
‘I'm praying for a miracle' – Ben Askren's wife reveals ex-UFC star might need lung transplant after battling pneumonia
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Wife Amy Askren hopes her husband won't need a transplant
Credit: Getty
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The 44-year-old was briefly 'unresponsive' in hospital
Credit: GETTY
His partner
She issued an update on his condition via Facebook after he was moved from a hospital in Vegas to Wisconsin.
Amy explained Ben's "critical" condition has seen so many ups and downs that doctors have begun the "evaluation process" for a lung transplant.
She praised the support he's had from the MMA world and beyond.
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READ MORE ON BEN ASKREN
Amy also said: "I'm still praying for a miracle with his current lungs.
"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.
She also asked fans of her partner - aka "Funky" - to join her in praying for him.
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Amy added: "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."
Ben Askren says Jake Paul is 'better than all of us anticipated'
And she urged everyone to appreciate their health - but also be prepared for anything that could happen.
Amy said: "Give your loved ones a hug today.
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"And make sure you're prepared [for] situations like this.
"Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this."
The ex-welterweight fighter was taken to hospital earlier this month after developing a lung problem and pneumonia following an infection.
He was briefly "unresponsive" and has since been on a ventilator as well as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, which is like an artificial lung.
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Askren's friend, former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier, has spoken emotionally about his podcast host.
He said: 'Pray for Amy, guys. Pray for the kids. Ben, we love you, buddy.
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Amy asked fans to join in prayers for her husband Ben
Credit: Getty
"We are constantly thinking about him every single day.
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'I cannot wait for the next 'Funky and the Champ' because we'll talk about that so much more.'
Last week Amy had to
She stressed to
Askren retired from MMA in 2019 after one win and two defeats.
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However, two years later he returned to ring action for a boxing match with YouTuber

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