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Ben Askren was recently hospitalized after experiencing serious health issues. The retired UFC veteran was unable to respond to anything after suffering from sudden and severe pneumonia. According to a report, he was in a serious condition after a severe staph infection.
Askren was one of the top American welterweight mixed martial artists. Before joining the UFC, he won both the Bellator and ONE Championship. He is a two-time Division I National Champion and represented the USA at the 2008 Beijing Games. Following his retirement in 2019, Askren is fulfilling his role as a coach, husband, and father to three kids.
His wife Amy shared an update about Askren's sudden health scare and sought prayers for the former MMA and wrestling star.
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"You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something," Amy Askren wrote on her Facebook page. "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. We are trying to keep life as normal as possible for our children currently and doing our best to support them thoughtfully, so please refrain from discussing it with them for now."
Ben Askren opens up about participating in Hulk Hogan’s Real American Freestyle
Ben Askren had recently joined Hulk Hogan’s Real American Freestyle after having retired from MMA in 2019, citing a reoccurrence of hip issues. A few days back, he opened up about participating in the RAF event, while highlighting the event's impact on the sport.
"Just finished signing my RAF, Real American Freestyle wrestling contract," Ben Askren said. "I kind of miss competition. I love fighting but I don't know if I have that anymore. I definitely not doing jujutsu. I'm gonna wrestle someone."
"In addition to that if you guys have been listening to me you know one of my life's missions is to help a fresher wrestling league succeed in America. I have heard three or four or five pitches that l was like.... I don't think you guys know what you guys are doing guys get done. When I heard this guy's speech I thought 'Wow, this guy has got great ideas, he has got some great resources, some great people behind it.' I think you guys can make this happen. So guys Real America Freestyle Kicks off this fall. I'm gonna come," he added.
The debut edition of RAF will kick off on August 30, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
