The former University of Missouri wrestling champ finished his professional mixed martial arts career still holding onto his welterweight title -- and his perfect record -- with a TKO of final rival Shinya Aoki at 57 seconds of the first round of Askren's retirement bout at the "ONE Championship 65: Immortal Pursuit" event at Singapore Indoor Stadium Friday night.
"Aoki pulled guard seconds into the bout, but Askren picked him up from the ground and slammed him back down," reported MMAfighting.com. "Askren went into Aoki's guard and immediately rocked him with a right hand, and kept landing shots until Aoki turned and the referee called it at the 57-second mark."
Ben AskrenWith the win, Askren concludes his pro MMA career with a perfect 18-0 record, while the veteran Aoki drops to 39-8.
Back in September, Askren announced his plans to trade in his fight trunks for a business suit and retire from fighting, taking an executive position with ONE Championships after his bout with Aoki.
After making short work of Aoki in what had been labeled his "retirement match," Askren was asked if it was indeed his swan song from competition.
"I think it's it," Askren said. "I did leave that caveat, if I get the opportunity to prove I'm No. 1 -- I think I'm No. 1. I know I'm No. 1. I haven't gotten to prove to the world I'm No. 1. So if I get that opportunity, (I'd) take that opportunity.
"I don't need to make any more money. I need to show people that I'm the best welterweight in
the world. Other than that, I'm out."
Askren won't restricted to the executive suite. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported that the Wisconsin native plans to turn his attention to helping run the Askren Wrestling Academy, which has locations in Hartland, Mequon and Green Bay. He co-founded the AWA with his brother, Max, and former Arrowhead wrestling coach John Mesenbrink.
Prior to launching his pro MMA career, Askren was a highly accomplished amateur wrestler. He was a four-time NCAA finalist for the University of Missouri, winning titles in 2006 and 2007. Askren earned a place on the U.S. men's freestyle team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
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