Ben Askren, the man known for his unconventional style in the cage and his unfiltered personality outside of it, has recently faced a challenge far greater than any opponent: a serious health battle culminating in a double lung transplant. As the mixed martial arts community rallied around the former champion, one fighter’s tribute stood out, revealing a depth of influence that went well beyond shared training sessions or competition.
Askren, affectionately dubbed `Funky` for his unique wrestling prowess, underwent the critical surgery after battling complications from pneumonia. The news sent ripples through the sport, prompting messages of support from rivals, colleagues, and fans alike. Updates from his wife, Amy Askren, have painted a picture of cautious recovery, a slow climb back to health after a procedure that, in a twist of modern bureaucratic irony, initially wasn`t fully covered by their insurance, requiring community support.
More Than Just a Coach: A Catalyst for Life
While many have credited Askren with helping them refine their wrestling game or navigate the complexities of the fight world, Bellator champion Corey Anderson shared a perspective that elevates Askren`s impact to an entirely different plane. In a candid interview, Anderson explained that his current life – not just his career – is inextricably linked to Askren`s influence.
“Not just my career but my life,” Anderson stated, laying bare the profound debt he feels. “My life wouldn’t be what it was if it wasn’t for Ben.”
This isn`t merely gratitude for career advice or a training partner. Anderson`s story illustrates how a chance invitation from Askren became a pivotal moment, a hinge point upon which his entire adult life turned. Their connection originated through wrestling, Askren’s foundational discipline. It was Askren who extended the invitation for Anderson to visit an MMA gym – a seemingly simple gesture with unforeseen consequences.
Upon walking into that specific gym for the very first time, Anderson encountered the woman who would later become his wife, working behind the front desk. The meeting, facilitated purely by Askren`s initial call to action, set in motion a chain of events leading to marriage, family, and the life Anderson lives today.
“It’s kind of like everything I have in an adult life, it came because of Ben Askren,” Anderson elaborated. “Because this guy invited me to an MMA gym and the day I walked into an MMA gym, my wife was working behind the desk that day. That’s when I first met her.”
Years passed, a relationship blossomed, and eventually, she moved to be with him. This deeply personal connection highlights the often unseen threads that connect individuals, demonstrating how professional relationships, particularly in close-knit, demanding fields like combat sports, can spill over and fundamentally alter personal trajectories.
A Glimmer of Hope After the Storm
As Ben Askren navigates the challenging road of recovery from his double lung transplant, receiving new lungs as a precious gift, his story serves as a stark reminder of life`s fragility and the speed with which circumstances can change. His wife`s updates express immense gratitude for the donor and their family, acknowledging that each new day is a gift.
For Corey Anderson and likely many others influenced by Askren`s unique brand of mentorship and friendship, the hope is for his full recovery. While Askren`s career highlights are etched in the sport`s history books – his undefeated run, his championship reigns – Anderson`s tribute reveals a quieter, perhaps even more significant legacy: the tangible, life-altering impact one person can have on another, sometimes through nothing more than an unexpected invitation to a gym.
In a sport often characterized by individual rivalry, the bond between Askren and Anderson underscores the profound human connections that form behind the scenes, proving that sometimes, the most impactful `takedown` isn`t in a wrestling match, but a moment that changes the course of a friend`s entire life.
Gareth Pendleton