Introduction
The crossover between traditional combat sports and celebrity boxing has created some of the most viral moments in recent years. One of the biggest examples was Ben Askren vs Jake Paul, a fight that captured global attention in April 2021. Whether you were an MMA fan rooting for Ben Askren or a YouTube fan supporting Jake Paul, the question everyone asked was: “Ben Askren vs Jake Paul – who won?”
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the full story of the fight: from the buildup, fighter backgrounds, and pre-fight drama, to the knockout moment, aftermath, and what it meant for both careers.
Background of the Fight
Who is Jake Paul?
Jake Paul started his career as a social media personality on Vine and later YouTube. But by 2021, he had already begun building a reputation as a celebrity boxer. Before facing Ben Askren, Jake Paul had two professional boxing wins under his belt:
- A first-round knockout win against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib.
- A brutal knockout win against former NBA player Nate Robinson.
Jake Paul entered the fight with a record of 2-0 and a mission to prove he could compete against real fighters.
Who is Ben Askren?
Ben Askren is a retired mixed martial artist, Olympic wrestler, and former ONE Championship and Bellator welterweight champion. While he had an impressive MMA career, Askren was never known for his striking skills. His success came from wrestling and grappling, not boxing.
When Askren agreed to fight Jake Paul, many fans saw it as a battle between youth and internet fame vs. experience and combat sports toughness.
Fight Details
- Date: April 17, 2021
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- Event: Triller Fight Club
- Rounds Scheduled: 8 rounds (Cruiserweight division)
The fight was broadcast as a major pay-per-view event and featured live performances from music artists, making it more of a spectacle than a traditional boxing card.
Ben Askren vs Jake Paul – Who Won?
The winner was Jake Paul.
Jake Paul knocked out Ben Askren in the first round at 1:59. The fight ended quickly when Jake Paul landed a powerful right hand that sent Askren to the canvas. Although Askren managed to get up, the referee stopped the fight after seeing him struggle to regain balance.
This gave Jake Paul a record of 3-0 in professional boxing, all wins coming by knockout.
How Did Jake Paul Beat Ben Askren?
Key Factors in the Fight
- Striking Advantage
- Jake Paul focused exclusively on boxing training for years before the fight.
- Ben Askren’s MMA career was built on wrestling, and striking was his weakest area.
- Timing and Power
- Paul landed a clean overhand right punch early in the first round.
- Askren was unable to defend properly, leading to the knockout.
- Conditioning and Age
- Askren had retired from MMA after hip surgery and wasn’t in prime fighting condition.
- Jake Paul, younger and fully dedicated to boxing, had the physical advantage.
Public Reaction
The result of Ben Askren vs Jake Paul shocked and divided fans worldwide.
- Jake Paul Supporters celebrated the knockout as proof that Jake was taking boxing seriously. Many saw it as his breakthrough into mainstream combat sports.
- Ben Askren Supporters argued that Askren wasn’t the right opponent, since he was retired, out of shape, and never a striker to begin with.
- Combat Sports Purists criticized the event, calling it a mismatch and more of a show than a legitimate contest.
Despite the criticism, the fight became one of the most talked-about events of 2021.
Aftermath of the Fight
For Jake Paul
The win elevated Jake Paul’s boxing career and gave him credibility as more than just a YouTube entertainer. After defeating Askren, Paul went on to fight bigger names like Tyron Woodley (twice), Anderson Silva, and eventually Tommy Fury.
This fight marked the beginning of Paul’s campaign to be recognized as a legitimate professional boxer.
For Ben Askren
The fight was the only professional boxing match of Ben Askren’s career. After the loss, he returned to retirement and focused on coaching, podcasting, and other ventures. While the fight wasn’t a highlight in his combat sports legacy, Askren himself admitted he took the match for fun and financial reasons.
Why the Fight Was So Popular
- Crossover Appeal – The fight drew both MMA fans and social media audiences.
- Drama & Hype – Jake Paul’s trash talk and confidence made headlines.
- Curiosity Factor – Many fans wanted to know if a YouTuber could really beat a professional fighter.
The fight was less about titles and rankings, and more about entertainment and spectacle – which is why it sold hundreds of thousands of pay-per-view buys.
Fight Statistics
- Winner: Jake Paul via TKO (1st Round, 1:59)
- Official Result: Jake Paul defeated Ben Askren by knockout
- Jake Paul’s Record after Fight: 3-0 (3 KOs)
- Ben Askren’s Record in Boxing: 0-1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Ben Askren vs Jake Paul – who won the fight?
Jake Paul won the fight by first-round knockout on April 17, 2021.
2. How long did the fight last?
The fight ended in less than two minutes of the first round.
3. Was Ben Askren a professional boxer?
No, Ben Askren was a professional MMA fighter and wrestler, but this was his only professional boxing match.
4. How many fights had Jake Paul won before fighting Askren?
Jake Paul had 2 wins before facing Askren, making this his third professional boxing victory.
5. Why was the fight controversial?
Many felt the fight was unfair since Ben Askren was retired, recovering from surgery, and never known for striking. Critics said it wasn’t a true test of Jake Paul’s boxing skills.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for “Ben Askren vs Jake Paul who won,” the answer is clear: Jake Paul defeated Ben Askren by first-round knockout.
The fight may not have been the most competitive boxing contest, but it was one of the most talked-about events of 2021. It boosted Jake Paul’s career while leaving fans debating whether celebrity boxing is a real part of the sport or just entertainment.
Regardless of opinions, one thing is certain: Ben Askren vs Jake Paul will always be remembered as the night Jake Paul proved he was more than just a YouTuber in the boxing ring.
