Jake Paul, the YouTube star turned boxer, shared a kind message for Ben Askren, his former opponent, who is fighting a serious health crisis. Askren, a retired UFC fighter, is in a Wisconsin hospital, needing a double lung transplant due to severe pneumonia from a staph infection. Paul’s words surprised fans, given their intense rivalry before their 2021 boxing match. During open workouts for his fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on June 28, 2025, Paul told media:
“My prayers go out to him. I feel sorry for his family, I can’t imagine what they’re going through.”
Paul showed his caring side, adding:
“I just hope that he can recover because there’s much more to life besides fighting and careers.” He offered help, saying, “I’m wishing the best and I’m here if they need any support.”
Jake Paul sends out heartfelt message to former opponent Ben Askren who needs major transplant ❤️ pic.twitter.com/r5vF8L5Hm5
— Sun Sport (@SunSport) June 27, 2025
Askren’s Health Struggle and Paul’s Outreach
Ben Askren, 40, has been in critical condition since early June 2025, battling necrotizing pneumonia caused by a staph infection. His wife, Amy, posted on Facebook on June 17 that he was on a ventilator and ECMO, unable to speak but showing signs like opening his eyes. By June 24, Amy shared that Ben was on a lung transplant list, with infections under control but medical bills growing, as insurance reportedly won’t cover the $500,000+ transplant cost.
Paul heard about Askren’s condition and reached out to his promotional partner, Nakisa Bidarian, two weeks ago. Bidarian said:
“He asked me if I had heard and I said no. He said ‘I wanted to reach out to his family but I think it’s inappropriate. But if they need anything, I’m there for them,’ and that’s who this kid is.”
Others, like UFC president Dana White, who posted a donation link on Instagram, and Chael Sonnen, who raised awareness, have also supported Askren.
Jake Paul and Ben Askren faced off in a boxing match in April 2021, Paul’s third professional fight. The buildup was heated, with Paul, then 24, mocking Askren’s family and wrestling skills, while Askren, 36, called Paul out for avoiding tougher foes. Paul knocked out Askren in the first round in Atlanta, Askren’s only boxing fight. Askren, a former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion, retired from MMA in 2019 after a 1-2 UFC run, including a five-second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal, the fastest in UFC history.
Askren’s MMA career followed his 2008 Olympic wrestling appearance in Beijing, where he competed but didn’t medal. He went 19-2 with one no-contest, shining in Bellator and ONE before joining the UFC in 2018 via a trade for Demetrious Johnson. His UFC debut was a controversial submission win over Robbie Lawler, followed by losses to Masvidal and Demian Maia.
Askren’s health battle has brought the MMA and wrestling worlds together. Amy’s updates noted Ben’s small steps, like asking for coffee and wrestling results while sedated. Wrestling brand RUDIS started a T-shirt campaign to help with costs, and fighters like Darren Till sent prayers. Joe Rogan, on his June 26, 2025, podcast with Cory Sandhagen, discussed the transplant’s lifelong medication needs.
Known as “Funky” for his unique wrestling style, Askren won two NCAA Division I titles at Missouri and competed in the 2008 Olympics. He now runs a wrestling academy in Hartland, Wisconsin, and co-hosts the “Funky and the Champ” podcast with Daniel Cormier, last recorded in May 2025. Amy’s June 15 Instagram post called him “the best dad we could ask for.”
