Ben Askren’s wife gives health update on ex-UFC star after scary hospitalization

Former MMA star and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren might not be in the clear yet after being hospitalized with severe pneumonia.

Askren’s wife, Amy, shared the most recent update on her husband Monday night and continued to ask for prayers and support.

“Feeling so incredibly thankful for our friends and community,” Amy wrote in a Facebook post, which she also shared to her Instagram Story. “It’s times like this that remind you how truly blessed you are.

“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.”

Rumors swirled within the MMA community over the weekend about Askren’s condition, which prompted Amy to address it all.

“You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “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 peace.”

It was later reported that the pneumonia developed after Askren was originally diagnosed with a staph infection.

The couple has been married since 2010 and shares three children together.

Askren held a 19-2 MMA record across his career, including Bellator and ONE titles. He went 1-2 in his brief UFC career before retiring from the promotion in 2019.

He was a U.S. Olympian in 2008 on the freestyle wrestling team.

Askren notably took on Jake Paul in a 2021 boxing match, where he lost by TKO within two minutes in the first round. 

Known primarily for his grappling and wrestling in MMA, the match against Paul was the only boxing bout of Askren’s career.