Former UFC star and longtime Bellator MMA and ONE FC welterweight champion Ben Askren remains in hospital and is on a ventilator as he deals with pneumonia that could potentially require a lung transplant.
Askren was hospitalized earlier in June due to what his wife, Amy, described on social media as “severe pneumonia” after the 40-year-old retired fighter reportedly contracted a staph infection.
She posted an update to her husband’s condition on Tuesday that read: “I haven’t shared an update because Ben has been in limbo for a while and I was hoping to have him wake up and be the one to decide what to share. I’ve had some media people contact me that they are going to share an update and I would rather it come from me.
“Ben is still on a ventilator and eco to support him while he heals. There are good days and bad, but on the good, they have been able to wean his sedation enough for him to open his eyes and squeeze hands. His body can’t handle coming off sedation too much yet. I’m still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for lung transplant.”
During the broadcast for a UFC Fight Night event in Atlanta on Saturday, the organization played a tribute video to Askren while sending him and his family well wishes.
“Ben Askren is currently in a serious battle in a Wisconsin hospital after developing severe pneumonia,” play-by-play announcer Brendan Fitzgerald said. “The MMA community has rallied around the Askren family, urging prayers for Amy and their three children. We here at the UFC certainly join in sending all our support to Ben, his wife Amy, and their kids as they stay strong through this difficult fight.”
Askren was a standout amateur freestyle wrestler, a two-time Division 1 collegiate national wrestling champion and represented the United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native who lives in Wisconsin began mixed martial arts in 2009 where he went undefeated through his first 20 professional bouts, winning Bellator’s 170-pound title and defending it four times. He also won the ONE FC welterweight title and defended it three times before his contract was transferred to the UFC in 2018 in exchange for Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in one of the only de facto trades in UFC history.
Askren’s UFC career only lasted one memorable year as he defeated former UFC welterweight champ Robbie Lawler in his promotional debut then lost to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia — all in 2019. Askren also participated in one boxing match in 2021 when he became Jake Paul’s third professional opponent and the first MMA fighter to challenge the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
Amy Askren’s most recent update continued: “Please pray for his continued healing, and if transplant is the solution, that he can get on the list quickly and easily. I know transplants are such a blessing and I’m overwhelmed at the thought of him receiving a gift like that. No one would take better care of that gift than Ben.
“Thank you for every message and all of the support. Despite this awful situation, I’m feeling so blessed by the community we’re surrounded by. Give your loved ones a hug today and make sure you’re prepared (for) situations like this. Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this.”
