Daniel Cormier clears up wild claims that MMA legend Ben Askren had DIED after a battle with pneumonia - as UFC great reveals what's really going on
UFC legend Daniel Cormier has cleared up claims that Ben Askren passed away following a battle with pneumonia.
The American mixed martial arts star was hospitalised last weekend, with reports claiming the 40-year-old was suffering with illness as a result of a staph infection.
The news led to an outpouring of support from the MMA community and on Saturday Askren's wife Amy posted on Facebook to clarify that her husband was unresponsive following a sudden bout of pneumonia.
Taking to the social media platform to confirm the news on Sunday, she 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'.
On Thursday morning, rumours began circulating social media claiming that Askren had passed away however Cormier, his podcast co-host, debunked those rumours.
Initially, on his YouTube channel, Cormier said: 'I want to report to you guys that he's now back home in Wisconsin.
'He's with his family, his beautiful wife Amy, and everybody is praying that Ben gets better and we can start moving forward with life, for Ben.'
Some fans misinterpreted that to suggest that Askren was on the mend at home, however, Cormier later tweeted: 'He's back in Wisconsin in a hospital. He isn't home. Please keep praying for Ben. I should have been more clear'.
Together, Askren and Cormier host the 'Funky and the Champ' podcast where they discuss everything going on in the MMA world.
On Saturday Askren's wife Amy posted on Facebook to clarify that her husband is unresponsive after being hospitalised following a sudden bout of pneumonia.
The MMA world came together and wished Askren well as he continued his health battle and now, days later, Amy has posted a fresh update.
Taking to Facebook, she wrote: 'Feeling so incredibly thankful for our friends and community. It's times like this that remind you how truly blessed you are.
'I feel God moving through the love and support we have received.
'I'm sorry if I haven't had the chance to respond to you, but know I've seen your messages, and each one has meant so much to me. Please keep praying for Ben.'
Known for his suffocating grappling skills, Askren made his MMA debut in 2009 after a decorated collegiate wrestling career that saw him become a two-time NCAA division 1 champion.
The 2008 Olympian would go on a decade-long undefeated streak inside the cage, winning world titles in Bellator and ONE and was widely regarded as one of the best fighters in the world outside the UFC.
Despite a fractious relationship with UFC president Dana White, Askren would go on to make his Octagon debut in 2019 after a trade deal involving former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson.
After defeating Robbie Lawler in his UFC debut, Askren would go on to suffer back-to-back losses against Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia before announcing his retirement from the sport.
Despite undergoing major hip surgery after hanging up his gloves, helater returned to competition, losing to Jake Paul via first-round TKO in April 2021.
Since then Askren has co-hosted the Funky and the Champ podcast alongside his Olympic team-mate Daniel Cormier.
Askren also recently signed with Real American Freestyle—an amateur wrestling promotion headed by WWE legend Hulk Hogan and former WCW executive Eric Bischoff.
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