Wrestling prodigy and former Olympian Ben Askren has had his run-ins with severe health issues and injuries, but always triumphed. However, this time the retired UFC veteran needs more than prayers because he is currently hospitalized with serious health issues, including a severe staph infection and pneumonia.  The former ONE Championship welterweight champ is currently fighting a different match against a dangerous opponent– severe sickness. And this is where the supporters come in…

The first update about his dire health conditions came from Tom Ryan, head coach of the Ohio State wrestling team and Askren’s close friend. He posted on X, “Prayers for @Benaskren and his family.”  Meanwhile, ex-UFC veteran and current analyst Chael Sonnen also clarified what was going on with the retired MMA star.

He posted on X: “Ben is alive, and prayers are wanted. The family is choosing privacy at this time.” Meanwhile, his wife Amy Askren has sent a new update giving details on his health. She posted about the same on Facebook and wrote, “You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something. He developed severe pneumonia, which came on very suddenly. He’s currently in the hospital and unable to respond to anything at this time. We welcome all prayers for healing and peace. 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.”

The 40-year-old MMA icon had recently signed with Real American Freestyle, which is a new wrestling promotion started by Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan. But now there is a huge setback to his future MMA endeavours because of his health. The Wrestling Room page on X also updated on the situation, saying,  “Wrestling community, we need to pray for and rally around  @BenAskren who is in critical condition and battling a severe staph infection. He is also battling severe pneumonia, prayers are needed!!!”

‘Funky’ was considered to be one of the top welterweights at the height of his career after he won titles in both Bellator and ONE Championship. Askren’s stint in the UFC ended with a 1-2 record, with a victory over Robbie Lawler in his debut. However, he did face several injuries and health issues during his career as well. Before we get into the details, let’s see what the fans are saying about the current situation.

Fans rush to share their prayers for Ben Askren

Amy Askren was not just worried for her husband but also for her children. She wanted to protect their children from the stress that might follow if they knew about this. On the same note, the MMA world rushed to Facebook and X comments to share their prayers for a speedy recovery.

One follower said, “Oh, Amy. I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m praying for Ben and all of you,” while another chimed in, “This is just beyond terrible.” One follower stated, “Staph, with pneumonia on top of it. He’s unresponsive currently. Prayers.”  This is not his first rodeo with health issues, though. He had faced chronic hip problems all through his MMA career and announced his retirement in 2019, citing the need for hip replacement surgery as a primary factor. In September 2020, Askren underwent a Birmingham hip resurfacing procedure and was finally cured of the incessant pain.

But this time, the situation looks more severe as the latest updates by  Askren’s wife suggest that he cannot respond to anything right now. On that note, a follower named Sandy Russel wrote, ” Amy, if you need anything, please reach out. Sending prayers your way!” Another fan wrote on X, “You got this Ben thinking of you, “ while a follower chimed in, “You got this Ben! Hope he and his family are okay.”

The MMA veterans and fans are worried for the former Olympic wrestling star and famous MMA journo Ariel Helwani also gave his message on X. He said, “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 this.”

One netizen gave a short answer on X writing, “Get well Ben,” while another fan wrote, “🙏 for Ben’s full recovery.” An MMA fan shared, “Sending love and prayers for healing.”  The Askren family requested prayers for his speedy recovery and asked the public to respect their privacy as they navigate this profoundly stressful crisis.