Ben Askren (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Following a submission loss to Demian Maia last month, and the revelation he needs to undergo hip replacement surgery, Ben Askren has announced he’s retiring from fighting.

The 35-year-old former Bellator and ONE champion, and decorated wrestler, recently announced the news on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show.

“I’m retiring from the sport of MMA,” Askren said. “Frankly, I’m retiring from everything.”

“I’ve been having hip problems, and I finally had the discussion with my doctor … and I need a [left] hip replacement,” Askren said. “So, man, that’s it for me. I’ve been thinking about this for a week and what I was going to say, and I’m filled with gratitude for how great of a career I’ve been able to have, even though obviously in the end it did not turn out to go my way.”

Askren initially retired back in 2017. But, after a trade between the UFC and ONE Championship was reached, which sent Askren to the UFC in exchanged for Demetrious Johnson, “Funky” resumed his fighting career.

Askren recorded a controversial, submission win over Robbie Lawler in his UFC debut. But, in July, the renowned wrestler was quickly KO’d by Jorge Masvidal, in what was the first defeat of Askren’s career.

At UFC Singapore, Askren was choked out by Maia in the third round. The outspoken star retires from MMA having gone 19-2.