Former UFC superstar Ben Askren stays on ventilator with ‘serious pneumonia’

Former UFC superstar and longtime Bellator MMA and ONE FC welterweight champion Ben Askren stays in clinic and is on a ventilator as he offers with pneumonia that might probably require a lung transplant.

Askren used to be hospitalized previous in June because of what his spouse, Amy, described on social media as “severe pneumonia” after the 40-year-old retired fighter reportedly reduced in size a staph an infection.

She posted an replace to her husband’s situation on Tuesday that learn: “I have never shared an replace as a result of Ben has been in limbo for some time and I used to be hoping to have him get up and be the only to make a decision what to proportion. I’ve had some media folks touch me that they’re going to proportion an replace and I might fairly it come from me.

“Ben is still on a ventilator and eco to support him while he heals. There are good days and bad, but on the good, they have been able to wean his sedation enough for him to open his eyes and squeeze hands. His body can’t handle coming off sedation too much yet. I’m still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for lung transplant.”

During the printed for a UFC Fight Night match in Atlanta on Saturday, the group performed a tribute video to Askren whilst sending him and his circle of relatives neatly needs.

“Ben Askren is currently in a serious battle in a Wisconsin hospital after developing severe pneumonia,” play-by-play announcer Brendan Fitzgerald said. “The MMA community has rallied around the Askren family, urging prayers for Amy and their three children. We here at the UFC certainly join in sending all our support to Ben, his wife Amy, and their kids as they stay strong through this difficult fight.”

Askren used to be a standout beginner freestyle wrestler, a two-time Division 1 collegiate nationwide wrestling champion and represented the United States on the 2008 Summer Olympics.

The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, local who lives in Wisconsin started combined martial arts in 2009 the place he went undefeated thru his first 20 skilled bouts, profitable Bellator’s 170-pound identify and protecting it 4 occasions. He additionally gained the ONE FC welterweight identify and defended it 3 times earlier than his contract used to be transferred to the UFC in 2018 in alternate for Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in some of the handiest de facto trades in UFC historical past.

Askren’s UFC profession handiest lasted one memorable 12 months as he defeated former UFC welterweight champ Robbie Lawler in his promotional debut then misplaced to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia — all in 2019. Askren additionally participated in a single boxing fit in 2021 when he turned into Jake Paul’s 3rd skilled opponent and the primary MMA fighter to problem the YouTuber-turned-boxer.

Amy Askren’s most up-to-date replace persisted: “Please pray for his persisted therapeutic, and if transplant is the answer, that he can get at the record briefly and simply. I do know transplants are the sort of blessing and I’m crushed on the considered him receiving a present like that. No one would take higher care of that present than Ben.

“Thank you for every message and all of the support. Despite this awful situation, I’m feeling so blessed by the community we’re surrounded by. Give your loved ones a hug today and make sure you’re prepared (for) situations like this. Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this.”