Latest news with #OneChampionship
Metro
3 days ago
- Health
- Metro
What happened to Ben Askren as UFC star 'died four times' before lung transplant
Former MMA champion Ben Askren says he 'died four times' during a traumatic time which saw a staph infection lead to pneumonia and then a double lung transplant, but he has now 'made it out the other side.' Posting an emotional video message from his hospital bed, Askren revealed that he has no memory of anything from May 28 to July 2 and that he lost 50lbs in that time. The 40-year-old is a legendary figure in American wrestling and gained more international recognition when he transitioned to Mixed Martial Arts. He was undefeated world champion in promotions Bellator and One Championship before joining the UFC in 2019. By that stage injuries were catching up with him and he went 1-2 in the UFC before retiring from MMA. Askren continued as one of the most respected wrestling coaches in America after his retirement from competition. He was also tempted into the boxing ring in 2021 for a bout with Jake Paul, which saw him stopped in the first round. Askren suffered a staph infection, which is a common problem for fighters and grapplers, but it developed into a severe case of pneumonia. He was hospitalised in June and sedated as it became apparent that he needed a double lung transplant and he waited for the major operation. On June 30, his wife Amy revealed that the double transplant had been carried out. The NHS states: 'Staph infections are caused by bacteria called staphylococcus. They most often affect the skin. They can go away on their own, but sometimes need to be treated with antibiotics.' She posted on social media: 'We are so thankful to share that Ben has received a double lung transplant. We are forever thankful to the donor and his family. 'This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift. It still doesn't feel real that he was walking around completely healthy just 5 weeks ago. So much can change so quickly. 'Please keep Ben in your prayers that his body welcomes the new lungs as if they were his own. I am constantly in awe of all the people carrying us through right now. I can't wait to tell Ben all about It.' Speaking from his hospital bed on July 9, Askren said: 'I actually just read through my wife's journal because I don't remember anything from May 28th to July 2nd. No recollection. No idea what happened. 'I just read through the journal and it's like a movie. It's ridiculous. So, I only died four times. The ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. 'I got the double lung transplant, made it out to the other side of it. 'I was actually on the scale yesterday, 147lb. I haven't been 147lb since I was 15 years old. So that's 50lbs in a 45 day period. That was a battle, but luckily I don't remember most of it.' Askren fought back tears as he thanks well-wishers for their messages, saying it was like experiencing the outpouring of emotion at a funeral. He remembered the death of legendary wrestler Dave Schultz and the tributes sent to him, and thanked those who had sent him similar messages. More Trending 'The thing that was most impactful to me was all the love I felt from everybody,' he said. 'It was almost like I got to have my own funeral. Right? Wins: 19By knockout: 6By submission: 6 By decision: 7 Losses: 2By knockout: 1 By submission: 1 No contests: 1 'I still remember it 30 years ago when Dave Schultz died and you listen to all these older people, you know, recollect how much they enjoyed him, how much they loved him. And obviously he never got to hear that. 'So, man, the outpouring of love from the wrestling community was just amazing. It felt so good. And so, you know, I'm more motivated than ever to keep giving back and do what I can and help out the best I can help out. 'I love you guys. I appreciate you guys. This has been tough, not only on me, but my whole family and my close community. So, I appreciate everything. Hope you guys appreciate the update. And like I said, sometime down the road, maybe Amy and I can detail everything a little more.'
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
What happened to Ben Askren? Former UFC fighter shares his near-death experience from ventilator, find out full story
Ben Askren opens up about near-death pneumonia battle while on ventilator Former UFC fighter Ben Askren shared the harrowing experience of being placed on a ventilator after developing pneumonia from a bacterial infection, before receiving a double lung transplant. The 40-year-old, who retired from MMA in 2019, was hospitalised in Wisconsin in late May and has lost 50lb (22.7kg) over the span of 45 days. In an Instagram video posted from his hospital bed, Askren revealed that he has no memory of the period between May 28 and July 2 due to the severity of his illness. He recounted reading through his wife's journal, which described his near-death experience. 'I died four times, the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds,' he said. Askren competed in the UFC's welterweight division. He revealed he currently weighed 147lb, joking that he hadn't been that light since his teenage years. Despite the grim circumstances, Askren expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and the wrestling community, saying it felt as though he had 'his own funeral' while still alive. His wife, Amy, noted on social media that her husband had been in perfect health just five weeks prior to his sudden illness. The couple has three children. Jake Paul, who defeated Askren in a 2021 boxing match, also made a public plea for donations to assist with Askren's recovery. Askren is widely regarded as one of the best American wrestlers of his generation, competing at the 2008 Summer Olympics, and was a welterweight champion in both Bellator and One Championship.
Business Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
One Championship to relocate global production hub from Singapore to Bangkok
[SINGAPORE] One Championship announced on Monday (Jun 30) that it will relocate its global production hub from Singapore to Bangkok, with the move aiming to 'centralise production' and better support the company's expanding content operations. The mixed martial arts organisation, which was founded 14 years ago in 2011, said it will continue to maintain its global corporate headquarters in Singapore. One Championship's chairman and chief executive Chatri Sityodtong said that Thailand has played a key role in the company's global production efforts over the past two-and-a-half years. 'As we scale our operations, this move allows us to centralise production and improve coordination, while continuing to grow our event and content output,' he added. Sityodtong said the move to make Bangkok as the primary production base for global content delivery is 'a step forward in our evolution as a global sports media property'. 'We remain committed to Singapore while reallocating resources to where it makes the most operational sense,' he said. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up The statement on Monday said that Bangkok has 'steadily grown in operational importance' for One Championship, with the weekly One Friday Fights event taking place at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in the Thai capital. These shows are broadcast to some 195 countries during Asia prime-time hours. A recent Nielsen study estimated that One Championship generates US$470 million annually in economic value for Thailand. 'Given the scale and consistency of these events, consolidating production in Thailand is a logical next step operationally,' the statement said. 'The company has also aggressively adopted artificial intelligence-powered tools for its global content engine across all platforms, boosting productivity and efficiency while streamlining operations.' The statement did not say how many employees, if any, would be impacted by the relocation of the global production hub to Bangkok. When approached for comments, One Championship's co-founder and group president Teh Hua Fung told The Business Times that the relocation is an ongoing process. The plan in the near term is to hire an additional 50 people in Thailand, of which 20 have already been recruited. 'Singapore is still the country with the most staff today, and also remains our global corporate headquarters,' said Teh, adding that Singapore is home to the company's senior leadership, investor relations and strategic planning. Last October, it was reported that One Championship laid off a few dozen employees as part of a cost-cutting strategy to bring the company to profitability. In an internal e-mail sent to staff on Oct 16, Sityodtong wrote that the company was 'on the verge' of profitability on the back of 'record revenues and cost efficiencies', alongside strong viewership numbers. The company has continued to achieve 'new highs' in its key markets, especially across Asia, he said then. Fighters in action at the One Friday Fights shows in Bangkok. These shows are broadcast to some 195 countries during Asia prime-time hours. PHOTO: ONE CHAMPIONSHIP Growing revenues One Championship re-domiciled to the Cayman Islands in 2022 as part of its long-term capital planning and corporate structuring. Based on latest available figures provided to BT on Monday, the company's annual revenues over the last five financial years have shown a steady increase. Revenue for FY2020 stood at US$57 million, and this went up to US$68 million (FY2021), US$84 million (FY2022) and US$128 million (FY2023). The expected revenue for FY2024 is US$143 million. 'Our revenue has been growing steadily year on year and will be approaching US$200 million this year,' said Teh. Apart from the One Friday Fights in Bangkok, One Championship continues to stage events in other parts of the world. Earlier this year, there was a major show in the Qatari city of Lusail in February, as well as in the Japanese city of Saitama in March. Its website stated that the next two events outside of Thailand will take place in Tokyo in November, and in the US state of Colorado in June 2026. The latter event was originally scheduled to take place this August, but it was moved to next June after the advertised main event and several other world championship bouts could not take place as scheduled. The last time One Championship held a live event in Singapore was the One Fight Night show in September 2023 at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang.
New York Post
08-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Ben Askren's wife reveals ex-UFC star hospitalized with severe pneumonia
Ben Askren, a former UFC star and Olympic wrestler, has been hospitalized with severe pneumonia, his wife announced on social media. 'You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something,' Amy Askren wrote on Facebook. '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 peace.' According to CBS News, the former Bellator welterweight champion, developed the infection after originally being diagnosed with a staph infection. His wife released her statement as rumors swirled within the MMA community. 4 Ben Askren enters the ring against Ben Askren for their cruiserweight bout during Triller Fight Club at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on April 17, 2021. Getty Images for Triller 4 Ben Askren pictured with his wife Amy and one of his two daughters. Instagram @amyaskren1 Amy Askren requested privacy from the public for their family. The couple has been married since April 2010 and share three children together: daughters Alex and Andy, along with son Ozi. The family lives in Wisconsin. Amy also thanked her followers for sending 'prayers for healing and for peace' during the difficult time. 'We are trying to keep life as normal as possible for our [three] children currently and doing our best to support them thoughtfully so please refrain from discussing it with them for now,' she explained. Askren, who holds a 19-2 record in MMA, retired from the UFC in 2019. 4 Ben Askren (l.) fights Demian Maia (r.) at UFC Fight Night in Singapore on Oct. 26, 2019. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images The 40-year-old was a two-time NCAA Division I champion in wrestling at the University of Missouri. He concluded his collegiate career with a 153-8 record, which made him the winningest and most decorated wrestler in the university's history. Askren was a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team. He also won welterweight titles in Bellator MMA and One Championship before making the transition to the UFC in the later part of his career in 2019. 4 Jake Paul fights Ben Askren in their cruiserweight bout during Triller Fight Club at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on April 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. Getty Images for Triller He went 1-2 during his time in the UFC, with his sole victory against former champion Robbie Lawler. He also lost a highly publicized boxing match against Jake Paul in April 2021.
Winnipeg Free Press
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canadian Dante Leon goes after submission grappling world title in Bangkok
Seventeen years after being introduced to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Canadian Dante Leon goes after a world title Friday. The 29-year-old from Harrow, Ont., who now calls Toledo, Ohio, home, faces American champion Tye Ruotolo for the One Championship welterweight submission grappling title in the co-main event of One Fight Night 31 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. 'This is the most important match of my career … Achieving that title, achieving that status would definitely be a life-changing thing,' Leon said in an interview. The Muay Thai main event is an all-Thailand affair pitting Kongthoranee Sor Sommai against former One bantamweight champion Nong-O Hama. Leon and Ruotolo have met twice before, with Leon winning a decision in 2020 and Ruotolo winning by submission in the 2021 rematch. 'I think any insight from those matches should be kind of taken with a grain of salt,' said Leon. 'There's been quite a bit of time between the matches.' Both men have distinguished grappling records. The 22-year-old Ruotolo took up BJJ at the age of three with twin brother Kade, who holds One's lightweight (170-pound) submission grappling title. In 2019, 16-year-old Tye became the youngest athlete to make it to the semifinals of the prestigious ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) World Championship. In 2022, he became the youngest-ever IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) world champion. Leon is a two-time IBJJF no-gi world champion and was named Grappling Insider's Male Grappler of the Year in 2023. Last year at the ADCC World Championships, he defeated ADCC world champions Mica Galvao and Giancarlo Bodoni en route to bronze in the absolute (open) division. Leon won his One Championship debut on Dec. 6, making short work of Brazilian Bruno (Puccibull) Pucci on the undercard of One Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov. He earned a US$50,000 bonus for his performance. He then defeated Norway's Tommy Langaker via decision on Jan. 10, also in Bangkok. Leon has not competed since, focusing instead on preparing for Ruotolo. Ruotolo, who is coming off a knee injury that has sidelined him since July, has won all seven previous One Championship bouts. His bouts last an average of two minutes and one second. He claimed the 185-pound title in November 2023, winning a unanimous decision over Russia's Magomed Abdulkadirov. Ruotolo has defended the championship twice, submitting Australian Izaak Michell in April 2024 and earning a decision over South Africa's Jozef Chen in July. Ruotolo calls Leon a threat 'in every department.' One Championship submission grappling bouts consist of a single 10-minute round with victory achieved by a submission, verbal tapout, stoppage initiated by either the referee (due to imminent danger) or an athlete's cornerman stoppage. The judges decide the outcome if it goes the distance. In order to make prime time in North America, the card starts at 8 a.m. local time in Thailand with Leon expecting to compete around 11 a.m. He says that is not an issue given he normally trains around that time. Born in Harrow in southwestern Ontario, Leon grew up playing hockey but switched to BJJ at 12 years old at the behest of his mother after learning he wanted to spend less time on the ice. Leon turned down golf and piano lessons before his father suggested jiu-jitsu. His BJJ training eventually took him to Toledo where he now has his two gyms. 'Each day that I get to do it, each day that I get to wake up and train, prepare for competition, teach my students is a blessing,' he said of jiu-jitsu. 'I really do enjoy it.' During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. But he acknowledges it's a sport that takes its toll. 'Jiu-jitsu is not something that's great for your body health-wise,' he said. 'Especially at a high level when you train a lot, I think it's something that can really break your body down … My training has a lot of layers. There's a lot to do with the jiu-jitsu side and the wrestling, and the preparation for my skill development. 'And then there's also a lot of strength and conditioning and plyometric work that can kind of fill the gaps and strengthen me so that I can do jiu-jitsu more frequently and do it for a longer time.' — This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 30, 2025
