Ben Askren has faced world champions before, but nothing prepared him for the humbling battle he is currently facing. The former Olympian and UFC star is currently recovering from a double lung transplant and was recently admitted to the hospital for a potential infection. In his own words, this event has torn away his self-reliance and forced him to seek assistance, something he never used to do.

His wife, Amy Askren, shared a beautiful moment that offered fans hope for his recovery. ‘Funky’ sits on his hospital bed, laptop open, with his young son resting next to him, smiling lovingly at the camera. But behind that warmth lies a deeper struggle. Just days before, Askren was re-admitted to Aspen Hospital after physicians discovered alarming symptoms of infection during a regular checkup.

What was supposed to be a routine follow-up became another uncertain chapter in his recovery. In his latest Instagram post, Askren discussed the impact this journey has had on his pride. “I had to totally stop the paradox… tell myself to be patient and not get too frustrated,” he admitted.

‘Funky’ stated how his inability to perform simple chores, let alone train or educate, drove him into a position he never expected. “I used to never ask for help. Now I have to all the time. It’s been really humbling.” Askren, who has spent years teaching young wrestlers, linked the lesson to a recurring theme in his coaching: ego.

“Some kids can’t admit what their biggest problem is,” he said. “If they don’t face it, they can’t fix it. Same goes for life.” He now practices that kind of self-awareness on a regular basis, no matter how unpleasant it is. His message was clear: pride does not help anyone heal. However, what really helps is the love and support of the ones who surround you.

While he recovers, the community that previously supported him has rallied around him. Earlier this month, fans came together at Kettle Moraine High School for a fundraising event in his honor. In a heartfelt gesture, Askren donated his 2008 Olympic singlet for auction to help cover his medical bills. However, what was even more touching was the fact that the highest bidder plans to return it to ‘Funky’ once he recovers.

What was the precise symbol of his athletic peak turned into a reminder of the quiet strength required to rely on others when he needed it the most. This was the true humbling experience that made ‘Funky’ decide to share his earned wisdom with his fans. And now, all this is turning his biggest rivals into his biggest fans as well.

Kamaru Usman squashes beef with Ben Askren

What began as a running joke over a nickname has culminated in an unexpected display of appreciation. As Ben Askren recovers from his lung transplant, his old rival Kamaru Usman sent him a message of encouragement, indicating the end of a long-running feud. The gesture came after Askren told a story about his hospital visit, where a friend brought up the old “Marty from Nebraska” nickname. And this was a jab Usman notoriously disliked.

Askren wrote on X, “Had an old friend come visit me at the hospital, and he brought up Marty from Nebraska, and I said you can’t call him Marty anymore bc he will get p——-. My buddy was flabbergasted!” The message reached Usman, who replied, “@Benaskren happy you’re doing well, my man. One day at a time you’ll be back.” Askren responded with praying emojis, thereby ending one of MMA’s most bitter rivalries.

They never fought inside the cage, but their feud was public: press conference tension, internet trash talk, and a lot of baiting. Now, devoid of ego, both guys appear to have moved on. And for Askren, who has recently discovered strength in vulnerability, it serves as another reminder that even old foes may show up with kindness when it counts the most.