UFC Ben Askren Hospitalized With Severe Pneumonia
Ben Askren Hospitalized with Severe Pneumonia, Family Requests Prayers and Privacy
(Image Credit: MMA Junkie)
Sudden Health Crisis
Former MMA champion and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren has been hospitalized and is currently in critical condition due to a sudden and severe case of pneumonia. The 40-year-old is reportedly unresponsive, according to his wife, Amy Askren.
“He developed severe pneumonia which came on very suddenly,” Amy shared in a Facebook post. “He’s currently in the hospital and unable to respond to anything at this time. We welcome all prayers for healing and for peace.”
Family Asks for Privacy
In her message, Amy also asked for privacy, especially for their children, as they try to maintain stability amid the health crisis.
“We are trying to keep life as normal as possible for our children and doing our best to support them thoughtfully, so please refrain from discussing it with them for now,” she added.
(Image Credit: MMA Junkie)
Rumors and Clarification
Following growing speculation online and false reports of Askren’s death, the family issued a clarification through TMZ, stating: “He is alive, and any rumor that he has died is completely false. He is definitely still fighting.”
Former UFC fighter and commentator Chael Sonnen also addressed the situation on social media, posting: “Ben is alive and prayers are wanted. Family choosing privacy at this time.”
A Storied Career
Askren is widely regarded as one of the most successful amateur wrestlers in U.S. history. He was a two-time NCAA Division I champion and a 2008 Olympian before making the transition to MMA.
He captured the Bellator welterweight title in 2010, defending it four times before moving to Asia’s ONE Championship, where he remained undefeated. Askren joined the UFC in 2019 through a unique exchange that sent Demetrious Johnson to ONE. He debuted with a win over Robbie Lawler but suffered back-to-back losses to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia, prompting his retirement.
(Image Credit: MMA Junkie)
Life After Fighting
In 2021, Askren returned for a high-profile boxing match against YouTuber Jake Paul, which ended in a first-round TKO loss. Despite stepping away from professional competition, he remained active in the wrestling community and recently joined Hulk Hogan’s Real American Freestyle initiative.
Ongoing Concerns
At this time, no additional medical information has been released, and the Askren family continues to request thoughts, prayers, and privacy as Ben fights through this serious illness.
