Former UFC fighter Ben Askren hospitalized with severe pneumonia

Introduction to Ben Askren’s Health Issue

Former UFC star Ben Askren is currently hospitalized with severe pneumonia "unable to respond" to treatment, according to his wife.

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Ben Askren attends a news conference for Triller Fight Club’s inaugural 2021 boxing event at The Venetian Las Vegas on March 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

What they’re saying:

“You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something,” Amy Askren posted on Facebook. “He developed severe pneumonia which came on very suddenly.”

 “He’s currently in the hospital and unable to respond to anything at this time,” she continued. 

What you can do:

Amy said she’s asking for prayers for healing and peace. She also asks people to refrain from discussing the matter with their children.

Who is Ben Askren?

The backstory:

According to FOX Sports, Askren, 40, is from Wisconsin. 

According to MMA Fighting, at his peak, Askren was seen as one of the best welterweight fighters after winning championships in both Bellator and ONE Championship. He later joined the UFC in a rare deal where ONE traded him for Demetrious Johnson.

Askren’s UFC career ended with a 1-2 record, including a debut win over Robbie Lawler followed by losses to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia. A few weeks after the Maia fight, he announced his retirement from MMA but later returned for a boxing match against Jake Paul, which ended in a first-round knockout loss—his only boxing appearance. 

Since then, Askren has mainly focused on coaching wrestling in his home state of Wisconsin while also staying involved in MMA coverage, including co-hosting a podcast with UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, according to the outlet. 

Source of the Information

The Source: The information in this story comes from a Facebook post by Ben Askren’s wife, Amy Askren, who shared an update on his health, stating he is hospitalized with severe pneumonia and currently unresponsive. Additional background details about Askren’s career were reported by FOX Sports and MMA Fighting, which highlighted his achievements in Bellator and ONE Championship, his brief UFC tenure, and his post-fighting career in coaching and media. This story was reported from Los Angeles. 

Conclusion

The news of Ben Askren’s hospitalization due to severe pneumonia has sent shockwaves through the MMA community. As a former UFC fighter and champion in other promotions, Askren has a significant following and respect from his peers. His wife’s plea for prayers and privacy during this challenging time is a reminder of the human side of athletes and the importance of supporting them beyond their professional careers.

FAQs

• Q: What is Ben Askren’s current health condition?
  A: Ben Askren is hospitalized with severe pneumonia and is currently unable to respond to treatment.
• Q: What has Ben Askren’s wife asked from the public?
  A: Amy Askren has asked for prayers for healing and peace and requests that people refrain from discussing the matter with their children.
• Q: What are Ben Askren’s achievements in MMA?
  A: Ben Askren is a former champion in Bellator and ONE Championship and had a brief career in the UFC, where he won his debut fight but lost his subsequent two bouts.
• Q: What is Ben Askren doing post-retirement from active fighting?
  A: Ben Askren has been focusing on coaching wrestling and is involved in MMA media, including co-hosting a podcast with Daniel Cormier.