Jorge Masvidal Vs Ben Askren: A Historic UFC Knockout

Hey guys, let's dive deep into one of the most shocking and unforgettable moments in UFC history: the clash between Ben Askren vs Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239. This wasn't just another fight; it was a cultural phenomenon, a lightning-fast knockout that etched itself into the annals of mixed martial arts forever. Before this epic showdown, Ben Askren was a polarizing figure, an undefeated wrestling phenom with a brash personality, fresh off his controversial UFC debut. On the other side, Jorge Masvidal, the street-fighting veteran, was in the midst of a career resurgence, having just delivered another spectacular knockout against Darren Till. The stage was set for a classic "wrestler vs. striker" matchup, but what unfolded was something no one could have predicted. The tension leading up to the fight was palpable, with both fighters engaging in a significant amount of trash talk, fueled by contrasting styles and personalities. Askren, with his confident, almost arrogant demeanor, believed his superior grappling would easily neutralize Masvidal's striking. Masvidal, known for his calm intensity and deadly precision, was quietly confident, letting his hands (and knees) do the talking. This wasn't just a fight for rankings; it was a battle for bragging rights, for respect, and ultimately, for a spot in MMA lore. The UFC 239 event itself was stacked, but Ben Askren vs Jorge Masvidal was undoubtedly the fight that everyone was talking about, the one with the potential for fireworks. And boy, did it deliver, just not in the way most people expected. This single moment, the flying knee knockout, didn't just end a fight; it launched one career into superstardom and significantly altered the trajectory of another. It's a fight we'll be discussing for generations, a true testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of mixed martial arts.

The Fighters: Ben Askren's Dominance and Masvidal's Rise

Ben Askren: "Funky" Foundations and Undefeated Streak

Let's kick things off by talking about Ben Askren, often known as "Funky." This guy was a legitimate grappling wizard, a two-time NCAA Division I National Champion in wrestling, and an Olympian. His credentials on the mat were simply unparalleled. When he transitioned to MMA, he carried that wrestling dominance with him, compiling an impressive undefeated record of 19-0 (1 NC) before ever stepping into the UFC octagon. Askren wasn't just winning; he was dominating, becoming the Bellator Welterweight Champion and later the ONE Championship Welterweight Champion. His style was highly effective, albeit sometimes criticized for being less aesthetically pleasing than a stand-up war. He'd tirelessly pursue takedowns, control his opponents on the ground, and relentlessly grind them out, making fights miserable for anyone he faced. This grappling expertise was his bread and butter, a puzzle few could solve. He made his highly anticipated UFC debut after a historic trade from ONE Championship for Demetrious Johnson, facing Robbie Lawler. That fight itself was a whirlwind of controversy, with Askren eventually securing a submission victory that many argued was stopped prematurely. This only amplified his larger-than-life persona and his ability to get under opponents' skin. He was a master provocateur, using his wit and unique personality to build hype for his fights, often with a mischievous grin. His confidence bordered on arrogance, making him a divisive but undeniably compelling figure in the sport. Fans either loved his unconventional approach and trash talk or hated his smothering style, but everyone had an opinion on Ben Askren. He genuinely believed his wrestling was superior to any striking, and his track record certainly backed that up. He was coming into the Masvidal fight with an undefeated record and a strong belief that he could simply take anyone down and keep them there, regardless of their striking ability. This unwavering self-assurance was a key part of his identity and his approach to every single fight, and it set the stage for one of the most iconic moments in UFC history against Jorge Masvidal.

Jorge Masvidal: "Gamebred" Journey and Resurgence

Now, let's shift gears and talk about the other half of this epic equation, Jorge Masvidal, a man whose journey to superstardom is as compelling as any in sports. Known affectionately as "Gamebred," Masvidal's roots run deep in the Miami street fighting scene, honing his skills in backyard brawls long before he ever stepped into a professional cage. This background gave him a unique grittiness and an unflappable demeanor that defined his fighting style. He wasn't just a fighter; he was a survivor and a true mixed martial artist in every sense of the word, having competed across various organizations like Strikeforce, Bellator, and of course, the UFC. Masvidal is a true UFC veteran, having fought a who's who of the welterweight and lightweight divisions for over a decade. For years, he was known as a highly skilled, incredibly tough competitor who often came up short in razor-thin decisions against top-tier opponents. He had all the tools – sharp boxing, nasty kicks, solid takedown defense – but sometimes lacked that decisive finish to push him into the upper echelon. However, 2019 marked a dramatic resurgence for Masvidal, transforming him from a respected veteran into a bonafide superstar. This transformation began with a stunning second-round knockout of Darren Till in London, a fight where Masvidal not only showcased his devastating striking precision but also his willingness to take risks and go for the kill. This victory re-energized his career and put the entire MMA world on notice. He was no longer content with just being competitive; he wanted to finish fights in spectacular fashion. His confidence was at an all-time high, but it was a quiet, intense confidence, a stark contrast to Askren's vocal bravado. Masvidal's ability to seamlessly blend different martial arts disciplines, particularly his deadly striking, made him a formidable opponent for anyone. He possessed the power to shut anyone's lights out with a single punch or kick, and his experience meant he had seen every type of fighter and every situation imaginable. This veteran savvy, combined with his newfound finishing instinct, made him incredibly dangerous. When he was matched against Ben Askren, Masvidal saw an opportunity not just to win, but to make a definitive statement and prove that he was truly in a different league, ready to unleash his devastating skills on the biggest stage possible. His journey was a testament to perseverance and the power of believing in oneself, even after years in the trenches, culminating in this pivotal clash at UFC 239.

The Hype and Build-Up: A Clash of Styles and Personalities

Verbal Warfare and Strategic Rivalry

Alright, let's talk about the absolute fireworks leading up to this fight, because the pre-fight trash talk between Ben Askren vs Jorge Masvidal was legendary, guys. This wasn't just polite banter; it was a full-blown verbal war, a strategic rivalry played out in press conferences, interviews, and social media, setting the stage for a truly explosive encounter. Ben Askren, with his signature blend of confidence and cutting humor, was absolutely relentless. He poked and prodded Masvidal at every opportunity, questioning his heart, his legitimacy, and even his intelligence. Askren's schtick was all about being an annoying, undefeated wrestler who would simply smother anyone, and he played that role to perfection against Masvidal. He consistently stated that Masvidal had no chance, that his grappling was too superior, and that he would easily impose his will. He called Masvidal "soft" and mocked his "street cred," intentionally trying to get under Masvidal's skin and provoke an emotional response. His aim was clear: to make Masvidal angry, hoping it would lead to a mistake. Masvidal, on the other hand, approached the verbal warfare with a much different, but equally effective, strategy. He was mostly quiet, allowing Askren to run his mouth, but when he did speak, it was with a chilling intensity and a promise of violence. He wasn't interested in witty comebacks; he was interested in pain. Masvidal famously stated that he was going to "baptize" Askren, a phrase that sent shivers down spines and added an extra layer of menace to the impending fight. He didn't engage in long back-and-forths; instead, he delivered short, sharp, ominous warnings, making it clear that all the talk meant nothing once the cage door closed. This stylistic clash wasn't just about wrestling versus striking; it was about two diametrically opposed personalities colliding. Askren's jovial arrogance met Masvidal's quiet, simmering rage. The hype for Ben Askren vs Jorge Masvidal built exponentially with each interview, each stare-down, and each social media post. Fans were absolutely buzzing, dissecting every word, every subtle glance, trying to predict who would crumble under the pressure. The narrative was perfect: the undefeated wrestling phenom, full of bravado, against the street-hardened striker, newly reinvigorated and deadly. Everyone knew this fight had the potential to be something special, not just because of the skills involved, but because of the sheer animosity and the promise of a definitive, brutal conclusion. The world was watching, waiting to see if Askren could back up his talk or if Masvidal would deliver on his chilling promises. This build-up became as much a part of the fight's legacy as the fight itself, a masterclass in psychological warfare leading to a spectacular, albeit short, physical confrontation.

The Fight Itself: An Unforgettable Moment at UFC 239

The Fastest Knockout in UFC History

And now, guys, for the main event, the moment etched into history: the actual fight between Ben Askren vs Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239. You remember the hype, the trash talk, the contrasting personalities – it all culminated in one of the most jaw-dropping and instantaneous finishes we've ever witnessed. The fight began, and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Ben Askren, as expected, immediately shot for a takedown, his signature move, aiming to close the distance and get the fight to the ground where he felt most comfortable. But Jorge Masvidal, ever the tactician, was ready. He had anticipated Askren's move with almost clairvoyant precision. As Askren launched himself forward, Masvidal took a quick step, timed it perfectly, and launched himself into the air, delivering a flying knee knockout that connected flush with Askren's head. The sound, the impact, the sheer speed of it all – it was unreal. Askren was out cold before he even hit the canvas, collapsing like a sack of bricks. Masvidal then followed up with two unnecessary, but legally permissible, hammer fistes to the unconscious Askren before the referee, Jason Herzog, could dive in to stop the fight. The entire sequence lasted a mere five seconds. Five seconds! This wasn't just a knockout; it was the fastest UFC knockout in history, a record that still stands today. The crowd at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas erupted in a mix of shock, awe, and disbelief. You could literally hear the collective gasp, followed by an explosion of cheers and shouts. People were on their feet, some with their hands on their heads, others screaming in exhilaration. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated chaos and spectacle. Commentators Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier, and Jon Anik were beside themselves, their voices rising in pitch as they tried to process what had just unfolded before their eyes. The replay, shown countless times, only further solidified the sheer audacity and perfect execution of Masvidal's strike. It was a move born from intelligent preparation, incredible athleticism, and a willingness to take a massive risk. This wasn't just a win for Masvidal; it was a statement, a thunderous declaration that he was here to finish fights in the most spectacular ways possible. The image of Askren lying motionless, and Masvidal standing over him, arms raised, became instantly iconic. This short, brutal, and utterly definitive end to the Ben Askren vs Jorge Masvidal rivalry secured its place as one of the most significant and memorable moments in the sport's rich history, changing the trajectory of both fighters' careers in an instant. It was a stark reminder of the unpredictable beauty and danger of mixed martial arts, a moment that will be replayed and discussed for generations to come. Truly, an unforgettable spectacle at UFC 239.

Legacy and Aftermath: What It Meant for Both Fighters

Impact on Ben Askren's Career

Let's talk about the profound impact of the knockout on Ben Askren's career. Prior to this fight, Askren was, let's face it, untouchable in the MMA world. He was 19-0 (1 NC), a two-division champion outside the UFC, and had just secured a controversial win over Robbie Lawler in his UFC debut. He carried an aura of invincibility, a wrestler who simply couldn't be stopped. The Jorge Masvidal flying knee shattered that perception in a brutal, irreversible way. The five-second knockout wasn't just a loss; it was a humiliation on the biggest stage, against an opponent he had openly mocked. This was the first time Askren had ever been truly beaten, let alone in such a definitive and shocking manner. The immediate aftermath saw Askren recover, but the psychological toll was undoubtedly immense. His confidence, once unshakeable, had been visibly shaken. He took another fight relatively quickly, facing Demian Maia, another grappling specialist. While Askren went into that fight with high hopes of returning to his dominant wrestling form, he ultimately suffered another submission loss, a rear-naked choke in the third round. This second consecutive defeat, especially after such a devastating knockout, really put a damper on his UFC trajectory. It felt like the air had been let out of his balloon. The Askren retirement came shortly after, in November 2019, just a few months after the Masvidal fight. He cited chronic hip issues and the desire to be present for his family as primary reasons, and while those were certainly legitimate, it was hard to ignore the timing. Many speculated that the two back-to-back losses, particularly the very public and definitive knockout by Masvidal, played a significant role in his decision to hang up the gloves. The aura of the undefeated, dominant wrestler was gone, replaced by the memory of that spectacular flying knee. While Askren's overall career remains legendary for his accomplishments outside the UFC, his brief stint in the world's premier promotion, especially the outcome of the Masvidal fight, became the defining moment for many. It underscored the brutal reality of MMA – one moment, one mistake, can change everything. For Ben Askren, the impact of the knockout was a swift and unexpected end to an otherwise stellar, undefeated professional fighting career, leaving fans to wonder "what if" and acknowledging the incredible finality of that infamous five-second encounter. It truly marked the end of an era for "Funky" Ben, a fighter whose legacy is now inextricably linked to that single, devastating knee.

Jorge Masvidal's Stardom and "BMF" Status

On the flip side, for Jorge Masvidal, the flying knee knockout against Ben Askren was nothing short of a career-defining moment that catapulted him into superstardom. Before this fight, Masvidal was a respected veteran, a fan-favorite, but arguably still lurking just outside the truly elite, household-name status. That five-second highlight reel changed everything. It wasn't just a win; it was a global phenomenon, replayed endlessly across all sports and news outlets, instantly becoming one of the most iconic moments in combat sports history. The phrase "three-piece and a soda" (referring to his post-fight altercation with Leon Edwards) combined with the flying knee created a perfect storm of viral content and undeniable hype. This spectacular finish cemented Jorge Masvidal's stardom and firmly established him as one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. His subsequent call-out for a "Bad Motherf*cker" title fight against Nate Diaz at UFC 244 only solidified his newly acquired