UFC fighter Ben Askren is bravely battling a severe case of pneumonia that led to his hospitalization over the past weekend. His wife, Amy Askren, has been openly communicating about his condition, offering reassurances that her husband is “definitely still fighting” for his life. She has firmly refuted circulating rumors of his passing, stating, “He is alive and any rumor he has died is completely false.” This heartfelt message came as a relief to many, as concerns for Ben’s health have been prevalent in recent days.
On June 7, Amy first shared the distressing news through a heartfelt Facebook post, describing how Ben had developed severe pneumonia quite suddenly. She explained that he was currently in a hospital and unable to respond. The couple, who have three children together—daughters Alex, 12, and Andi, 9, and son Ozi, 7—are trying their best to maintain a sense of normalcy for their kids amid this challenging time. Amy kindly requested that friends and family refrain from discussing Ben’s health with the children for now, emphasizing the importance of their emotional well-being during this tumultuous time.
By June 9, Amy provided an update, urging everyone to continue their prayers for Ben. She expressed immense gratitude for the support she and her family have received, stating, “It’s times like this that remind you how truly blessed you are.” Her words reflect the profound impact of community support, especially during health crises. Each supportive message, she noted, had meant a great deal to her.
Ben Askren is not just a name in the MMA community; he has an illustrious background in wrestling. He was a celebrated athlete at the University of Missouri, winning two NCAA Division 1 national championships. His dedication to the sport led him to represent Team USA at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where he reached the quarterfinals. Following his impressive collegiate career, Ben transitioned to mixed martial arts, initially finding success in promotions like Bellator and ONE Championship before joining the UFC in November 2018.
Sadly, Ben’s UFC career would be short-lived, as he compiled a 1-2 record before announcing his retirement from MMA in November 2019. His last notable fight was against social media sensation Jake Paul in April 2021, which ended in a first-round TKO loss.
Since the news of Ben’s hospitalization, many in the MMA and wrestling communities have expressed their support. Prominent figures, including UFC fighter Maycee Barber and MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, have shared messages of encouragement. Maycee took to Instagram, articulating her hope for Ben’s recovery, stating, “God is so good and I know that he has his arms wrapped around you and the family right now.” Similarly, Ariel voiced his “positive thoughts,” urging Ben to hang in there.
Former Team USA gymnast Dominique Moceanu also reached out with a comment of support, calling for prayers for Ben, his family, and the dedicated medical team overseeing his care. The outpouring of love and encouragement paints a vivid picture of how Ben is remembered not just as a fighter but as a beloved figure in a larger community of athletes and fans.
In times like these, it’s essential to rally around those we care about, and the love expressed towards Ben Askren is a testament to the connections forged in sports. As his family continues to navigate this difficult health challenge, their story serves as a reminder of the power of community and the strength derived from solidarity.
Ben’s journey has touched many. As he confronts this health challenge, the collective support of his friends, family, and fans highlights the importance of standing together during trying times. His career and contributions to both wrestling and mixed martial arts have left a lasting impression, and many are eager to see him recover and return to his family soon.
With each update from Amy, the hope for Ben’s full recovery resonates among fans and fellow athletes alike, uniting them in their thoughts and prayers. As he fights through this difficult chapter, the combined strength of his loved ones and supporters will undoubtedly play a crucial role in his journey towards recovery.
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