Former MMA Champion Ben Askren Hospitalized with Severe Pneumonia

Madison, Wisconsin – Ben Askren, a former mixed martial arts champion, has been hospitalized after developing severe pneumonia, his wife Amy announced on social media Saturday. She shared that her husband is currently unable to respond and asked for prayers for healing.

“You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something,” Amy wrote on Facebook. “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 for peace.”

Amy also requested privacy for their family as they navigate this challenging time with their three children. “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,” she added.

The 40-year-old Askren, who retired from MMA in 2019, was a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion and a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team. He won welterweight titles in both Bellator MMA and ONE Championship before joining the UFC.

In his UFC career, Askren achieved a record of 1-2, with his lone victory coming against former champion Robbie Lawler. He was also involved in a high-profile boxing match against social media star Jake Paul in 2021.

News of Askren’s illness comes after he recently signed with Real American Freestyle, a wrestling promotion co-founded by WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan. He expressed excitement about the prospect of returning to competitive wrestling.

Asker’s condition has raised concern in the wrestling community, with various figures calling for support and prayers for the former champion as he fights this illness.