Ben Askren News

Curtis Calhoun - January 6, 2026

Former UFC star Ben Askren didn’t hold back on his assessment of Nate Diaz’s career when discussing some of the promotion’s all-time greats. Ben Askren is back to some form of normalcy after a rough year in 2025.

Harry Kettle - December 29, 2025

MMA and wrestling legend Ben Askren has taken the time to reflect on his journey in the last six months following his double lung transplant. As we know, Ben Askren has endured the toughest year of his life in 2025. Six months ago, Ben was admitted to the hospital due to a case of “severe pneumonia” that had developed as a result of a staph infection. The man himself later revealed that he had flatlined four times during his hospital stay and that he had also lost 50 pounds.

Curtis Calhoun - November 7, 2025

Former UFC star Ben Askren is motivating hundreds of men and women around the world just months after a life-threatening health battle. Ben Askren was on his literal deathbed earlier this year following a severe case of Pneumonia, sparked by a staph infection, and underwent a double lung transplant. Askren lost a large bulk of weight during the medical emergency, and needed to relearn how to walk and other basic motor skills.

Curtis Calhoun - October 29, 2025

Dr. Brian Sutterer explained why he wouldn’t be surprised to see Ben Askren return to combat sports once he fully recovers from his recent health scare. Former UFC welterweight Ben Askren is one of the inspirational stories of 2025 after bouncing back from a 45-day coma stemming from a severe case of pneumonia. After being given a low chance to survive the ordeal, Askren eventually regained confidence and is now out of the hospital.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 27, 2025

Ben Askren has a long road to recovery, but he is determined to push through. Askren had to undergo a double lung transplant to save his life. The former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder said he was clinically dead four times, but he was able to hold on. Given the circumstances, many view Askren’s current state as a miracle.

Cole Shelton - July 22, 2025

Ben Askren has shared a massive update regarding his ongoing health scare. Askren had been hospitalized for months and had been on a ventilator. He ended up getting a lung transplant, which was needed as he nearly died multiple times while in the hospital.

Harry Kettle - July 14, 2025

Former UFC star Jorge Masvidal has sent a message of positivity to Ben Askren after the latter’s recent health problems. As we know, Ben Askren has been dealing with some pretty serious health problems over the course of the last few months. After picking up a staph infection, the former UFC fighter also developed pneumonia, eventually leading to some really severe issues with his lungs. As a result, he’s had to undergo a double lung transplant.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 13, 2025

Ben Askren doesn’t plan to dwell on his current situation. The MMA community was shocked to learn that Askren was in for the fight of his life on a hospital bed. The former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder was in need of a double lung transplant to breathe unassisted.

Harry Kettle - July 7, 2025

Former UFC star Corey Anderson has praised his friend Ben Askren as he continues to go through his health scare. As we know, Ben Askren has been dealing with some pretty serious health problems as of late. Between a nasty staph infection and pneumonia, Ben was forced to undergo a double lung transplant. While that has now taken place, there’s still a long road ahead for him as he attempts to recover from this setback.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 30, 2025

Ben Askren is fighting through a serious health issue, but there is some good news for the retired 22-fight veteran. Severe pneumonia has forced Askren to stay in a hospital bed the past several weeks. Askren’s wife Amy later revealed that the former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder was put on the transplant list. After weeks of uncertainty, Amy has shared on social media that Askren has undergone surgery for a double lung transplant.

Harry Kettle - June 25, 2025

Ben Askren’s wife Amy has provided an update on his condition as the MMA community continues to pray for his recovery. As we know, Ben Askren is currently hospitalized as a result of pneumonia and complications from a staph infection. The mixed martial arts community has been voicing their support every step of the way, with his wife Amy providing a series of updates over the course of the last few weeks.

Cole Shelton - June 17, 2025

Ben Askren remains in the hospital and may need a lung transplant. Ben’s wife, Amy, posted an update on social media revealing that the former UFC fighter remains in the hospital. In the update, Amy revealed that Ben’s health status remains in limbo, but the sedation isn’t as strong, allowing ‘Funky’ to open his eyes and squeeze hands.

BJ Penn Staff - June 12, 2025

Former UFC star Ben Askren is continue to battle through a frightening health crisis. Earlier this week, Askren’s wife Amy revealed that he has been hospitalized with pneumonia, and that he was effectively non-responsive. From there, several extremely worrying rumors began to surface.

Harry Kettle - June 9, 2025

MMA and wrestling legend Ben Askren has been hospitalized due to a case of severe pneumonia, his wife has announced. Over the course of the last few days, there has been mounting speculation regarding the condition of the great Ben Askren. After fans were asked to pray for him by Ohio State wrestling coach Thomas Ryan, fans were concerned that something serious had happened to the former UFC star. It led to an outpouring of support from the community, many of whom know Ben on a personal level.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 7, 2025

Sean O’Malley has been granted a UFC title rematch, but did he make a mistake? In the main event of UFC 306 inside the Sphere in Las Vegas, O’Malley attempted to successfully defend the UFC Bantamweight Championship against Merab Dvalishvili. The “Suga” show struggled with the wrestling and pressure of Dvalishvili. While O’Malley found some success late in the fight, it wasn’t enough to retain the 135-pound gold.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 20, 2025

One retired UFC fighter is of the belief that it’s more likely that Jon Jones retires. Jones is a surefire Hall of Famer down the road, but many are wondering if he will return to the Octagon for a UFC heavyweight title unification bout against Tom Aspinall. “Bones” hasn’t committed to his next move and has publicly shown more interest in a fight with 205-pound champion Alex Pereira instead of the interim heavyweight titleholder Aspinall.

Curtis Calhoun - September 18, 2024

Ben Askren is the latest to accuse Conor McGregor of substance abuse after Michael Chandler ended his wait for the former two-division UFC champion. McGregor and Chandler were supposed to headline UFC 303 in June for the Irish star’s return to the Octagon. But, McGregor withdrew from the event on weeks’ notice due to a toe injury, and he hasn’t been re-booked for a fight.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 29, 2024

Former Bellator and ONE champion, Ben Askren, is sticking up for Daniel Cormier amid recent comments made by UFC 307 fighter Joaquin Buckley. Cormier and Buckley had been at odds ever since “New Mansa” was criticized by the UFC Hall of Famer for calling out Conor McGregor. Buckley said that the mothers of Cormier, Michael Bisping, and Chael Sonnen “raised some h*es.” Cormier didn’t take too kindly to this, hurling expletives right back at Buckley.