Ben Askren has fought some of the fiercest athletes in the world. But now, he’s facing an opponent that requires not just physical strength, but emotional and spiritual resilience
His story is still unfolding, and the combat sports world watches closely—not just as fans, but as a family pulling together for one of its own.
May the journey ahead be paved with healing, strength, and the same relentless spirit that made “Funky” a legend.
UFC Atlanta reminded us that in a sport often defined by violence and rivalry, there’s still room for friendship, gratitude, and mutual respect.
Ben Askren’s journey — with all its highs, lows, and funky twists — deserves to be remembered not just for the knockouts or takedowns, but for the humanity behind the headlines.
And Daniel Cormier’s heartfelt message served as the perfect tribute to that legacy.
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Table of Contents
Ben Askren’s Health Crisis: A Community United in Support
A Sudden Medical Emergency Shakes the MMA World
The mixed martial arts world was shaken earlier this month when news broke that Ben Askren had been hospitalized due to complications stemming from a staph infection.1
he situation quickly escalated as the infection developed into a severe case of pneumonia, leaving the former Olympic wrestler in critical condition.
Askren, known affectionately as “Funky” by fans, reportedly became unresponsive, which prompted widespread concern across the MMA and wrestling communities.
Initially treated at a facility in Nevada, Askren’s condition required more specialized and closely monitored care. As a result, he was later relocated to a hospital in Wisconsin, allowing him to be nearer to his family during this challenging time.
The Possibility of a Lung Transplant Emerges
While the early reports focused on the severity of the pneumonia, a more sobering update soon emerged. According to Pat Mineo of The Wrestling Room, there was talk of a possible lung transplant being considered for Askren.
This news intensified the concern around his condition, as a lung transplant is often a last-resort procedure reserved for life-threatening respiratory failure.
Social media further amplified these concerns when MMA reporter @DovySimuMMA shared the transplant news on X (formerly Twitter), calling on fans and followers to pray for the embattled fighter.
The potential for such a serious operation illustrated the magnitude of Askren’s health issues and underlined the fragility of the situation.
Signs of Hope: A Glimpse of Recovery
Despite the grim news, a glimmer of hope soon followed. Pat Mineo later shared a more optimistic update, stating that Askren had opened his eyes and was able to squeeze the hands of those around him.
These seemingly small gestures represented monumental steps forward, considering that Askren had previously been unresponsive.
In the world of critical care, even such basic signs of consciousness and physical response can be encouraging indicators of brain function and possible neurological recovery.
For Askren’s family, fans, and peers, this news offered a momentary sigh of relief amidst an otherwise dire medical narrative.
The MMA and Wrestling Communities Rally Behind Askren
As word of Askren’s condition spread, the MMA and amateur wrestling worlds showed their true colors.
Fighters, coaches, analysts, and fans from around the globe began posting messages of support and prayer for Askren’s recovery. Notably, Chael Sonnen—a longtime MMA veteran and former rival—offered his well-wishes publicly, signaling just how deep respect runs in combat sports, even between adversaries.
Daniel Cormier, another former Olympian and UFC double champion, also expressed his support. Cormier, who shares a deep bond with many in the wrestling community, emphasized the strength and determination that defines Askren both in and out of the cage.
Ben Askren’s Remarkable Combat Sports Legacy
While fans await more updates, many have taken time to reflect on Ben Askren’s storied career.2
From a collegiate wrestling champion and Olympian to a dominant force in ONE Championship and Bellator MMA, Askren carved out a legacy as one of the most successful grapplers in MMA history. His wrestling-heavy style and unorthodox personality earned him a unique place in the sport.
Askren’s transition to the UFC came with great anticipation. Despite mixed results in the Octagon, including his now-infamous five-second loss to Jorge Masvidal, Askren never failed to captivate fans with his candor, humor, and competitive drive.
His willingness to face the best in the world—even past his prime—earned him respect far beyond just wins and losses.
Life After Fighting: A New Chapter Cut Short?
Following his retirement from competition, Askren kept busy with various roles in the MMA and wrestling world.
He worked as a coach, commentator, and podcast host, maintaining an active presence in the public eye. His approachable demeanor, insightful takes, and sharp wit made him a fan favorite even outside of the cage.
The recent health scare has interrupted this post-fighting chapter in his life, leaving fans hoping that Askren will recover fully and return to sharing his thoughts and stories with the community he loves so deeply.
I got a mental Monday coming out about this next week that is fascinating!!! https://t.co/1ClLCzzJ8V
— Funky 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@Benaskren) May 28, 2025
The Role of Staph Infections in Combat Sports
Askren’s ordeal also brings attention to a harsh reality of combat sports: staph infections are alarmingly common.
Fighters, due to the nature of grappling on shared mats and enduring minor skin abrasions, are highly susceptible to these bacterial infections.
If left untreated, staph can spread quickly and dangerously, sometimes entering the bloodstream or lungs, as was the case with Askren.
While most staph infections are treatable with antibiotics, complications arise when the infection becomes resistant (as with MRSA) or if the immune system is otherwise compromised. The severity of Askren’s pneumonia appears to stem from these very complications.
This incident may serve as a wake-up call within the combat sports community to further emphasize hygiene, early detection, and better health protocols for all athletes.
Ben Askren: Family, Faith, and Fighting Spirit
As he remains under observation in Wisconsin, closer to his loved ones, Ben Askren’s journey through this life-threatening situation is being buoyed by the support of family and the spirit of a lifelong competitor.3
Known for his grit and refusal to back down from a challenge, Askren now faces the biggest battle of his life—not inside a cage or on the mat, but within the confines of a hospital room.
Those closest to him remain hopeful that his fighting instincts, which earned him titles and accolades throughout the world, will also help him conquer this medical crisis.
His recovery, whether long and slow or miraculous and fast, will likely be a testament to the same qualities that made him a champion: resilience, toughness, and an unbreakable will.
Prayers, Patience, and the Power of Community
The outpouring of support for Ben Askren has illustrated the unifying power of sports communities. From die-hard fans to bitter rivals, everyone has come together in solidarity, offering prayers, good vibes, and heartfelt messages.
This collective response is more than just symbolic—it has emotional and psychological value, not just for Askren and his family, but for everyone who has followed his journey.
As updates continue to emerge in the coming days and weeks, the MMA world will remain hopeful, resilient, and ready to celebrate every step Askren makes toward recovery.
Whether or not a lung transplant becomes necessary, one thing is clear: Ben Askren is not facing this battle alone.
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Ben Askren Honored from the Octagon to the Airwaves
The UFC Atlanta card was full of compelling fights, but one of the most unexpected and sentimental moments came not inside the Octagon, but through a thoughtful shout-out delivered by broadcasters Brendan Fitzgerald and Paul Felder.
As the camera panned to the commentary team, they offered warm words for Ben Askren, wishing the 40-year-old all the best in his personal and professional endeavors.
The message was brief, but full of respect and affection for a man who helped elevate the welterweight scene in the UFC — albeit with a controversial and short-lived tenure.
The gesture didn’t go unnoticed by Daniel Cormier, who promptly recorded the moment on his television and posted it to social media with heartfelt words.
Daniel Cormier’s Emotional Response: “We All Love You Buddy”
Cormier, currently enjoying life as an analyst and commentator rather than an active fighter, took a break from his usual role behind the mic for this event.
But even from home, his connection to the UFC family and, more importantly, to Ben Askren, remained unshaken. Posting the clip of Fitzgerald and Felder’s tribute, DC wrote:
“Thank you @ufc. @benaskren we all love you buddy. Amy, we’re all praying for you guys daily!”
The post didn’t just highlight his affection for Askren but also acknowledged Ben’s wife, Amy Askren, signaling that their family may be facing personal challenges — although those details remain private.
The sentiment, however, resonated widely among fans and fighters alike, with the MMA community chiming in to show their support.
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More Than Teammates: Olympic Roots and Lifelong Brotherhood
To the casual MMA fan, Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren are just two former fighters with impressive credentials.
But their relationship goes far deeper than shared time on UFC cards or podcast microphones. Both men represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics — Cormier at 96 kg in freestyle wrestling, and Askren at 74 kg.
Although Askren didn’t medal and Cormier was forced out due to weight-cut complications, the trials, training camps, and emotional rollercoaster of Olympic competition bonded them. That camaraderie extended into the world of MMA, where both forged parallel but unique careers.
Askren, known for his unconventional style and unfiltered personality, and Cormier, the polished analyst and two-division UFC champ, found common ground in their Olympic roots and wrestling-first philosophy.
This connection eventually led to their collaboration on the “Funky and the Champ” podcast — a show blending humor, analysis, and chemistry that only years of friendship could create.
Ben Askren: Community Reaction
MMA World Shows Love for Askren
DC’s post drew widespread attention and a flood of positive comments. Fans, fellow fighters, and members of the media shared messages of love and support for Ben Askren.
His journey — from NCAA champion to Olympian, from Bellator kingpin to ONE standout, and finally UFC newcomer — has always been unconventional. But his authenticity, resilience, and ability to laugh at himself have endeared him to many.
Although he was often a polarizing figure inside the cage, outside of it, Askren is universally seen as a class act — someone who never took himself too seriously, yet always believed in his abilities.
His story reminds us that greatness doesn’t always come with an undefeated record. Sometimes, it comes from staying true to who you are.
The Unspoken Struggles
- Daniel Cormier’s mention of Amy Askren in his post hints at some private struggles the Askren family may be going through.
- While the exact nature of the situation hasn’t been made public, the community’s response shows how respected and supported the Askren family is.
- In times like these, personal relationships matter most. Cormier’s prayerful words reflect the strong values and emotional intelligence that both he and Askren bring to the table — as fighters, as men of faith, and as husbands and fathers.
- From Iowa wrestling mats and Olympic trials to UFC arenas and podcast microphones, the journey of Ben Askren and Daniel Cormier is nothing short of inspiring.
- They represent a bygone era of fighters who carried themselves with class, humor, and a deep respect for the sport’s roots in wrestling.
- Askren may be retired from professional fighting, but his influence is still felt in MMA’s DNA.
- The tribute at UFC Atlanta was more than a feel-good segment — it was a celebration of an athlete who defied norms, stayed true to his weird and wonderful style, and made a mark that will never be erased.
- As DC put it best, “We all love you buddy.” And the MMA world clearly agrees.
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