Ben Askren was rushed to hospital last weekend after suffering from pneumonia – and rumours began to spread that the former fighter had passed away
Ben Askren’s wife has reassured fans the former UFC fighter is still battling despite rumours he had passed away.
Askren was rushed to hospital last weekend following a sudden illness that left him unresponsive, causing serious concern for the ex-two-promotion champion. While there were rumours of his death circulating on social media earlier this week, Askren’s wife Amy has cleared up the claims.
“He is alive and any rumour he has died is completely false,” she told TMZ. “[He is] definitely still fighting.” Mrs. Askren’s statement comes after former UFC champion Daniel Cormier incorrectly said his fellow fighter had been released from hospital and was recuperating at home.
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“Our good friend is having a hard time,” Cormier said. “The last time we did an episode [of their show], Ben was complaining about some issues, he had some infections, he had a really tough time. I want to report to you guys that he’s now back home. He’s with his family, his beautiful wife Amy and everyone is praying that Ben gets better and we can start moving forward together with life for ben. It’s so sad and I don’t know how things like this happen in life to people like Ben.”
Cormier later took to social media to clarify what he meant, adding: “”He’s back in Wisconsin in a hospital. He isn’t home. Please keep praying for Ben. I should have been more clear.”
David Potter, another veteran of the combat sports world, also clarified the spurious rumours surrounding Askren on social media. He emphasised: “No. Our friend Ben Askren has not passed away. But the situation is still dire. Praying for him. A hero in the wrestling community, a MMA champion, and a one time boxer, which proved he would do anything, put himself in any situation to take care of his family and kids. Do the right thing and take care of them as well, protect his kids, do not share unconfirmed information.”
Askren, revered in the realms of mixed martial arts, honed his craft with organisations such as Bellator and ONE FC before ascending to the esteemed ranks of the UFC in 2019. His inaugural fight saw him secure a win against Robbie Lawler, although he later suffered a devastating loss to Jorge Masvidal––defeated by a lightning-quick flying knee just five seconds into their bout.
Following an unsuccessful return against grappling maestro Demian Maia where he was caught in a chokehold, Askren hung up his MMA gloves. Yet, the lure of the ring beckoned in 2021 when he ventured into boxing to go toe-to-toe with internet sensation and glovesman Jake Paul, only to be defeated in the first round.
While Askren was hospitalised, his wife of 15 years used social media to request that fans keep the fighter in their thoughts and prayers. “Feeling so incredibly thankful for our friends and community. It’s times like this that remind you how truly blessed you are,” she wrote.
“I feel God moving through the love and support we have received. I apologise if I haven’t had a chance to reply to you, but know I’ve seen your messages, and each one has meant so much to me. Please keep praying for Ben.”
