Ben Askren, the former UFC welterweight and celebrated wrestling star, is currently hospitalized in critical condition with severe pneumonia and a severe staph infection, according to multiple reports and statements from his family and the MMA community. The 40-year-old athlete’s sudden health crisis has sent shockwaves through the wrestling and mixed martial arts worlds, prompting an outpouring of support and prayers from fans, fellow fighters, and sports figures alike.
Askren’s wife, Amy Askren, shared the heartbreaking news on social media on Saturday, June 7, 2025, revealing that her husband developed severe pneumonia very suddenly and is currently unable to respond to anything while hospitalized. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Amy 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.” She also requested privacy for their family and asked supporters to refrain from discussing the situation with their children to help maintain a sense of normalcy for them.
Wrestling insider Pat Mineo of The Wrestling Room was among the first to report on Askren’s dire condition, noting on social media that the former athlete is battling not only severe pneumonia but also a severe staph infection. “Wrestling community, we need to pray for and rally around @BenAskren who is in critical condition and battling a severe staph infection,” Mineo tweeted. UFC veteran Chael Sonnen also addressed the situation on X (formerly Twitter), reassuring fans that “Ben is alive and prayers are wanted. Family choosing privacy at this time.”
Ben Askren’s legacy in combat sports is significant and multifaceted. Before rising to prominence in MMA, Askren was a dominant force in collegiate wrestling. He won two NCAA Division I championships and was a three-time Big 12 champion at the University of Missouri. His collegiate accolades also include winning the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy twice, awarded to the nation’s best college wrestler. In 2024, he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, where he was hailed as “the winningest and most decorated wrestler in Mizzou history.”
Askren represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, showcasing his elite wrestling skills on the world stage. After the Olympics, he transitioned to professional mixed martial arts, debuting in 2009. Over the next decade, he built an impressive MMA career, securing welterweight titles in both Bellator MMA and ONE Championship. His tenure in Bellator was especially notable, where he remained undefeated and successfully defended his title four times.
In a rare and historic move, Askren was traded to the UFC in 2018 in exchange for flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, marking one of the few major trades between MMA organizations. Entering the UFC with an 18-0 undefeated record, Askren quickly made an impact with a controversial submission victory over former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler. However, his UFC run was mixed, as he later suffered knockout defeats to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia. Shortly after his loss to Maia, Askren announced his retirement from mixed martial arts in 2019, citing hip issues.
Despite retiring from MMA, Askren remained involved in combat sports. In 2021, he ventured into professional boxing, facing YouTube sensation Jake Paul. The bout ended in a first-round knockout loss for Askren, marking his lone boxing appearance. Since then, he has focused more on coaching wrestling in his home state of Wisconsin and has been involved in MMA media, including co-hosting a podcast with UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier.
Recently, Askren signed with Real American Freestyle, a new wrestling promotion founded by WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan and former WWE and WCW executive Eric Bischoff, signaling his continued passion for wrestling even after his fighting career.
Throughout his career, Askren earned a reputation as one of the sport’s most skilled and technical fighters, blending his wrestling prowess with evolving MMA techniques. His impact on the sport extends beyond his fights, as he remains a beloved figure in the wrestling community and among MMA fans.
The sudden onset of severe pneumonia and staph infection has left the Askren family and fans deeply concerned. Pneumonia, especially when combined with a staph infection, can be life-threatening, requiring urgent medical intervention. While details about Askren’s current treatment and prognosis have not been disclosed, the support from the combat sports community has been overwhelming.
Ben Askren and his wife Amy have three children, and Amy has emphasized the importance of privacy and sensitivity during this difficult time. She has asked the public and media to respect their family’s wishes and to avoid discussing the situation with their children to protect their well-being.
The wrestling and MMA communities have rallied around Askren, sending messages of hope and solidarity. Fighters, coaches, and fans alike have taken to social media to express their prayers and support for the former champion.
As Ben Askren battles this severe health crisis, the sports world watches closely, hopeful for his recovery and return to health. His journey from decorated wrestler to MMA champion and beyond has inspired many, and now, that same spirit of resilience is needed more than ever.
