Ben Askren is still fighting for his life, and his wife wants the world to know the truth.
The former MMA champ has been hospitalized in critical condition, battling severe pneumonia that developed after a staph infection. His condition took a turn last week when he became unresponsive, sparking fears and a flurry of false online rumors claiming he had died. But his wife Amy has stepped in to set the record straight, telling TMZ Sports that Ben is “definitely still fighting.”
The 40-year-old ex-UFC fighter was transferred to a hospital near his hometown in Wisconsin as his medical team continues to monitor him closely. It’s been a gut-wrenching week for his family, fans, and former teammates, all holding their breath and sending love to a man known for his resilience inside and outside the ring.
Amy Askren, his wife since 2010 and mother of their three kids, has been by his side through every difficult moment. In a heartfelt statement shared Tuesday, she opened up about the support they’ve received and the emotional toll it’s taken. “Feeling so incredibly thankful for our friends and community,” she wrote. “It’s times like this that remind you how truly blessed you are.”
Amy continued, “I feel God moving through the love and support we have received. I’m sorry if I haven’t had the chance to respond to you, but know I’ve seen your messages, and each one has meant so much to me. Please keep praying for Ben.”
The update came just days after the MMA world was shaken by online chatter falsely claiming Askren had passed away. Those rumors have now been firmly shut down, but the situation remains serious. The entire combat sports community has rallied behind the former Bellator welterweight champion, including UFC legend and current commentator Daniel Cormier.
Cormier gave his own emotional statement, urging fans to keep Ben, Amy, and their family in their prayers. “Everybody is just kind of praying that Ben gets better and we can start moving forward with life for Ben,” he said. “It’s so sad. I don’t know how things like this happen to someone who is so good because Ben is a good guy. Pray for Amy, guys. Pray for the kids. Ben, we love you, buddy. We are constantly thinking about him every single day.”
Askren’s impact on the sport goes way beyond his record. Known for his wrestling prowess, unshakable confidence, and no-nonsense attitude, he built a legendary career that included a stint as the Bellator welterweight champ before signing with the UFC. He officially retired from MMA in 2019 after three UFC fights but stayed in the spotlight thanks to his 2021 boxing match against Jake Paul. Although Askren lost that bout via first-round knockout, he remained active in the community as a coach, commentator, and social media presence.
For fans, this sudden health scare feels deeply personal. Ben Askren wasn’t just another fighter, he was an unfiltered voice in the fight game, an advocate for mental and physical discipline, and a husband and father who never shied away from sharing his family life with followers.
The fact that a simple staph infection could spiral into something life-threatening has left many stunned. Pneumonia, especially when following another infection, can be deadly even in strong individuals. The outpouring of support from fans has been massive, with thousands taking to X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit to share their prayers, memories, and words of encouragement.
The support has meant everything to Amy and their children, who are holding onto faith in a difficult and uncertain time. She continues to ask for prayers and positive thoughts as Ben continues this harrowing fight. “Each message has meant so much to me,” she reiterated.
For now, the world waits with them, hoping the fighter known for never backing down in the cage brings that same grit to the toughest match of his life.
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