Ben Askren Health Update Emerges After Hospitalisation With Severe Illness

Wrestling Room’s Pat Mineo has given an update on American former mixed martial artist Ben Askren, stating that he is now responsive but expected to require a lung transplant following hospitalisation due to pneumonia.

The orthodox welterweight has been in a severe condition after it emerged earlier this month that he was unresponsive following complications attributed to a staph infection. Thankfully, despite this worrying news, there have been encouraging reports from those with knowledge about the once UFC and ONE Championship fighter’s levels, claiming that some are improving, and he has shown encouraging signs of responsiveness.

Ben Askren’s professional MMA record

22 fights
19 wins
2 losses

By knockout
6
1

By submission
6
1

By decision
7
0

No contests
1

Posting to social media to update the MMA community on Askren, Pat Mineo shared the following on X: “Update: All the prayers and medical support Ben Askren has been receiving is working. He was able to open his eyes and squeeze his hands, showing some responsiveness. He is still expected to need a lung transplant, but some of his levels are improving, and he is fighting like a Champ! Keep praying for Ben Askren.”

Askren’s wife originally broke the news about her husband’s condition, stating that he was “unable to respond to anything” and that the illness “came on very suddenly”, making the up-to-date information provided by Mineo a welcome development.

False Reports Emerged About Ben Askren

Some outlets claimed he had passed away due to the illness

Mineo’s update followed on the back of moments of uncertainty, when it was incorrectly reported that Askren had passed away on social media. Reports that were swiftly denied by his partner, Amy, who told TMZ that the “rumour he has died is completely false.”

News of the former fighter’s condition has led to an outpouring of words of support from fans, friends, and rivals alike. The backdrop of UFC 316’s match-up between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley at the Prudential Center featured a multitude of well-wishes from the UFC family to the former Bellator and ONE Welterweight Champion.

Another to send their thoughts and prayers at a troubling time was Askren’s long-time rival, Dillon Danis, who posted a heartfelt message on social media: “I heard the news before it hit the media about Ben Askren. It’s a lot more serious than people think. No matter how bad our beef might’ve been, he’s a great coach and a family man. Praying he pulls through this.”

Affectionately nicknamed “Funky” thanks to his unorthodox wrestling style, the 2008 US Olympic team member was traded to the UFC in 2018 before retiring the following year after three fights; a singular victory against Robbie Lawler and two defeats to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia. He would later turn his attention to the boxing ring and fought Jake Paul in 2021, losing by way of TKO in the first round.