Ben Askren health update: Wife Amy provides latest on former MMA star, Missouri wrestling legend

Ben Askren has been able to open up his eyes and squeeze hands, according to his wife Amy. However, Askren isn’t out of the woods yet regarding pneumonia which is affecting his lungs.

The former MMA star and Missouri wrestling legend still might need a transplant when it’s all said and done. But Askren’s wife Amy shared some positive news that he’s improving.

“I haven’t shared an update because ben has been in limbo for a while and I was hoping to have him wake up and be the one to decide what to share,” Amy Askren wrote. “I’ve had some media people contact me that they are going to share an update and I would rather it come from me. Ben is still on a ventilator and (an) ecmo (machine) to support him while he heals.

“There are good days and bad, but on the good, they have been able to ween his sedation enough for him to open his eyes and squeeze hands. His body can’t handle coming off sedation too much yet. I’m still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for lung transplant.”

Amy Askren followed up, thanking for the positive support. Ben Askren might need a lung transplant, something he’d be extremely thankful for in the end.

“Please pray for his continued healing, and if transplant is the solution, that he can get on the list quickly and easily,” she wrote. “I know transplants are such a blessing and I’m overwhelmed at the thought of him receiving a gift like that. No one would take better care of that gift than Ben. Thank you for every message and all of the support. Despite this awful situation, I’m feeling so blessed by the community we’re surrounded by. Give your loved ones a hug today and make sure you’re prepared (for) situations like this. Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this.”

A pioneer of the sport of wrestling due to his style, Askren was nicknamed “Funky.” He brought his wrestling style to the modern age, where he would put himself in unorthodox positions to win scrambles in order to secure takedowns and pins.

At the senior level, Askren won the 2008 Olympic Trials at 74 KG and represented Team USA at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. He went 1-1 at the tournament and did not medal.

After not placing at the 2010 World Team Trials, Askren fully transitioned into MMA. Following three fights on the regional scene, Askren was signed by Bellator and proceeded to win the welterweight belt and remained undefeated in his time with the promotion. He then signed with ONE FC, going 6-0 with one no-contest and was the welterweight champion.

Although past his prime and initially retired, Askren returned to mixed martial arts in March of 2019 with the UFC and defeated former champion Robbie Lawler by submission in his debut, getting to 19-0 in his career. However, he would lose to Jorge Masvidal in a would-be title eliminator to challenge Kamaru Usman for the belt. Masvidal knocked out Askren in five seconds with a flying knee. He ended his career with a loss to fellow grappler and long-time fighter Demian Maia.

Since his retirement, Askren had surgery on his hip and hadn’t felt that good in a long time. He’s been coaching at his Askren Wrestling Academy in Wisconsin, where he’s coached up national champions such as Keegan O’Toole (Missouri) and Mitchell Mesenbrink (Penn State). Recently, Askren signed with Real American Freestyle, a new pro league founded by Hulk Hogan. You can find more information on the league HERE.