The former MMA star and wrestling icon Ben Askren is reportedly unresponsive in hospital; wife Amy Askren calls for healing prayers and respect for the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Former MMA champion and wrestling legend Ben Askren has been hospitalized with a sudden and severe case of pneumonia, according to a statement shared by his wife, Amy Askren, on her personal Facebook page. The 40-year-old athlete is currently unresponsive, and his family is asking the public for prayers and privacy.
“You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something,” Amy wrote in an emotional 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.”
Amy further asked for support through prayer, emphasizing the need to shield their children from added stress:
“We welcome all prayers for healing and for peace. We are trying to keep life as normal as possible for our children currently and doing our best to support them thoughtfully, so please refrain from discussing it with them for now.”
No additional medical details about Askren’s condition have been released, and it remains unclear when the former fighter was admitted or what treatment he is currently undergoing.
Ben Askren, known as “Funky” in combat sports circles, is widely regarded as one of the greatest amateur wrestlers in American history. He was a two-time NCAA Division I national champion, an Olympian, and an undefeated fighter for much of his professional MMA career. He held welterweight titles in both Bellator and ONE Championship before signing with the UFC.
Askren officially retired from MMA in 2019 due to lingering hip issues but briefly returned to the combat spotlight in 2021 for a high-profile boxing match against Jake Paul. Though the bout ended in a first-round TKO loss, Askren remained a central figure in sports media and youth wrestling development.
Most recently, Askren joined Hulk Hogan’s Real American Freestyle, an initiative promoting wrestling culture and mentoring young athletes. He’s also a well-known podcast host and wrestling coach, active in shaping the future of the sport he has long championed.
As news of his hospitalization spreads, support has poured in from across the combat sports community, with fans, fellow athletes, and organizations posting messages of encouragement under the hashtag #PrayForBen.
The Askren family has asked for continued prayers for Ben’s healing and peace, and for the public to respect their space as they navigate this deeply personal crisis.