The last time Ben Askren appeared in a fight was way back in 2021 when the 40-year-old fought against Jake Paul. Since then, if not for his recent partnership with Hulk Hogan’s Real American Freestyle, Askren has been off the radar most time. However, a recent update regarding the wrestling legend has shaken the MMA world.

Last Saturday, Pat Mineo of The Wrestling Room reported that the former Bellator and ONE welterweight champion is in critical condition due to severe staph infection and pneumonia. “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 needed!!!“ Mineo wrote on X. Notably, ever since his last professional fight in 2019, the 40-year-old’s health has declined only. While the entire UFC community is rooting for Askren’s well-being, his wife Amy also confirmed Ben’s alarming health status.

Per Amy, Ben is “unable to respond to anything” and is seeking prayers from his well-wishers. “You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something,” she wrote. “He’s currently in the hospital and unable to respond to anything at this time. We welcome all prayers for healing and for peace.” While there is no update on by what time Ben will be back on his feet, former UFC star and analyst Chael Sonnen has shared a positive update to calm the growing concern.

The UFC Ho’fer took to his X handle to ascertain that Ben Askren is safe as of now, but he will be requiring prayers. Sonnen also requested the UFC community to respect the privacy of Ben’s family. “Ben is alive and prayers are wanted. Family choosing privacy at this time,” wrote Sonnen on his X handle.

Askren’s family is keeping the matter as private as possible. However, as news of his condition spreads, the MMA community has come together in unison to pray for the former UFC fighter. Former dual-weight champion Henry Cejudo took to his X handle, writing, “Pray for Ben Askren.” Additionally, renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani posted, “Hang in there, @Benaskren. You got this.”

 Further information about the fighter is awaited, as the family has chosen to keep details private for now. The former UFC fighter was reportedly planning something big for his career, but it seems fate had other plans.

Ben Askren was planning something big after he retired from MMA

‘Funky’ was a big name during Bellator’s early days and soon transitioned to ONE Championship, where he became their welterweight champion. After his successful run in ONE, the fighter moved to the UFC through a historic contract trade involving Demetrious Johnson.

However, Askren’s UFC career was short-lived. Following a controversial close-call victory against Robbie Lawler, he faced Jorge Masvidal in a highly anticipated bout, but ‘Gamebred’ proved to be too much for him, delivering a brutal knockout that marked a turning point in Askren’s MMA journey. After the defeat, Askren fought against Demian Maia in hopes of getting back to the winning column, but he conceded defeat and retired from the sport.

After nearly six years out of the Octagon, Ben Askren was finally ready to mark his comeback to the mats with his recent involvement in Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAF), the new venture led by Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff. Askren appeared enthusiastic about the opportunity to help build something new alongside reputable figures, stating that he was “ready to take on young challengers” once the league launches this fall. Well, for now, all prayers are now with the former ONE champion as he battles arguably the biggest opponent of his life.