For many professional athletes, mentors play a crucial role in guiding their careers. For Bellator`s former light heavyweight champion Corey Anderson, that role is filled, perhaps uniquely, by decorated wrestler and former MMA champion Ben Askren. Anderson recently opened up about the extraordinary depth of Askren`s influence, crediting him not just for his successful fighting career but for the fundamental structure of his adult life.
The connection between the two fighters began not in the cage, but in the world of amateur wrestling. Anderson, a promising collegiate wrestler, caught the eye of Askren, an Olympian and NCAA champion known for his distinct, dominant grappling style and equally distinctive personality. Askren saw potential beyond the mat, encouraging Anderson to transition to mixed martial arts and inviting him to train. This pivotal introduction led Anderson down the path that would eventually see him compete on major stages like The Ultimate Fighter and Bellator, solidifying his position as a top-tier light heavyweight for the past decade and becoming Bellator`s final 205-pound king.
However, Askren`s impact wasn`t confined merely to professional pursuits or athletic development. In a twist that sounds almost too serendipitous for fiction, Anderson reveals that his introduction to the world of MMA through Askren directly led him to meet his wife, Jennifer. His first day walking into the specific gym recommended by Askren, she happened to be working at the front desk. Years later, that initial encounter blossomed into their relationship, family, and the life they`ve built together. “Everything I have in an adult life,” Anderson stated with palpable gratitude, “it came because of Ben Askren.” This underscores a level of influence that extends far beyond technical coaching or career advice, touching the very core of Anderson`s personal foundation.
This period of reflection comes at a challenging time for Askren himself. Recently, he has been hospitalized after battling severe pneumonia, a condition that tragically necessitated a double lung transplant. The gravity of the situation has deeply affected those close to him, including the Anderson family. Corey describes the emotional toll the news has taken, noting his wife`s particular distress given Askren`s foundational role in their shared history. The fight for Askren`s health becomes a deeply personal matter for the Anderson household.
Despite his current severe health struggles, Askren remains a consistent pillar of support and guidance for Anderson. Anderson frequently consults Askren on career decisions, fight strategy, promotion, and even personal matters. This ongoing dynamic underscores the profound trust and respect built over years, highlighting Askren`s enduring influence regardless of his own circumstances. It’s a testament to the strength of their bond that even from a hospital bed, Askren`s counsel is sought after and valued.
As Anderson prepares for his upcoming return to action at PFL Africa, he keeps Askren constantly in his thoughts and prayers, eagerly awaiting the day he can simply pick up the phone, call his friend, and hear his voice on the other end. The story of Corey Anderson and Ben Askren is more than just a tale of athletic mentorship; it`s a compelling narrative of how single encounters can unexpectedly shape the entire trajectory of a person`s life, extending far beyond professional arenas and into the personal fabric of family and well-being. It serves as a poignant reminder of the quiet, often unseen, yet monumental influence one person can have on another, particularly relevant as the MMA community collectively hopes and prays for Ben Askren`s full recovery.
Adrian Whitmore