Ben Askren`s wife has provided a recent update on the former MMA world champion`s health status after he was admitted to the hospital.
The 44-year-old was hospitalized last week due to a severe bout of pneumonia, triggered by a staph infection.
Amy, his wife, had previously shared on social media that Askren was in a critical and “unresponsive” state.
In her most recent Facebook post, she appealed to family, friends, and fight fans to keep praying for him.
She wrote: “I`m feeling incredibly thankful for our friends and community. Times like these truly remind you how blessed you are. I feel God`s presence through the love and support we`ve received. I apologize if I haven`t had a chance to reply individually, but please know I`ve seen your messages, and every single one has meant a great deal to me. Please continue to pray for Ben.”
Upon hearing about his hospitalization, the mixed martial arts community quickly sent messages of support and well-wishes.
Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Pray for Ben Askren.”
Former middleweight champion Chris Weidman also commented: “Prayers out to Ben Askren and his family!!”
Lightweight fighter Terrance McKinney also sent well-wishes: “Prayers for Ben Askren.”
Dillon Danis wrote: “I heard the news about Ben Askren before it was reported publicly. It`s much more serious than many realize. Despite any past rivalry, he`s a great coach and family man. Praying he pulls through this.”
Askren retired from mixed martial arts in 2019, having spent just over a year in the UFC where he secured three victories.
He briefly came out of retirement in April 2021 for a boxing match against Jake Paul, who defeated him by knockout in the first round.
