UFC Legend Ben Askren Fights for His Life in Hospital: Heartfelt Update from His Wife

Ben Askren, the former MMA champion, is currently battling severe pneumonia in a Wisconsin hospital. His wife, Amy, shared the news on Facebook, revealing that he has been sedated and is starting evaluations for a lung transplant.

In her recent update, she mentioned, “Ben is still on a ventilator and ECMO to support his healing. Some days are better than others. When he’s had good days, he’s been able to open his eyes and squeeze my hand." Despite these small victories, she acknowledged the tough road ahead and asked for prayers for a miraculous recovery.

Askren, known for his exceptional wrestling skills, made waves in the MMA community. He started strong, winning his first three professional fights before joining Bellator in 2010. There, he quickly became the welterweight champion, defending his title successfully multiple times. He then transitioned to ONE Championship, where he also claimed the welterweight title.

A notable moment in his career came in 2018 when he became part of the first "MMA trade" between ONE Championship and the UFC. After a short stint in the UFC where he faced mixed results, Askren retired from MMA. He briefly returned to the ring in 2021 to face Jake Paul, but lost by knockout.

Recently, Askren has shifted his focus back to wrestling, actively coaching at his Askren Wrestling Academy. His legacy in sports continues to inspire many young athletes.

As the community rallies around him, this situation highlights the unpredictable nature of health. It reminds us to cherish our loved ones and stay prepared for unexpected challenges. The strength and support from fans, friends, and family can undoubtedly make a difference during tough times.

For those interested in more details about health issues like pneumonia, check resources from the CDC here for reliable information and support.

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Ben Askren, Amy Askren, UFC, lung transplant