When you’re at the peak of your form, all eyes are on you, fans, enthusiasts alike. And when you’ve hung your boots? A name that “used to” mean something to some people. But, thankfully, that’s not what seems to be the case for Ben Askren. The two-time NCAA D1 champ and a 3x Big 12 champ for the Missouri Tigers, and a former UFC welterweight, isn’t having the best time of his life right now, but luckily, he’s not alone in his woes.

Life on the mat, or inside the octagon, is harsh and often unforgiving. So much so that the injuries and bruises you pick up along the way could have an impact long after you’ve had your last bout. Whatever it may be, it seems like the 2008 US Olympic team member Ben Askren’s immune system has been waging a war against a perceived alien entity or one of its own. But the fans aren’t about to just let him slip away.

In a post by The Wrestling Room‘s Pat Mineo on X from June 7, Askren’s misery was shared. “Wrestling community, we need to pray for and rally around @BenAskren who is in critical condition and battling a severe staph infection,” reads Mineo’s post. The ex-MMA fighter’s wife, Amy Askren, took to social media to reveal that Ben suddenly developed a broad-spectrum antibiotic-resistant pneumonia and remains unresponsive after being admitted to the hospital.

“He’s currently in the hospital and unable to respond to anything at this time. We welcome all prayers for healing and for 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,” Amy wrote in her social media update.

A jolt without lightning, indeed! Ohio State’s head wrestling coach, Tom Ryan, also took to X to note his concerns over the former Bellator poster boy. Former UFC star Chael Sonnen also requested that the Askren family’s privacy be respected during these trying times. Looking back at Ben’s career, it’s understandable as to why so many wrestling and MMA community members have their eyes peeled on the Mizzou alum.

A debut win over Robbie Lawler at the UFC and a signature grappling-style fighting technique made Ben Askren’s reputation precede him. The good news is that the wrestling and MMA communities weren’t late to show up with Askren in their prayers, hoping for the best after learning about the terrible news. “You got this Ben! Hope he and his family is okay,” one fan wrote, hoping that the champ that Ben Askren is, he would soon be out of the woods. More well wishes come pouring in.

Fans appear in throngs to stand guard for Ben Askren

Amy’s request to safeguard their children at this hour was probably the one that hit close to home with the fans. Without hesitation, the fans flocked to X to underscore that they would be standing in Ben Askren’s corner till he pulls through and is out of the turmoil. “Stay strong Funky,” commented one fan as a nod to Ben’s special name popular among his loyalists. “You got this Ben, thinking of you,” another also lent their support for the former Olympian.

However, as one fan pointed out, depending solely on prayers right now isn’t the wisest thing to do. As many sports fans have recently learned, having skilled medical staff by your side could be your biggest asset to live a while longer to delight their followers. “Prayers don’t do s—. Let’s hope he has some very skilled and able medical team to treat him,” the fan’s comment in response to Ben Askren’s situation sounded more pragmatic than most others.

With a life dedicated to the mat in the Tigers’ singlet and then to the MMA, Ben Askren is a fighter personified. Maybe that’s why some fans are sure that a pneumonia or a staph infection isn’t enough to get the former national collegiate champ down. “Bens tougher than hell,” one fan reminds us. And we agree with all our hearts!

Have anything to say to the Askren family to ease their pain? Share your message with us below!