From the mat to the classroom, the Askren kids are learning what it means to be tough and true.
Benjamin Michael Askren has carved out an extraordinary career across multiple combat sports disciplines.
The American fighter dominated the wrestling world before transitioning into mixed martial arts, where he maintained an undefeated streak for over a decade.
Askren achieved remarkable success as a two-time NCAA Division I national champion at the University of Missouri, where he compiled an impressive 153-8 record and earned the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy twice.
His wrestling excellence extended to the international stage, where he represented the United States at the 2008 Olympics and claimed the Pan American championship in 2005.
The Missouri native’s professional fighting career showcased his exceptional grappling skills across multiple organizations.
Askren captured welterweight championships in both Bellator and ONE Championship, establishing himself as one of the most dominant grapplers in mixed martial arts.
His unique “funky” wrestling style, characterized by unorthodox scrambling techniques and superior pinning ability, made him a formidable opponent who consistently controlled fights on the ground.
After retiring from MMA in 2019 following a brief but memorable stint in the UFC, Askren ventured into professional boxing, facing Jake Paul in a highly publicized bout in 2021.
Ben Askren’s Kids Are Growing Up Strong And Kind
Ben Askren and his wife Amy have built a beautiful family together, raising three children who represent the center of their world.
The couple, married since April 2010, shares their home in Wisconsin with their daughters Alex and Andy, along with their son Ozzi.
These three children have grown up watching their father’s legendary career while developing their own unique personalities and interests.
Alex Askren – The Eldest Daughter
Alex Michele Askren stands as the oldest of the three children, celebrating her birthday on February 10; she turned 12 this February.
Amy Askren frequently shares her admiration for Alex’s remarkable character traits, describing her as exceptionally kind, thoughtful, helpful, and brave.
Alex demonstrates maturity beyond her years, with her mother noting that she possesses superior organizational skills and could likely “survive and thrive on her own” at this point in her young life.
Alex has begun following in her father’s athletic footsteps, participating in her first wrestling tournament in January 2022.
This experience marked a significant moment for the family, as Amy reflected on the unique challenges and character-building aspects of wrestling.
She observed how the sport demands complete personal accountability, noting that wrestlers cannot hide from their mistakes or losses on the mat.
Alex’s wrestling journey represents more than just athletic participation; it embodies the values that Ben Askren has championed throughout his career.
Amy expressed pride in Alex’s willingness to put herself in vulnerable positions where she must rely entirely on her own abilities.
The wrestling experience has already begun shaping Alex’s character, teaching her humility while building the mental toughness that wrestling demands from its participants.
As Alex transitioned into middle school in 2024, entering sixth grade, her mother acknowledged the bittersweet nature of watching her eldest child grow up.
Amy admitted to “mourning her elementary school years a bit” while expressing confidence in Alex’s ability to handle new challenges successfully.
Andy Askren – The Middle Child
Andy (also referred to as Andi) Askren serves as the middle child in the family dynamic, bringing her own special energy to the household.
She began her formal education journey in kindergarten during the 2021 school year, with her mother expressing mixed emotions about sending her young daughter away for full school days.
Amy’s social media posts reveal her concern that Andy seemed “too young” to be gone all day, demonstrating the protective maternal instincts that characterize her approach to parenting.
By 2024, Andy had progressed to third grade, showing steady academic and personal growth.
The family’s annual summer traditions include visits to the Carpenter Farm, where Andy and her siblings enjoy fishing, home-cooked meals, s’mores, and movie nights by the lake.
These experiences create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds while providing the children with connections to extended family and friends who treat them like their own.
Andy’s personality and interests continue developing as she navigates her elementary school years.
Like her siblings, she benefits from the stable, loving environment that Ben and Amy have created in their Wisconsin home.
Ozzi Askren – The Youngest Son
Ozzi Askren, the youngest of the three children, brings special joy to the family as their only son.
Born in December 2017, Ozzi celebrated his fifth birthday in December 2022 with a significant milestone – his first wrestling class.
Ben shared his excitement about this moment, noting that “this little dude has been impatiently waiting to get on the wrestling mat forever!”
The wrestling connection holds particular significance for the family, as Ben expressed his hopes that Ozzi would “find the same joy and fulfillment in the sport of wrestling” that he experienced throughout his legendary career.
This desire reflects the family’s deep appreciation for wrestling’s character-building qualities and the positive impact the sport has had on Ben’s life.
Ozzi’s eagerness to begin wrestling at such a young age demonstrates the influence of growing up in a household where athletic excellence and dedication are valued.
His impatience to start training suggests that he may have inherited his father’s competitive spirit and passion for the sport that defined Ben’s career.
As of 2024, Ozzi had progressed to first grade, continuing his educational journey while maintaining his interest in wrestling and athletic activities.
His development represents the continuation of the Askren athletic legacy, though his parents likely encourage him to find his own path while supporting whatever interests he chooses to pursue.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Ben announced a successful hip surgery in 2020 and revealed his intention to return to competitive freestyle wrestling after spending over a year in retirement from MMA.
- Ben achieved 91 pins during his college wrestling career, which ranks as the third most in NCAA Division I history.
- In May 2019, Ben lost by technical superiority to five-time World and Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs at the annual Beat the Streets benefit event.
