There is now a clear path forward for UFC star Ben Askren.
Earlier this month, the former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder was in critical condition after suffering a severe staph infection and pneumonia. Askren was recently hospitalized in Wisconsin for treatment.
Although he can now open his eyes and respond, Ben Askren urgently needs a lung transplant to save his life. He has been receiving prayers and support from the MMA and wrestling communities.
Askren, 40, is a husband and father of three. His wife, Amy, has been sharing updates on his condition.
Ben Askren Placed on Lung Transplant Waiting List
On Tuesday, Amy Askren provided a hopeful update regarding the retired UFC fighter.
“As of late last night, Ben is officially on the transplant list,” Amy Askren announced via Facebook.
“Please pray that he gains strength and remains stable without complications while waiting, and that a suitable donor match is found for him and the transplant proceeds smoothly. Please also keep the potential donor and their family in your thoughts and prayers.”
“This will be a significant adjustment for Ben, but our family is immensely grateful that his other organs are functioning well and that there is a viable path to recovery. While he is becoming more aware, he is currently unable to use his phone or respond to messages. We hope he will be able to do so in the coming week or two.”
“We also hope he will soon be able to speak while using a tracheostomy tube.”
Amy Askren shared another encouraging moment:
“Yesterday, he was mouthing something for a while, and we finally realized he was asking for coffee! (He can`t have any yet, haha). It was such a relief to see him request something so ordinary.”
“I am incredibly thankful that his mind is sharp, and I eagerly await his return. We are also deeply appreciative of the incredible community supporting us – from close friends and acquaintances from decades past, to complete strangers who have shared their own experiences or offered prayers. Thank you all.”
Ben Askren`s Undefeated Decade in MMA
From his professional debut in 2009 until his UFC debut against Robbie Lawler in 2019, Askren remained undefeated.
Indeed, `Funky` rarely lost a single round before experiencing back-to-back defeats against Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia in 2019.
Askren claimed world championships in both Bellator MMA and ONE Championship, securing victories over notable fighters such as Douglas Lima, Shinya Aoki, Andrey Koreshkov, and Lyman Good.
Askren retired from mixed martial arts after suffering his first career submission defeat to Maia in October 2019. The accomplished wrestler later returned to combat sports for a boxing match against Jake Paul in 2021, where he was TKO`d by the influencer-turned-boxer in the first round.
Gareth Pendleton