Episode
#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
2:21:31
Published: Sat Nov 20 2021
Description
Ben Askren is a wrestler and MMA fighter, former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion, a two-time NCAA wrestling champion and four-time finalist. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Notion: https://notion.com/startups to get up to $1000 off team plan - NI: https://www.ni.com/perspectives - Onnit: https://lexfridman.com/onnit to get up to 10% off - Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex and use code LEX to get special savings - NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour EPISODE LINKS: Ben's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Benaskren Ben's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benaskren/ Ben's Website: https://www.benaskren.com/ Ben's Wrestling Academy: https://awawisconsin.com/ PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (06:59) - Woodley vs Jake Paul boxing match (10:48) - Askren vs Jake Paul boxing match (13:23) - Jordan Burroughs and Kyle Dake (24:37) - Askren vs Burroughs charity match (29:21) - Champion mentality and handling losses (43:40) - Future interest in competition (53:09) - Askren's early career (1:03:58) - Robots wrestling (1:18:39) - Olympics (1:24:46) - Dagestan wrestling (1:30:51) - Askren Wrestling Academy (1:46:32) - Khabib Nurmagomedov (1:53:08) - 2020 Olympics (1:54:49) - Wrestling dominance in MMA
Chapters
The podcast discusses the joys of a good power nap and the struggles of business ownership including administrative tasks, finances, and human resources.
00:00 - 06:21 (06:21)
Summary
The podcast discusses the joys of a good power nap and the struggles of business ownership including administrative tasks, finances, and human resources. It also touches on the rigorous process of perfection and chasing it.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker believes that one match isn’t conclusive of either fighter's ability and would like to see them fight again to determine the winner more definitively.
06:21 - 11:59 (05:37)
Summary
The speaker believes that one match isn’t conclusive of either fighter's ability and would like to see them fight again to determine the winner more definitively.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares his thoughts on training for a boxing match and how it would be fun to fight someone he knows he can beat.
12:01 - 15:17 (03:16)
Summary
The speaker shares his thoughts on training for a boxing match and how it would be fun to fight someone he knows he can beat.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Discussion of Jordan Burroughs' wrestling techniques, including his proficiency in freestyle wrestling and his development of defensive sequences and a low single ankle pick.
15:17 - 19:37 (04:19)
Summary
Discussion of Jordan Burroughs' wrestling techniques, including his proficiency in freestyle wrestling and his development of defensive sequences and a low single ankle pick.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The wrestling bracket featuring Kyle Dake and Jaden Cox is one of the toughest ones in recent memory.
19:37 - 24:58 (05:21)
Summary
The wrestling bracket featuring Kyle Dake and Jaden Cox is one of the toughest ones in recent memory. While Kyle has a higher chance of winning, it's no guarantee.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on their three month long boxing training and the fact that they were never good at boxing in the first place.
24:58 - 30:03 (05:04)
Summary
The speaker reflects on their three month long boxing training and the fact that they were never good at boxing in the first place.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Jordan Burroughs was not afraid of a challenge when he first started wrestling; he actively sought out the best people to wrestle with.
30:03 - 32:57 (02:54)
Summary
Jordan Burroughs was not afraid of a challenge when he first started wrestling; he actively sought out the best people to wrestle with. This determination led him to win numerous state championships.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this transcript, Michael Bisping recounts a verbal conflict between him and Jorge Masvidal, which was the result of calling Masvidal out for lying about not using any performance-enhancing drugs while fighting in the UFC.
32:57 - 35:51 (02:53)
Summary
In this transcript, Michael Bisping recounts a verbal conflict between him and Jorge Masvidal, which was the result of calling Masvidal out for lying about not using any performance-enhancing drugs while fighting in the UFC.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A UFC fighter describes how one move got him knocked out in a fight and analyzes the different angles and trajectories of the strike.
35:52 - 38:30 (02:37)
Summary
A UFC fighter describes how one move got him knocked out in a fight and analyzes the different angles and trajectories of the strike.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
MMA fighters may experience a physical decline as they age, but they can still gain wisdom, strategy, and a variety of skills from their experience in the sport, making them overall more skilled fighters.
38:30 - 43:40 (05:10)
Summary
MMA fighters may experience a physical decline as they age, but they can still gain wisdom, strategy, and a variety of skills from their experience in the sport, making them overall more skilled fighters.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker is discussing the temptation to pursue wrestling for a living and how hard it can be to just enjoy the sport without thinking about the potential financial rewards.
43:40 - 47:07 (03:26)
Summary
The speaker is discussing the temptation to pursue wrestling for a living and how hard it can be to just enjoy the sport without thinking about the potential financial rewards.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea of overtime in Jiu-Jitsu, specifically Eddie Bravo's overtime rules, is discussed, where getting a dominant position on a person allows you to put them in a cradle.
47:07 - 50:02 (02:55)
Summary
The idea of overtime in Jiu-Jitsu, specifically Eddie Bravo's overtime rules, is discussed, where getting a dominant position on a person allows you to put them in a cradle.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Rich Froning discusses the differences between wrestling and crossfit, noting that while he has done 30 minute long wrestling matches, a 7 minute hang cleans would be a considerable challenge.
50:02 - 53:08 (03:06)
Summary
Rich Froning discusses the differences between wrestling and crossfit, noting that while he has done 30 minute long wrestling matches, a 7 minute hang cleans would be a considerable challenge.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker explains how, at age 11, he decided to stop playing baseball in order to focus on wrestling and improve his skills in the sport.
53:08 - 55:48 (02:40)
Summary
The speaker explains how, at age 11, he decided to stop playing baseball in order to focus on wrestling and improve his skills in the sport. He also mentions the typical seasonal rotation of sports for children in America at that age.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker quit football in his freshman year to focus on wrestling and was lucky enough to have a year-round wrestling club set up in his basement with two consistent training partners.
55:48 - 59:36 (03:47)
Summary
The speaker quit football in his freshman year to focus on wrestling and was lucky enough to have a year-round wrestling club set up in his basement with two consistent training partners. Although he felt he got pretty good by eighth grade, he only had minimal success at the national tournament.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Exploring different movements and thinking about what you might be missing is part of the fun in wrestling, just as in other activities like Judo.
59:36 - 1:03:48 (04:12)
Summary
Exploring different movements and thinking about what you might be missing is part of the fun in wrestling, just as in other activities like Judo. Not accepting everything that coaches say but thinking critically about techniques can lead to progress and improvement.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The art of wrestling involves much more than just executing moves, it requires the analysis of various factors such as force of grip, leverage, weight distribution and torso twist among others.
1:03:48 - 1:09:26 (05:37)
Summary
The art of wrestling involves much more than just executing moves, it requires the analysis of various factors such as force of grip, leverage, weight distribution and torso twist among others.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The use of AI in wrestling can potentially create unique situations that can lure opponents.
1:09:26 - 1:15:09 (05:43)
Summary
The use of AI in wrestling can potentially create unique situations that can lure opponents. Quick movements are necessary to create these positions and there might be some low single type situations.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this snippet, the speaker talks about how he struggles to visualize movements in his mind as easily as he used to as a child, and compares it to watching high school wrestling.
1:15:09 - 1:18:07 (02:58)
Summary
In this snippet, the speaker talks about how he struggles to visualize movements in his mind as easily as he used to as a child, and compares it to watching high school wrestling.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Flow App has made it possible for wrestling fans to watch matches happening in other parts of the world from the comfort of their homes, allowing them to discover new wrestlers they may like.
1:18:07 - 1:22:25 (04:17)
Summary
The Flow App has made it possible for wrestling fans to watch matches happening in other parts of the world from the comfort of their homes, allowing them to discover new wrestlers they may like.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The principles of a book that discusses making money off amateur athletes may apply to Dagestan wrestling.
1:22:25 - 1:29:47 (07:22)
Summary
The principles of a book that discusses making money off amateur athletes may apply to Dagestan wrestling. Despite not being able to make money as an amateur athlete, institutions such as the IOC or colleges that own teams make significant profits off their athletes.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host discusses the importance of drilling in Jiu-Jitsu, and how it can be difficult to find partners for drilling.
1:29:47 - 1:35:58 (06:10)
Summary
The host discusses the importance of drilling in Jiu-Jitsu, and how it can be difficult to find partners for drilling. There is a lack of emphasis on drilling in many Jiu-Jitsu schools and training sessions, and this can hinder progress.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The hosts discuss the benefits and drawbacks of drilling in combat sports like wrestling, and how it compares to other training methods.
1:35:58 - 1:41:38 (05:40)
Summary
The hosts discuss the benefits and drawbacks of drilling in combat sports like wrestling, and how it compares to other training methods. They stress the importance of drilling with a partner who is giving some resistance, but not too much, and choosing techniques that have dynamic elements to them.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Explaining his approach to teaching wrestling, the speaker emphasizes the importance of repetition and customization based on the athlete's strengths and weaknesses in addition to the fundamentals.
1:41:38 - 1:46:25 (04:46)
Summary
Explaining his approach to teaching wrestling, the speaker emphasizes the importance of repetition and customization based on the athlete's strengths and weaknesses in addition to the fundamentals.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker expresses disappointment in Justin Gaethje's wrestling skills during his recent MMA fight, citing his lack of success in that area.
1:46:25 - 1:50:19 (03:54)
Summary
The speaker expresses disappointment in Justin Gaethje's wrestling skills during his recent MMA fight, citing his lack of success in that area.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The heavyweight boxer discusses the importance of studying opponents to prepare for fights and not wanting to give bad answers.
1:50:19 - 1:53:04 (02:45)
Summary
The heavyweight boxer discusses the importance of studying opponents to prepare for fights and not wanting to give bad answers.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker suggests that wrestling's systemized nature and open-mindedness contribute to its success in mixed martial arts.
1:53:04 - 1:58:23 (05:18)
Summary
The speaker suggests that wrestling's systemized nature and open-mindedness contribute to its success in mixed martial arts. They also predict that the US will soon compete with Russia in wrestling once again.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses various strategies and techniques for takedowns and transitions in wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing on the importance of accepting positions and transitions in Jiu-Jitsu.
1:58:23 - 2:05:29 (07:05)
Summary
The speaker discusses various strategies and techniques for takedowns and transitions in wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing on the importance of accepting positions and transitions in Jiu-Jitsu.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The potential earnings with Bitcoin are immense, with the cryptocurrency projected to peak at around $200,000.
2:05:29 - 2:10:16 (04:47)
Summary
The potential earnings with Bitcoin are immense, with the cryptocurrency projected to peak at around $200,000. Co-hosts of a podcast reflect on its value, asking who you would trust more with your money.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The lessons that can be learned from wrestling go beyond the mat, such as perseverance, work ethic, and showing up on time, and can be applied to other aspects of life to build a successful and fulfilling future.
2:10:16 - 2:13:49 (03:32)
Summary
The lessons that can be learned from wrestling go beyond the mat, such as perseverance, work ethic, and showing up on time, and can be applied to other aspects of life to build a successful and fulfilling future.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
During this podcast episode, the speaker discusses their strategy for "roasting" someone and how it ties to public speaking tips for high school kids.
2:13:49 - 2:17:49 (04:00)
Summary
During this podcast episode, the speaker discusses their strategy for "roasting" someone and how it ties to public speaking tips for high school kids. They also mention the idea of success despite obstacles.
Episode#242 – Ben Askren: Wrestling and MMA
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Exploring the idea of controlling thoughts while competing, this conversation delves into the experience some individuals have of feeling their thoughts during a wrestling match or similar competitive event, while others are able to remove themselves from their thoughts and stay focused on the task at hand.
2:17:49 - 2:21:19 (03:30)
Summary
Exploring the idea of controlling thoughts while competing, this conversation delves into the experience some individuals have of feeling their thoughts during a wrestling match or similar competitive event, while others are able to remove themselves from their thoughts and stay focused on the task at hand. A quote from Muhammad Ali is shared about finding the extra ounce of power needed to win when the match is even.