Ben “Funky” Askren, a former MMA fighter who had a dominant stretch in the 2010s, is currently in the hospital while dealing with several illnesses.
Amy Askren, Ben’s wife, revealed the information on social media amid viral speculation about Askren’s health. The 40-year-old hasn’t fought professionally since 2019, outside of one boxing match with Jake Paul in 2021.
Here’s the latest on Askren’s status.
What happened to Ben Askren?
Ben Askren’s wife, Amy, revealed on social media that her husband had been hospitalized with a “severe” case of pneumonia that “came on very sudden,” along with other illnesses
“He’s currently in the hospital and unable to respond to anything at this time,” she said. “We welcome all prayers for healing and for peace.”
Update on Ben Askren pic.twitter.com/74uk2xeDW4
— Mark Bader (@MarkSBader) June 8, 2025
On June 7, wrestling insider Pat Mineo reported Askren was in critical condition and “battling staph infection.”
Amy Askren mentioned that she hasn’t yet told her kids about their father’s condition to try and keep their lives as “normal as possible.” The couple have three children together.
On June 17, Amy Askren provided another update on her husband, saying that he hasn’t yet woken up and has “been in limbo for a while.” She wrote that on “good days,” Ben Askren has been able to open his eyes and squeeze hands, but his body is still unable to handle coming off sedation too much.
“They are currently starting the evaluation process for lung transplant,” Amy Askren wrote. “I know transplants are such a blessing and I’m overwhelmed at the thought of him receiving a gift like that.”
🚨 Amy Askren provides an update on Ben Askren:
▫️ Ben hasn’t woken up yet and is in limbo
▫️ Ben has been able to open his eyes and squeeze hands
▫️ There are “good and bad days”
▫️ He may need a lung transplant
▫️ She’s praying for a miracle“Give your loved ones a hug today” pic.twitter.com/Torx8AovVx
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) June 17, 2025
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Ben Askren wrestling and MMA career highlights
Askren began his MMA career 19-0-1 over a 10-year span before losing his final two matches. He also fought and won 12-straight title fights to begin his career, which are among highlights that include:
- 2-time NCAA wrestling champion
- 2-time Hodge Trophy winner
- Member of Team USA at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- 19-2-1 career MMA record
- 6-1 by KO
- 6-1 by Submission
- 7-0 by decision
- ONE Welterweight champion with three successful defenses
- Bellator Welterweight champion with four successful defenses
- UFC Fight of the Night champion
Askren is also a former collegiate wrestler from the University of Missouri and is one of the most successful college wrestlers of the 2000s. He is a two-time NCAA D-1 National Champion, four-time D-1 All-American, two time Collegiate Wrestler of the Year, and a current member of the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame. He also earned a spot on Team USA at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
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Support for Ben Askren
After hearing the news, many members of the MMA community sent their love and support to Askren, hoping he can pull through.
Wanted to send positive thoughts to Ben Askren, who is currently hospitalized battling serious health issues. Askren developed pneumonia very recently, according to his wife, in addition to other serious illnesses. He’s battling right now.
Hang in there, @Benaskren. You got…
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 8, 2025
Pray for Ben Askren 🙏🏾
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) June 8, 2025
Prayers for Ben askren
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) June 8, 2025
Best wishes to Ben Askren. In serious condition. One of the best college wrestlers of this generation.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) June 8, 2025
Major prayers right now for Ben Askren whose in a battle of his life. Let’s pull thru Ben.#MITB
— Steven Muehlhausen (@SMuehlhausenJr) June 8, 2025
