Prayers Pouring In For Former MMA Star Ben Askren

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 12:37 PM ET

Former MMA champion Ben Askren is facing some serious health complications, according to his wife.

Taking to Facebook on Saturday, Ben's wife Amy announced that the 40-year-old ex-fighter has been hospitalized with "severe pneumonia" and his body hasn't been responding to the treatment.

"You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something," she wrote. "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," Askren concluded.

Amy's calls for prayers were answered as many around the fighting world wished the 2008 Olympian a speedy recovery.

Prayers up for Ben Askren & his family pic.twitter.com/h4IIygckt9
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) June 8, 2025

"Prayers up for Ben Askren & his family " Spinnin Backfist replied.

"Pray for Ben Askren " Henry Cejudo shared.

"Praying for Ben, Amy, the kiddos and the entire Askren family. We love you!" a fan said.

"Wanted to send positive thoughts to Ben Askren, who is currently hospitalized battling serious health issues," Ariel Helwani posted. "Askren developed pneumonia very recently, according to his wife, in addition to other serious illnesses. He’s battling right now. Hang in there, @Benaskren. You got this.

"Prayers out to @Benaskren and his family !!" Chris Weidman exclaimed.

"I had this two weeks ago and I couldn't stand up on my own," Dylan Palacio revealed. "Praying for Ben Askren. A wrestling icon."

"Hoping for the best for Ben Askren This is terrible news," another person commented.

Ben retired from MMA in 2019 with a 19-2 record following a decorated college wrestling career and Olympic appearance in 2008.

He and Amy have been married for 15 years and reportedly share three children together.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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