Ben Askren is a prominent name in the world of MMA. During his active career, the 40-year-old competed in multiple fighting organizations and won multiple championship fights in ONE Championship and Bellator.
Askren parted ways with the sport with an impressive professional record of 19-2(1).
Ben Askren’s Wife Gives an Update on the Fighter’s Health
Ben Askren appears to be going through a rough time.
His wife Amy Askren recently gave a health update on the former UFC fighter on social media. Amy shared that Askren was suffering from a severe case of pneumonia, which had resulted in him ending up in a hospital.
Amy revealed that Askren was not responsive and asked people to respect their family’s privacy during this difficult time.
“You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something,” wrote Amy. “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 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.”
Ben Askren’s wife says he is ‘not responding to anything’ and in the hospital with severe pneumonia. 🙏 #BenAskren #UFC pic.twitter.com/h6xugZ2rV9
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) June 8, 2025
Fans also asked former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen about Askren. “The American Gangster” echoed Amy’s sentiment of respecting the family’s privacy and asked fans to pray for the multi-promotion champion.
“Ben is alive and prayers are wanted. Family choosing privacy at this time.”
Ben is alive and prayers are wanted. Family choosing privacy at this time. https://t.co/fFIeOUMJT7
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) June 8, 2025
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani also took to social media to send “positive thoughts” to Askren.
“Wanted to send positive thoughts to Ben Askren, who is currently hospitalized battling serious health issues… Hang in there, Ben. You got this.”
How Did Ben Askren Do in the UFC?
After staying undefeated throughout his professional career and building an impressive 18-0(1) record, Ben Askren made his debut in the UFC in March 2019.
For his first UFC outing, the 40-year-old was matched up against Robbie Lawler at UFC 235. Askren emerged victorious that night and scored a first-round technical submission.
Askren was then pitted against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239. The night did not go well for the former Olympic wrestler, who suffered a brutal knockout five seconds into the fight. The event marked Askren’s first professional career loss.
Askren then took on Demian Maia in October 2019. Maia outclassed his opponent for the majority of the fight and submitted him in the third round. After this fight, Askren announced his retirement from MMA.