Ben Askren, a former UFC fighter known for his wrestling dominance, is facing a dire medical emergency. The news emerged recently when his wife Amy stepped forward to reveal his condition, leaving the combat sports world on edge. Askren, who once ruled the mat and cage, now fights for his life in a hospital bed, battling severe pneumonia and a staph infection that struck unexpectedly.
Details of his health crisis have begun to surface. The once-unstoppable athlete is unable to respond to treatment or communicate, a stark contrast to his days of commanding the octagon. His family is grappling with the sudden turn of events, seeking strength as they navigate this challenging time.
Amy broke the silence with a heartfelt update.
“You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something,” Amy Askren said. “He developed severe pneumonia which came on very suddenly.” She added, “He’s currently in the hospital and unable to respond to anything at this time. We welcome all prayers for healing and for peace.” She also pleaded, “We are trying to keep life as normal as possible for our children currently and doing our best to support them thoughtfully so please refrain from discussing it with them for now.”
Ben Askren’s wife shares an update 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lPCFMcIegc
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) June 8, 2025
Askren’s Impressive Journey in Wrestling and MMA
Ben Askren earned recognition in wrestling before transitioning to mixed martial arts. Born in 1984, he dominated at the University of Missouri, securing two NCAA Division I national titles in the mid-2000s. His talent led him to the 2008 U.S. Olympic wrestling team.
In MMA, Askren claimed championships in Bellator and ONE Championship during the 2010s. He joined the UFC in 2019, triumphing in his first fight against Robbie Lawler before setbacks against Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia. His career highlighted his wrestling skill and tenacity.
The 40-year-old stepped away from MMA in 2019 but returned for a 2021 boxing match with Jake Paul. His athletic history reflects his perseverance, now challenged by this medical ordeal.
Amy emphasized the family’s focus on maintaining stability for their three kids. The couple, married since 2010, is working to shield their children from the situation. The combat sports community has shown solidarity with Askren, with coaches, athletes, and reporters offering encouragement.
No medical updates have been released. Askren’s health issue highlights the vulnerabilities athletes face after retiring. His reputation as a wrestler and fighter inspires hope for his recovery as the situation progresses.
