Ben Askren

Ben Askren was one of the most iconic collegiate wrestlers in NCAA history, amassing a record of 153-9 at the University of Missouri, taking home two national titles, and twice winning the Dan Hodge Trophy for being the best college wrestler in the country. He represented the United States in freestyle wrestling at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and later used his wrestling pedigree to win titles in two separate promotions once he transitioned to mixed martial arts. When he retired in 2019 at the age of thirty-three, Askren was not only one of the most accomplished fighters in combat sports history—he was one of the most popular.