A close associate of Ben Askren has stepped forward to set the record straight about who actually provided financial support during the former UFC star’s medical crisis, while dispelling widespread rumors about other high-profile donations.
Pat Mineo, known in wrestling circles as “The Wrestling Room,” publicly praised Dana White’s contribution to Askren’s double lung transplant expenses following the UFC president’s confirmation at a recent press conference. During the UFC Nashville media event, White reluctantly acknowledged his personal involvement after being directly questioned by reporters.
“I usually don’t talk about that stuff, but yes, I did. I did,” White confirmed to the assembled media. The UFC CEO explained that the organization reached out to Askren’s family immediately upon learning of his situation. “We were, um, we reached out to his wife as soon as we heard, and told her if there’s anything you need and and yes, I did. I did.”
White emphasized his preference for keeping such charitable contributions private, explaining his general policy of discretion when it comes to personal assistance. “I just don’t like talking about that. It’s just that’s between us,” he said, indicating that he typically keeps such matters confidential between himself and the recipients.
Mineo’s social media posts highlighted the significance of White’s contribution, noting that the UFC president “played a large part in making it happen so fast” and that Dana and the UFC “stepped up BIG TIME” when contacted by Askren’s wife, Amy.
The revelation comes amid swirling rumors about various celebrities’ involvement in supporting Askren’s medical expenses. Anonymous online commenters had previously spread claims that Jake Paul donated $500,000 toward Askren’s transplant and recovery costs. However, Mineo directly challenged these assertions in his public statements.
Paul had indeed made public comments about his intention to provide support, stating after his win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., “Say a prayer for Ben Askren and for his family … Me and Logan, we’re going to be donating some money.” Despite these statements and subsequent promotional comments from his representatives, there has been no verification that such donations actually materialized.
While Paul’s initial comments generated considerable attention and praise, they appear to have been made when Askren was still preparing for surgery, rather than representing completed contributions.
Meanwhile, another controversy emerged involving the Tate brothers, who had publicly asked to be put in contact with Askren’s family through social media. Despite UFC analyst Chael Sonnen facilitating this connection, an individual identifying as FightOracle later accused the brothers of failing to provide meaningful assistance, calling their offer merely for show.
The 40-year-old former Olympian and Bellator welterweight champion has been dealing with serious health complications, including pneumonia that led to his double lung transplant. His insurance company’s refusal to cover the procedure prompted his family to seek crowdfunding assistance, with his wife Amy providing regular updates about his condition through social media.
Mineo’s posts emphasized that White’s assistance wasn’t something the UFC president wanted to discuss publicly, and that reporters had to “pry this out of him” rather than White boasting about his generosity.
The former UFC competitor, who retired following a submission loss to Demian Maia in October 2019, has received support from various members of the MMA community. Former rival Jorge Masvidal recently shared a heartfelt message, saying, “This goes out to the one and only Ben Askren. What’s up, my brothers? I know we were rivals in the ring. I just want to say, God bless you.”
Askren is now continuing his recovery after spending several weeks on a ventilator. While White’s confirmed assistance represents concrete support during a critical time, questions remain about other publicized offers of help that may not have translated into actual donations.
