Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier has confirmed that Ben Askren is safely at home with his family in Wisconsin, dispelling unfounded rumors about the former UFC stars wellbeing.
Confusion spread across social media platforms earlier today when UFC middleweight Caio Borralho posted a premature message of condolence regarding Askren, writing “R.I.P Ben Askren! Prayers for the family right now 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼” on his social media account.
The post quickly gained traction with over 57,500 views, causing concern among fans and colleagues alike. However, Cormier was quick to set the record straight.
“I wanna report to you guys that he’s now back home. He’s with his family,” Cormier clarified in a video message to fans. “I cannot wait for the next ‘Funky and the Champ’ because we’ll talk about that so much more.”
Askren, who co-hosts the “Funky and the Champ” podcast with Cormier, has been dealing with health challenges recently. According to Cormier, Askren experienced complications from infections following a convention in Las Vegas, where he was temporarily stranded due to his condition.
“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.
The former UFC champion expressed his concern for his friend and podcast co-host, noting that Askren is now recuperating at home with his wife Amy and their children.
“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.
Cormier encouraged fans to show support for the Askren family during this challenging time. “Pray for Amy, guys. Pray for the kids. Ben, we love you, buddy,” he added, suggesting that fans send messages of encouragement to Amy Askren on social media.
The MMA community has since rallied around Askren, with numerous fighters and fans sending well wishes to the former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight titleholder.
Askren, known for his exceptional wrestling background and unorthodox fighting style, retired from competitive MMA in 2019 but has remained a popular figure in the sport through his podcast appearances and commentary.
Borralho addressed the mistake online writing:
“Guyssss, 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 IM WRONG!!! With that being said, still with prayers for him and his family”
“With that being said…I want to apologize with his family and himself. I’m glad it was all a misunderstanding situation where I saw some pictures of him in black and white and a text saying “god has his arms on him now” from Mayce, who is close to him. Sorry for Mayce too…it was never my intention to bring this up! Glad that he is at home and recovering as DC said.”
“Guys I didn’t announce anything. I didn’t said: Ben askren is dead. I just said rip cause that’s what I would wish for anyone of the community if this happens. It was just a sincere feeling. Thanks God I was wrong and now I wish a speedy recovery for him and still praying for him and the family! F**k u all who is with bad intentions”
