Former MMA star Ben Askren battles severe pneumonia in a Wisconsin hospital, sparking global support.

MILWAUKEE – Former MMA champion and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren, known as “Funky” in the combat sports world, is currently in critical condition in a Wisconsin hospital, battling a sudden and severe case of pneumonia, his wife Amy Askren confirmed via social media on June 7, 2025. The news has sent shockwaves through the European and global MMA communities, igniting an outpouring of support on platforms like X, where hashtags such as #BenAskren, #PrayForBen, and #MMACommunity are trending. This health scare, compounded by unconfirmed reports of a staph infection, has raised concerns about the health and safety of retired athletes, resonating deeply in Europe, where Askren’s wrestling and MMA legacy continues to inspire fans and fighters alike.

Ben Askren’s Sudden Health Crisis

On June 7, 2025, Amy Askren shared a heartfelt statement on Facebook, revealing that her husband, Ben, 40, was hospitalized with severe pneumonia that “came on very suddenly.” She wrote, “You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something. He developed severe pneumonia, which came on very suddenly. He’s currently in the hospital and unable to respond to anything at this time. We welcome all prayers for healing and for peace.” Amy emphasized the family’s desire to maintain privacy, particularly for their three children—daughters Alex and Andy, and son Ozi—asking the public to refrain from discussing the situation with them.

Initial speculation about Askren’s condition included rumors of a car accident or a severe staph infection, the latter fueled by posts from wrestling coach Pat Mineo and others on X. Mineo wrote, “Wrestling community, we need to pray for and rally around @BenAskren who is in critical condition and battling a severe staph infection.” However, Amy’s statement clarified pneumonia as the primary issue, with no official confirmation of a staph infection. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani noted on X that Askren is grappling with “pneumonia in addition to other serious illnesses,” though specifics remain undisclosed.

A Storied Career Cut Short by Health Challenges

Ben Askren’s journey from collegiate wrestling to MMA stardom is legendary. A two-time NCAA Division I national champion at the University of Missouri and a 2008 U.S. Olympian in freestyle wrestling, Askren transitioned to MMA in 2009, amassing an undefeated 19-0 record over a decade. He captured welterweight titles in Bellator MMA and ONE Championship before joining the UFC in 2018 via a historic trade for Demetrious Johnson. His UFC tenure included a controversial submission win over Robbie Lawler, followed by losses to Jorge Masvidal (a five-second knockout, the fastest in UFC history) and Demian Maia, leading to his retirement in 2019 due to chronic hip issues requiring surgery.

Post-retirement, Askren ventured into boxing, facing YouTube star Jake Paul in April 2021, where he suffered a first-round TKO loss. More recently, he signed with Real American Freestyle Wrestling, a new promotion led by Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, expressing enthusiasm for returning to competitive wrestling. “I’ve missed competition,” he posted on X in May 2025. “I’m going to whoop some of these young whipper-snappers!” Tragically, this health crisis has halted those plans, leaving fans across Europe and beyond anxiously awaiting updates.

European Connection and MMA Community Response

Askren’s influence extends to Europe, where his technical wrestling style and outspoken personality have earned him a dedicated following, particularly in countries like the UK and Ireland with growing MMA scenes. European fans on X have expressed solidarity, with posts like, “Ben Askren brought wrestling to MMA like no one else. Praying for you, Funky!” The European MMA community, already attuned to issues of athlete health post-retirement, sees Askren’s situation as a stark reminder of the physical toll of combat sports.

The global MMA community has rallied around Askren, with prominent figures offering support. UFC legend Chael Sonnen posted, “Ben is alive and prayers are wanted. Family choosing privacy at this time.” Former dual-weight champion Henry Cejudo wrote, “Pray for Ben Askren ,” while journalist Ariel Helwani urged, “Hang in there,

@Benaskren. You got this.” Other voices, including Terrance McKinney and wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, echoed calls for prayers, highlighting Askren’s impact as a coach, podcaster, and mentor in Wisconsin’s wrestling community.

Health Concerns and Broader Implications

The sudden onset of Askren’s pneumonia, potentially exacerbated by a staph infection, has sparked discussions in Europe about the health risks faced by retired athletes. Staphylococcal pneumonia, a rare but serious complication, can stem from staph infections common in contact sports like wrestling and MMA due to skin-to-skin contact. European health experts, commenting on platforms like X, have noted that such infections can rapidly escalate if untreated, particularly in individuals with prior physical strain, such as Askren’s hip surgery recovery. While no medical details beyond Amy’s statement have been confirmed, the speculation underscores the need for better post-career health monitoring for athletes.

In the EU, where public health systems emphasize preventive care, Askren’s case has prompted calls for enhanced support for retired athletes, especially those transitioning from high-risk sports. The European Parliament’s recent push for mental and physical health initiatives for sports professionals, discussed in Brussels in early 2025, gains relevance in light of such incidents. Fans on X have also drawn parallels to other athletes facing post-career health challenges, amplifying the conversation about long-term care.

The Role of Social Media and Privacy

The rapid spread of rumors about Askren’s condition—ranging from car accidents to unverified staph infection claims—highlights the double-edged sword of social media. In Europe, where GDPR regulations prioritize data privacy, Amy’s request for discretion resonates deeply. Her plea to shield their children from speculation reflects a broader European concern about the impact of digital media on personal lives, particularly for public figures. The EU’s ongoing debates about regulating social media platforms like X, especially regarding misinformation, find a real-world example in this case.

What’s Next for Ben Askren?

As Ben Askren fights what MMA journalist Ariel Helwani called “the ultimate opponent—sickness,” the European and global combat sports communities remain united in hope for his recovery. No further medical updates have been released, and the Askren family’s call for privacy underscores the gravity of the situation. Europeans24 Media Ltd. will continue to monitor developments, providing updates as they emerge. For now, the focus remains on supporting Askren, a fighter whose resilience in the cage inspires hope for his battle in the hospital.

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