‘I'm praying for a miracle' – Ben Askren's wife reveals ex-UFC star might need lung transplant after battling pneumonia
Ex-MMA ace remains in hospital on a ventilator as partner thanks fans for support
FIGHTING ON 'I'm praying for a miracle' – Ben Askren's wife reveals ex-UFC star might need lung transplant after battling pneumonia
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
BEN ASKREN'S wife is "praying for a miracle" as the former UFC star might need a lung transplant.
Askren is in hospital on a ventilator fighting pneumonia following a staph (bacterial) infection.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
3
Wife Amy Askren hopes her husband won't need a transplant
Credit: Getty
3
The 44-year-old was briefly 'unresponsive' in hospital
Credit: GETTY
His partner Amy said she "never could have expected" such an "awful situation" as her 40-year-old husband is "the healthiest guy I know".
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
3
Amy asked fans to join in prayers for her husband Ben
Credit: Getty
"We are constantly thinking about him every single day.
'I cannot wait for the next 'Funky and the Champ' because we'll talk about that so much more.'
Last week Amy had to shut down unwelcome false rumours on social media that her husband had died
She stressed to TMZ he was "definitely still fighting".
Askren retired from MMA in 2019 after one win and two defeats.
However, two years later he returned to ring action for a boxing match with YouTuber Jake Paul which he lost on a first-round KO.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
I lost 8st on fat jabs but felt severely hungover & was constantly on the loo – but I'm happier than ever being skinny
A MOTHER has revealed that she lost over eight stone whilst using Mounjaro, but has been accused of 'cheating' her weight loss. Not only this, but Kelsey, the mum from Glasgow, has constantly found herself on the loo and has been battling with feeling severely hungover, despite not having a drop of alcohol. 4 A mother has opened up on her Mounjaro weight loss and her battle with diarrhoea and exhaustion Credit: 4 Kelsey also clapped back at those who accuse her of "cheating" her weight loss Credit: 4 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty The content creator, who has lost 8 stone 13lbs since August 2024, got candid on the unfortunate fat jab side effects, but despite this, claimed that she is 'happier than ever' being slim. Posting on social media, alongside a picture of Kelsey shortly after giving birth to her baby, she confirmed that as a result of taking Mounjaro, which is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs, she has been accused of 'cheating' her weight loss. But just seconds later, the brunette beauty showed off her newly slimmed down frame as she wore a cropped co-ord, held up a drink and beamed: 'I'll forever cheers to 'cheating'.' Eager to clap back at those who hail Mounjaro 'the easy way out', Kelsey explained: 'You don't know the years I spent trapped in a cycle of diets that didn't work. 'You don't know the pain of battling a body that felt like it was working against me because of PCOS.' Not only this, but Kelsey also claimed that prior to using Mounjaro, she was exhausted and faced 'quiet moments' where she 'nearly gave up.' She then claimed that she is 'not 'stealing' from anyone', and instead, is 'reclaiming' her health and 'showing up' for herself in a way she never thought she could. Now, Kelsey claimed that her 'mum tum' is 'barely noticeable'. Not only this, but she stressed that Mounjaro 'changed' her life and now she feels 'happier than ever.' Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams claimed that Mounjaro, which could soon be rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity'. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' I have been up since 5:30am feeling sick, really, really sick - back and forward to the toilet Kelsey In another clip, Kelsey got candid on her side effects after increasing her Mounjaro dose to 12.5mg. The mother explained that she had initially been 'so lucky' when it came to experiencing Mounjaro side effects, but after starting on the 12.5mg dose, things all changed. She admitted: 'Oh my goodness, I feel severely hungover, I feel like I've got the worst hangover. 'I feel so, so tired. I have been up since 5:30am feeling sick, really, really sick - back and forward to the toilet.' Kelsey explained that not only has she been dealing with diarrhoea and stomach cramps, but she also claimed that her body, particularly her feet, are 'so swollen.' Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. According to WebMD, swelling in the feet, ankles or legs can happen when using Mounjaro, especially if you are dehydrated, which can happen if you aren't drinking enough water or are dealing with diarrhoea. The pros also acknowledged that diarrhoea, as well as stomach pain, are just two of the 'most common side effects of Mounjaro'. Social media users react The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @kelseymounjaroandme, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 175,600 views. Despite her side effects, social media users were stunned by Kelsey's incredible weight loss and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this. One person said: 'Oh my you look incredible!!' What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. Another added: 'Wow!! Incredible transformation.' Meanwhile, a third commented: 'You're stunning!' Fatal consequences In addition to diarrhoea and stomach cramps, those debating whether to begin using Mounjaro should know that the jabs can have fatal consequences. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and are administered every seven days. 4 They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). The drugs can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, we are seeing more and more people buying them through online pharmacies, without sufficient checks. Not only this, but figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that fat jabs had been linked to 82 deaths across the UK. Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill." Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Major new shake-up to Scots primary school curriculum after long-fought campaign
Bosses at St Andrew's First Aid have campaigned for years. LIFESAVING LESSONS Major new shake-up to Scots primary school curriculum after long-fought campaign Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KIDS across Scotland will get a new lease of life - as teachers can finally teach them vital medical skills. Bosses at St Andrew's First Aid have campaigned for years to bring courses to the classroom - as youngsters are sponges for learning critical care steps. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth MSP has championed the move. Credit: Alamy 2 Kids can help save lives in the future. Credit: St Andrews first aid Now the charity - the only of its kind in the country - has officially launched the Scottish Primary School First Aid Programme. This means teachers can access free and easy online plans to give students lifesaving lessons. Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Ms Jenny Gilruth, said: 'Learning and teaching in school is about equipping young people with knowledge, understanding and skills to prepare them for life beyond school. 'No-one expects to have to deal with a medical emergency, but first aid skills can be crucial in supporting the response to one. 'This initiative from St Andrew's First Aid will help equip primary pupils with potentially lifesaving skills, benefitting them and our wider society.' The journey towards the programme began in 2018 when the charity highlighted that Scotland-wide research showed children as young as five were able to play a role in helping to save a life using first aid. This led to the idea to create a dedicated training resource for teachers, which would empower them to deliver vital first aid education to pupils from P1 through to P7. It was piloted in partnership with Stirling Council in 2021 to identify any barriers to the scheme proving successful. Since then, St Andrew's First Aid has trained 56 teachers from 31 of the 40 primary schools in the local authority. Jim Dorman, director of operations and community engagement at St Andrew's First Aid said: 'The launch of this initiative is the culmination of many years of research, engagement and hard work – and we are thrilled to be in a position to finally make our ambition, a reality. Children First Aid: Choking 'There is considerable amounts of evidence, including our own, which demonstrates that young children can play an active and valuable role in helping to save a life. 'This project is about giving teachers the confidence and resources to introduce first aid into their classrooms, helping to ensure children across Scotland gain the knowledge and skills they need to act in an emergency.' The charity is urging teachers to find out more about the programme and to register to receive access to its online learning platform and comprehensive suite of digital teaching resources via its website. Teacher training days will also be made available to support staff with continuing professional development opportunities, helping them to feel confident in the delivery of the programme. Sessions are designed to be delivered in short 20 to 40 minute, age-appropriate lessons, either flexibly over seven years or as one full four-hour course. Upon completion of the Scottish Primary School First Aid Programme, schools will be able to apply for certificates for every pupil who has completed the course to recognise their achievement. The charity is also set to launch SAFE: St Andrew's Framework for Education ahead of the new academic session in August 2025. The framework will reward schools for the teaching of first aid and for establishing a wider caring community through four banded levels, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The skills are especially valuable - as it's believed lives are being lost due to a lack of first aid knowledge. Last month the charity revealed seven per cent of Scottish adults found themselves in situations where they could have stepped in to provide first aid but chose not to. Its analysis suggested that those who opt not to step in to help could equate to 224 lives potentially being lost. The hope is that the sooner people learn about first aid, the more confident in their skills they will be as they get older. Dorman added: 'The success of the Stirling pilot has shown us just how much of a difference this programme can make — and we're excited to now be offering this opportunity to schools nationwide." There are seven core topics in the programme, with each designed to focus on a specific area of first aid. Session one for P1 students onwards is about calling for help and teaches how to spot real emergencies, choose the right service and give the right information. The next stage for P2 and above teaches how to stay safe, check a casualty, and assist emergency services. From P3, kids learn what's inside a First Aid Kit and how to perform both primary and secondary surveys. While P4 students and older have access to lessons on wounds and bleeding, burns, breathing conditions and CPR and defibrillation. To download the teaching materials and to understand how the lessons work, go to
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
‘I'm praying for a miracle' – Ben Askren's wife reveals ex-UFC star might need lung transplant after battling pneumonia
Ex-MMA ace remains in hospital on a ventilator as partner thanks fans for support FIGHTING ON 'I'm praying for a miracle' – Ben Askren's wife reveals ex-UFC star might need lung transplant after battling pneumonia Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BEN ASKREN'S wife is "praying for a miracle" as the former UFC star might need a lung transplant. Askren is in hospital on a ventilator fighting pneumonia following a staph (bacterial) infection. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Wife Amy Askren hopes her husband won't need a transplant Credit: Getty 3 The 44-year-old was briefly 'unresponsive' in hospital Credit: GETTY His partner Amy said she "never could have expected" such an "awful situation" as her 40-year-old husband is "the healthiest guy I know". 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. 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. 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. "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. 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. 3 Amy asked fans to join in prayers for her husband Ben Credit: Getty "We are constantly thinking about him every single day. 'I cannot wait for the next 'Funky and the Champ' because we'll talk about that so much more.' Last week Amy had to shut down unwelcome false rumours on social media that her husband had died She stressed to TMZ he was "definitely still fighting". Askren retired from MMA in 2019 after one win and two defeats. However, two years later he returned to ring action for a boxing match with YouTuber Jake Paul which he lost on a first-round KO.
