agreement, allowing both organizations to achieve their respective goals and strengthen their positions in the MMA landscape. Overall, the trade of Demetrious Johnson for Ben Askren was a complex decision driven by a combination of factors, including the UFC's desire to invigorate the welterweight division, the challenges of the flyweight division, and the opportunity to strengthen its relationship with ONE Championship.

Ben Askren's UFC Run

Ben Askren's UFC career was highly anticipated but ultimately short-lived and filled with ups and downs. Askren's arrival in the UFC was met with considerable fanfare, as he was seen as a potential contender for the welterweight title. His wrestling credentials and undefeated record in other promotions had built up a significant amount of hype, and fans were eager to see how he would fare against the UFC's top welterweights. However, his tenure with the promotion was marked by a series of memorable moments, both positive and negative, that ultimately defined his legacy in the organization. Askren made his UFC debut against Robbie Lawler at UFC 235 in March 2019. The fight was a wild affair, with Lawler initially dominating Askren with strikes and a powerful slam. However, Askren managed to weather the storm and secure a bulldog choke, which the referee controversially called as a submission victory for Askren. The win was shrouded in controversy, as replays suggested that Lawler may not have been fully unconscious at the time of the stoppage. Despite the controversy, the win was a significant moment for Askren, as it marked his arrival in the UFC with a victory over a former champion. However, Askren's next fight would prove to be a much different experience. He faced Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239 in July 2019, in what turned out to be the fastest knockout in UFC history. Masvidal landed a flying knee just seconds into the fight, knocking Askren out cold and handing him his first professional loss. The knockout was a viral sensation, and it significantly diminished Askren's aura of invincibility. The loss to Masvidal was a major setback for Askren, as it derailed his momentum and raised questions about his ability to compete against the UFC's elite welterweights. Despite the devastating loss, Askren remained determined to prove himself and bounce back from the defeat. Askren's final fight in the UFC was against Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night 162 in October 2019. In a grappling-heavy affair, Maia submitted Askren with a rear-naked choke in the third round. The loss marked Askren's second consecutive defeat in the UFC and further diminished his standing in the division. Following the loss to Maia, Askren announced his retirement from MMA, citing hip issues as the primary reason for his decision. His UFC record stood at 1-2, a far cry from the undefeated record he had built in other promotions. Despite the disappointing end to his UFC career, Askren remained a popular figure in the MMA community, known for his unique personality and his willingness to engage with fans. His time in the UFC may have been short-lived, but it was certainly memorable, filled with both highs and lows that ultimately defined his legacy in the sport.

In conclusion, the UFC traded Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren. This trade was a strategic move aimed at bolstering the welterweight division and streamlining the UFC's roster. While Askren's UFC career didn't pan out as expected, the trade remains a significant moment in MMA history.