From College Wrestling to MMA Stardom: How Ben Askren Changed Corey Anderson’s Life

The most pivotal moments in life often come when we least expect them. For UFC light heavyweight contender Corey Anderson, that moment happened on a college wrestling mat when he first crossed paths with Ben Askren – an encounter that would ultimately redefine his entire future.

I still remember when this story first broke in MMA circles. It wasn’t just another fighter origin tale; it was a perfect example of how mentorship and chance meetings can completely alter someone’s trajectory in combat sports.

The Unexpected Encounter That Changed Everything

Before Corey “Overtime” Anderson became a UFC contender and Bellator fighter, he was just a talented college wrestler at Wisconsin-Whitewater with impressive accolades but no clear path to professional athletics. Little did he know that a routine wrestling practice would introduce him to the man who would become his gateway to mixed martial arts.

Ben Askren – Olympic wrestler, future Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight king, and one of the most dominant grapplers in MMA history – saw something special in Anderson that day. Something that even Anderson himself couldn’t see yet.

“I had no intentions of fighting,” Anderson once revealed in an interview. “I was just a college kid who loved to wrestle. Ben was the one who planted that seed.”

From Wrestling Mats to the Octagon

What makes this story so fascinating is how Anderson’s path diverged from many other MMA fighters. While most competitors spend years training in various martial arts before going pro, Anderson’s transition was remarkably swift and unconventional.

After that fateful meeting, Askren convinced Anderson to visit Roufusport MMA Academy in Milwaukee, where coach Duke Roufus and Askren himself began molding the raw wrestling talent into a complete fighter. Within a shockingly short time frame, Anderson was competing on The Ultimate Fighter 19, which he ultimately won in dominant fashion.

Think about that for a second – from college wrestler to TUF champion in what felt like the blink of an eye. That doesn’t happen without Ben Askren’s influence and belief.

The Mentor-Student Relationship

What truly stands out about Anderson and Askren’s relationship is how it evolved from a chance encounter to a deep professional bond. Askren didn’t just introduce Anderson to MMA; he became a crucial part of his development.

“Ben saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Anderson has mentioned on multiple occasions. “He pushed me when I wanted to quit and reminded me why I started when things got tough.”

Beyond Technical Skills: The Mental Game

Anyone who follows MMA knows that physical skills are only part of the equation. The mental aspect often separates champions from contenders, and this is perhaps where Askren’s influence on Anderson proved most valuable.

Askren, known for his unwavering confidence and psychological warfare, instilled in Anderson the importance of self-belief. This mental toughness has been evident throughout Anderson’s career, particularly in his ability to bounce back from setbacks.

I’ve watched Anderson’s development over the years, and his growth in confidence and self-assurance mirrors many of the qualities that made Askren such a polarizing but effective competitor. That’s no coincidence.

The Blueprint for Success

What’s particularly inspiring about this story is how it demonstrates the importance of mentorship in combat sports. Anderson’s journey from college wrestling to MMA stardom followed a blueprint that Askren himself had pioneered:

• Elite wrestling as a foundation
• Strategic development of striking skills
• Mental toughness and confidence
• Tactical fight IQ over raw athleticism

Anderson absorbed these lessons and adapted them to his own style, creating a fighting identity that, while influenced by Askren, remains uniquely his own.

A Legacy of Paying It Forward

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the Anderson-Askren connection is how it has created a ripple effect in the MMA community. Anderson has frequently mentioned his desire to pay forward what Askren did for him, helping guide the next generation of wrestlers considering the transition to MMA.

“I want to be for someone else what Ben was for me,” Anderson once said. “Sometimes all it takes is one person to believe in you and show you what’s possible.”

That’s the beautiful thing about martial arts – the knowledge and opportunity continue to flow from one generation to the next.

The Continued Impact

Years after that first meeting, both men’s careers have taken different paths. Askren had his brief but memorable UFC run before retirement, while Anderson continues to compete at a high level in Bellator after his UFC stint.

Yet the impact of their relationship continues to influence both of their legacies. When fans look back at Anderson’s career, the Askren influence will always be an essential part of the story – the college wrestling champion who found his true calling through an unexpected mentor.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Belief

What I find most compelling about Corey Anderson’s story is how it reminds us that sometimes our life’s purpose is seen more clearly by others before we recognize it ourselves. Askren saw a fighter in Anderson when Anderson only saw a wrestler.

For aspiring MMA fighters, the lesson is clear: surround yourself with people who can see your potential, even when you can’t. And for established fighters, remember the power you have to change someone’s trajectory with just a word of encouragement or an invitation to train.

In a sport often defined by individual achievement, the Anderson-Askren connection reminds us that behind almost every successful fighter is a network of mentors, coaches, and believers who helped make it possible.

Would you have taken that leap if someone like Ben Askren saw potential in you? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: Original reporting based on Corey Anderson’s career development and relationship with Ben Askren.