Ben Askren isn’t through the woods yet, but there’s been at least a bit of positive news regarding his condition.
Earlier this month, news circulated that Askren was hospitalized with “severe pneumonia” related to a staph infection. He was left unresponsive, though his family was able to move him from Nevada to his home state of Wisconsin. The situation has been looking rather dire, and there was even a brief moment where news falsely circulated that Askren was dead.
The latest update is that Askren has shown some level of responsiveness, a positive update given how long he’s been hospitalized. However, it’s also still likely that Askren will need a lung transplant, which would negatively affect his life expectancy and potentially affect his ability to safely return to the wrestling mats.
“Update: All the prayers and medical support Ben Askren has been receiving is working,” The Wrestling Room’s Pat Mineo wrote on X. “He was able to open his eyes and squeeze hands, showing some responsiveness. He is still expected to need a lung transplant, but some of his levels are improving and he is fighting like a Champ! Keep praying for Ben Askren.”
Askren is an incredibly accomplished combat sports athlete even if his UFC career didn’t exactly pan out. “Funky” was a national champion in wrestling, as well as representing the US World Team in the 2008 Olympics. In the cage, Askren dominated the field in Bellator, defending his Welterweight belt four times. He then transitioned to One Championship, scoring gold and defending his belt multiple times there as well.
Since retiring in 2019, Askren has remained active in giving back to the community by coaching wrestling.
