Former UFC star Ben Askren continues to battle serious health complications, his family confirmed Thursday morning. In a statement to TMZ Sports, Askren’s loved ones made it clear that the 40-year-old athlete is “definitely still fighting” for his life while dispelling false rumors about his condition.
“He is alive and any rumor he has died is completely false,” the family stated firmly.
The health crisis began earlier this month when Amy Askren, Ben’s wife, revealed on June 7 that her husband had been hospitalized after developing “severe pneumonia.” At that time, she described his condition as critical, noting he was “unable to respond to anything at this time.” In subsequent updates on social media, Amy has consistently requested prayers for her husband’s recovery.
Confusion spread across social media Wednesday when UFC middleweight Caio Borralho mistakenly posted a message suggesting Askren had passed away. “R.I.P Ben Askren! Prayers for the family right now 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼,” Borralho wrote in a post that quickly accumulated over 57,500 views.
Daniel Cormier, Askren’s friend and podcast co-host on “Funky and the Champ,” quickly addressed the situation, providing an important update on Askren’s condition.
“I wanna report to you guys that he’s now back home. He’s with his family,” Cormier said in a video message to fans. However, Cormier later clarified on social media that Askren remains hospitalized in Wisconsin.
According to Cormier, Askren’s health troubles began after he attended a convention in Las Vegas, where he experienced complications from infections. “He had some infections. He had a really tough time when he went to that convention in Vegas. He was stuck there for a while,” Cormier explained.
Reports indicate that Askren developed pneumonia following a staph infection diagnosis, creating a serious medical situation that has rallied the MMA community around him.
Borralho later apologized for his error, writing: “I think I made a mistake 🙁 my bad. I did read a post of Mayce Barber with photos in black and white and I thought for a minute Ben was gone… I HOPE I’M WRONG!!! With that being said, still with prayers for him and his family.”
Askren, known for his exceptional wrestling background and unorthodox fighting style, retired from competitive MMA in 2019 following a loss to Demian Maia. His last professional competition came in April 2021 when he faced Jake Paul in a boxing match.
As the former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight titleholder continues his health battle, Cormier has encouraged fans to support the Askren family during this challenging time.
“It’s so sad, and I don’t know how at times in life things like this happen to someone that’s so good because Ben Askren’s a good guy,” Cormier said. “Pray for Amy, guys. Pray for the kids. Ben, we love you, buddy.”
