Former MMA fighter and wrestling legend Ben Askren has shown small but significant signs of improvement as he continues to battle serious health complications. According to wife Amy, Ben has been able to open his eyes and squeeze hands, though he remains on a ventilator and ECMO machine for respiratory support.
“I haven’t shared an update because Ben has been in limbo for a while and I was hoping to have him wake up and be the one to decide what to share,” Amy Askren wrote in her statement. “Ben is still on a ventilator and (an) ecmo (machine) to support him while he heals.”
The former Bellator and ONE FC welterweight champion is facing complications from pneumonia affecting his lungs, and medical professionals are evaluating him for a possible lung transplant. Despite some improvements, his condition remains serious.
“There are good days and bad, but on the good, they have been able to ween his sedation enough for him to open his eyes and squeeze hands. His body can’t handle coming off sedation too much yet,” Amy explained. “I’m still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for lung transplant.”
Amy expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and the wrestling community while asking for continued prayers.
“Please pray for his continued healing, and if transplant is the solution, that he can get on the list quickly and easily,” she wrote. “I know transplants are such a blessing and I’m overwhelmed at the thought of him receiving a gift like that. No one would take better care of that gift than Ben.”
The health crisis comes as a surprise to many who know Askren as an elite athlete. Amy noted, “Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this.”
Known by his nickname “Funky,” Askren revolutionized wrestling with his unorthodox style and impressive career. He represented Team USA at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and later transitioned to MMA, where he built an impressive 19-0 record before joining the UFC in 2019.
Since retiring from competition, Askren has focused on coaching at his Askren Wrestling Academy in Wisconsin, where he’s helped develop collegiate national champions. Recently, he had signed with Real American Freestyle, a new professional wrestling league founded by Hulk Hogan.
