Major update reveals Ben Askren's condition in hospital after ex-UFC star was unresponsive and fighting for his life amid false claims he was dead
Ben Askren is now showing signs of responsiveness in hospital but is still in a serious condition and fighting for his life in hospital.
The ex-MMA star, 40, was hospitalised after contracting pneumonia as a result of a staph infection and unresponsive last week - though alive - despite claims circulating online that he had died.
According to wrestling journalist Pat Mineo on Monday evening, Askren is making progress, but still is likely to need a lung transplant.
He said: 'All the prayers and medical support Ben Askren has been receiving is working!
'He was able to open his eyes and squeeze hands, showing some responsiveness.
'He is still expected to need a lung transplant, but some of his levels are improving and he is fighting like a Champ! Keep praying for Ben Askren.'
The former MMA fighter Ben Askren was hospitalised following a sudden bout of pneumonia
Askren shares three children with wife Amy, has two daughters, Alex and Andy, and a son called Ozzi.
Chael Sonnen had previously shed light on the specifics of Askren's lung issue, saying: 'One of the things the family really wanted to do was to get Ben, like this was priority number one, they wanted to get Ben from Nevada where he was to Wisconsin. Just geographically speaking, if this is to be the end, they wanted it in Wisconsin.
'So, at this point in the story, we all find out that Ben needs a lung transplant. There was a hole in his lung. For the information that I've been given, he don't have an answer as to how or I guess as to even why there was a hole in his lung.
'But while the family is working on that, they were able to get Ben from Nevada to Wisconsin.
'I was able to speak to the lovely Amy, Ben's wife, one time. She did it make it clear in this one time that we talked that there wasn't going to be a lot of talking, but what was really hoped for was prayers and thoughts.'
On Sunday, June 8, wife Amy 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.
'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.'
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.
He remains a hugely popular personality in the MMA landscape and will no doubt be heartened by the support being sent his way if he's able to understand what's being said to him in his current condition.
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