Latest news with #FunkyAndTheChamp
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Fresh Ben Askren health update issued as wife denies wild rumours former UFC star has died
BEN ASKREN is recovering in a Wisconsin hospital following his hospitalisation. The former UFC welterweight was hospitalised last week after coming down with a severe case of pneumonia, which was brought on by a staph infection. 4 4 4 Askren was in a critical condition and "unresponsive" in a Vegas hospital, according to his wife Amy. But according to the 40-year-old's good friend, Daniel Cormier, he's now been moved to a different hospital. The former two-division UFC champion said of his podcast host: 'Ben Askren, our good friend from 'Funky and the Champ', is having a hard time. 'That night that we did the last episode of 'Funky and the Champ', Ben was complaining about some issues. "He had some infections. He had a really tough time when he went to that convention in Vegas, he was stuck there for a while. 'I wanna report to you guys that he's now back home in Wisconsin. He's with his family, his beautiful wife, Amy. 'Everybody is just kind of praying that Ben gets better and we can start moving forward with life for Ben. 'It's so sad. I don't know how things like this happen to someone who is so good because Ben Askren is a good guy. 4 'Pray for Amy, guys. Pray for the kids. Ben, we love you, buddy. 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.' forced to deny swirling social media rumours that her husband had passed away. She told TMZ her other half is "definitely still fighting". Askren retired from mixed martial arts in November 2019 after going 1-2 in his three fights in the promotion.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
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.
