Ben Askren has always been the one to show true grit. In the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China, when his childhood dream of earning an Olympic medal was shattered, he knew that wasn’t the end of his story. So, just days after the heartbreak, Askren was at a pizzeria in Beijing when he made a decision that would propel him to success and fame: He would continue competing, but not on a mat. It would be inside the cage! And with that, he began adding striking and submissions to his arsenal.

All that led to a flawless record in Bellator and ONE, after which he switched to the UFC to test his perseverance. And after a 19-2 MMA record, he knew it was time for him to retire. However, retirement hasn’t been as kind to him as one would have expected. So earlier this month, when Chael Sonnen took to X to reveal that Ben Askren’s health was in jeopardy, the MMA world was blindsided. No one expected such dire news; especially about ‘Funky’. It soon emerged that a severe staph infection had ravaged the veteran’s body, leading to him contracting pneumonia with severe damage to his lungs, and leaving him bedridden in critical condition.

His wife, Amy, shared a sombre update days ago. She revealed her husband might need a lung transplant. “I haven’t shared an update because Ben has been in limbo for a while and I was hoping to have him wake up and be the one to decide what to share. I’m still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for a lung transplant. Please pray for his continued healing, and if transplant is the solution, that he can get on the list quickly and easily,” she wrote in a Facebook post. But during the difficult time, there is only so much she can do to cope.

In a new update, she took to her Instagram account and posted a story. The image showed Amy holding her husband’s hand in the hospital and captioned it: “I have been loving this song on repeat. For anyone else who is in the thick of it right now.” What’s the song? It’s ‘Flowers’ by Samantha Ebert, which was released last year:

So I brought it up in a desperate prayer
Lord, why are you keeping me here?
Then He said to me, “Child, I’m planting seeds
I’m a good God and I have a good plan
So trust that I’m holding a watering can
And someday you’ll see that flowers grow in the valley.”

Ebert had written the song when she was in a similar situation to Askren. As she was battling a chronic illness, she saw the ‘get well soon’ flowers on her bedside table. That was a sign for her that beautiful things can grow in the darkest of places. “I wrote this one from a place of feeling like my hope was almost gone,” she mentioned in her post last year, and reminded her followers to have trust, patience, contentment, rest, and joy even during the most difficult times. “I believe God is good, and has a good plan no matter how dark the valleys we’re walking may be.” No wonder Amy finds contentment in Ebert’s lyrics.

As Askren fights his battles in the hospital, the combat community has refused to leave his side. In the wake of Amy Askren’s plea for help, wrestling gear brand RUDIS has launched a campaign to sell T-shirts honoring the legacy of the former Olympian. The company has assured that all proceeds from the sales will be donated to Ben Askren’s family for his treatment.

The T-shirt is available on RUDIS’ official website and features a slogan that reads, “Funky Strong, Funk Tough,” in support of Ben Askren. The site also includes a direct link to his official donation page. A statement on the page reads, “This is our chance to give back to someone who’s given his life to the sport.” But it’s not just the wrestling community that has gotten behind Askren’s full recovery. His former employer has stepped in to offer support.

Dana White offers support to Ben Askren amid his condition..

Ben Askren’s battle with severe pneumonia took a drastic turn when it was revealed that the fighter would have to undergo a lung transplant. While his wife, Amy, shared that he has shown brief signs of strength, opening his eyes thanks to medication, the situation remains dire. As RUDIS launched their campaign in support of the former ONE and Bellator champion, Dana White took to his Instagram to share the link, urging his 10.5 million followers to “Click the link to help Ben Askren.”

The link directs fans to a donation page dedicated to supporting the Askren family. “Ben Askren has spent his life pouring into others—on the mat, in the corner, and in the wrestling room,” the page reads, spotlighting the legacy of a fighter now fighting for his life. “A two-time NCAA Champion, Olympian, and beloved coach, Ben has dedicated himself to growing the sport and inspiring the next generation to chase their potential. Today, he’s facing the toughest fight of his life.”

The page further reads, “Ben is in urgent need of a life-saving lung transplant. It’s a battle he can’t face alone, and now, it’s time for the wrestling community to rally behind one of its own. This is our chance to give back to someone who’s given his life to the sport.” Dana White has time and again come forward to support his former fighters in one way or another, and with this support, the UFC CEO has assured that Askren receives all the love and support he needs to get back in shape.